If you are searching for the latest information regarding sports betting in Washington state, look no further than our complete guide. We’ll cover everything from the gambling laws within the Evergreen State, through to the very best sportsbook brands. Stick around to find out more.
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The Best Washington State Sports Betting Sites List 2022
Our expert team of analysts regularly check all of the top sports betting in Washington state. We assess them on dozens of factors, including bonuses, range of betting markets and payment solutions. Here is the current top ten:
- BetOnline – The best all-round Washington State sports betting site
- XBet – Brilliant welcome bonus and other promos
- Bovada – Top NBA offer for Washington sports betting fans
- MyBookie – Regular promotions and real money contests
- BetUS – Best Washington state betting site for crypto lovers
- Everygame – Trusted brand with competitive odds
- Sportsbetting.ag – Provides esports as well as traditional lines
- BetNow – Great choice of NFL betting opportunities
- MYB – Offers both casino and sports betting in Washington state
- GT Bets – Great selection of NHL and ice hockey markets
- BUSR – Leading Washington state sportsbook for horse racing
Is Sports Betting Legal in Washington State?
It has been legal since March 2020, but only in person. All forms of gambling in Washington are permitted at some level, but if it takes place online, that’s where lawmakers draw a line. So basically, a Washington sports betting operator can only be located in one of the state’s tribal casinos.
Once on licensed premises, you are permitted to use online betting apps. But if you attempt to do so outside of the casino, you could be found guilty of a class C felony. The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) is very clear that anyone who “knowingly transmits or receives gambling information by … the internet” is breaking the law.
Online Sportsbooks
Although sportsbooks in Washington State are permitted in a licensed retail environment, all online gambling is against the law. Across much of the USA, offshore sites are viewed as a loophole. But Washington is one of the few states that explicitly rules out international sports betting operators too.
That said, as we’ll discuss in more detail later, many WA-based punters still use these offshore bookmakers. Because in practice, it’s very difficult for the authorities to police.
Land-based Betting in WA
For now, land-based sports betting can only take place in Washington State if it is inside a licensed casino. There are currently 30 tribal casinos in Washington State, a full list of which can be found later in this article.
Washington State Horse Racing & Off Track Betting
At the moment, there are two horse racing tracks in Washington state. Sun Downs in Kennewick and Emerald Downs in Auburn. It is perfectly legal to bet at the venues, but off-track betting is also permitted at certain state-wide venues.
In addition, six approved Advance Deposit Wagering companies exist:
- 123 Bet
- NYRA Bets
- TVG
- TwinSpires
- Watch and Wager
- XpressBet
These ADWs allow punters to back their chosen horses via telephone or using an official application. Although a commission is charged, it is a convenient way to bet on horses and dogs running in different locations.
Washington State Sports Betting Legislation Timeline
Gambling was first prohibited back in 1899. Since then, it’s been a very long road to making sports betting in Washington state legal again. Here’s a brief summary of historical events:
- 1933 – Betting on horse racing first becomes legal
- 1973 – The Washington State Gambling Commission is created
- 1987 – Lawmakers extend horse racing betting to off-track locations
- 1988 – The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act is passed. This allows for the creation of tribal casinos (but not yet sports betting)
- 2019 – House Bill 1975 is proposed, which would permit the operation of sportsbooks at tribal casinos. However, it does not get through
- 2020 – House Bill 2638 is proposed in January. This would also open up casino-based sports betting. It is signed off in March, allowing the first sportsbooks to open
- 2021 – A bill is introduced to extend sports betting to other venues, such as cardrooms and racetracks. It is met with much opposition, notably from the casinos
Offshore Betting in WA
We touched upon it earlier, but Washington is one of the few parts of the US whose laws explicitly rule out offshore betting sites. It’s more common to see unclear legislation that doesn’t forbid the use of such operators, creating a grey area. But the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) states very clearly that any form of internet gambling is a felony.
In practice though, it is fairly common to indulge in online betting in Washington state using such sites. We have never heard of anyone being punished for it and it seems extremely difficult for the authorities to do anything about it.
By using a VPN to mask their IP addresses, many punters safely use internet bookmakers from other parts of the world. And if their wagering is funded by cryptocurrency, they have an additional layer of anonymity, should they be really concerned.
Washington DC Sports Betting
It’s worth clarifying that when we talk about Washington sports betting, we are referring to the state, as opposed to Washington DC. The nation’s capital, across the other side of the United States, has completely different gambling laws.
Sports betting is permitted in DC, having been legalized in May of 2020. Industry giant Intralot operates the official sportsbook app Gambet DC, but it’s also possible to bet in person at multiple sites in Washington DC. The only restrictions the bookmakers have is that betting on fixtures involving any of DC’s colleges is not allowed.
Washington State Daily Fantasy Sports
Although many US states now allow Daily Fantasy Sports through providers such as FanDuel, WA does not. Just like any other form of online sports betting in Washington state, DFS is banned for the time being. Two previous attempts to change the law have been made in recent years, but no progress has been made thus far.
Casino Laws in Washington
By law, casino players in WA can gamble from the age of 18. Although many of the tribal casinos do not permit players younger than 21, due to the rules around alcohol. The earliest of these land-based casinos has been operational since 1992, despite the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act passing in 1988.
There are 29 federally recognized tribes in the country, 22 of which are operating at least one Class III casino. As per the Washington State Gambling Commission rules, Class III casino games include the likes of blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat and keno.
Land Based Casinos
At the time of writing, there are 30 casinos in operation throughout the Evergreen State. They are as follows:
- 12 Tribes Lake Chelan Casino
- 12 Tribes Omak Casino Hotel
- 12 Tribes Coulee Dam Casino
- 7 Cedars Casino
- Angel of the Winds Casino
- Chewelah Casino
- EQC at Fife
- Emerald Queen Casino at I-5
- Ilani Casino Resort
- Kalispel Casino
- Legends Casino
- Little Creek Casino Resort
- Lucky Dog Casino
- Lucky Eagle Casino
- Mill Bay Casino
- Muckleshoot Casino
- Muckleshoot Casino II
- Northern Quest Casino
- Northwood Casino
- Quil Ceda Creek Casino
- Quinault Beach Resort & Casino
- Red Wind Casino
- Silver Reef Casino
- Skagit Valley Casino
- Snoqualmie Casino
- Spokane Tribe Casino
- Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort
- Swinomish Casino and Lodge
- The Point Casino
- Tulalip Resort Casino
- The Point Casino
- Tulalip Resort Casino
Online Casinos
As we have already established, no online gambling of any kind is permitted in the Evergreen State. As such, there are no specific online casino laws. A section of the RCW rules out any form of remote wagering, stating that: “whoever knowingly transmits or receives gambling information by … the internet or similar means … shall be guilty of a class C felony”.
Washington State Gambling Taxes
Gambling taxation in WA is just like any other form of income tax. Since there is no state income tax, you only need to be concerned with Federal tax. Whenever you win at a casino, the casino will hold 24% of your profits to submit to the IRS. You must disclose this information when filing your annual tax return.
Best Washington State Sports Betting Sites Reviewed
We already know that sports betting in Washington state is not permitted. However, many punters still play at offshore sites via a VPN. Whether or not that’s something you want to try is up to you. But even if you’d rather not, it’s still good to stay ahead of the game for when online wagering in WA eventually does become legal.
Here are the top Washington state sports betting sites according to our team of industry experts.
1. BetOnline – Best Sportsbook in Washington State
With more than 20 different sports to choose from and a wide range of betting lines, BetOnline is our number one selection. Whether you’re a fan of the Nationals, the Caps or the Wizards, you’ll not be short of betting opportunities with this sportsbook.
New customers can bag a massive bonus worth up to $1,000 using the code BOL1000 (10x wagering requirement) but they don’t forget about their regulars either. You’ll find lots of ongoing promotions and contests to keep you satisfied.
With top-notch support available round the clock, a Spanish language option, esports and horse racing markets, not to mention some of the most competitive odds in the US, there’s a lot to love about BetOnline. Give them a try today.
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2. XBet - Relatively New Sportsbook That’s Great On Mobile
If you like to bet using your mobile, XBet could be just the site for you. They offer punters in WA one of the most intuitive layouts and the super-fast page loading times are a delight. So you’ll have no problem placing your bets in double-quick time.
That’s not the only user-friendly element of XBet though. Their customer service team is excellent, there’s plenty of convenient payment options and their payout times are among the quickest of any sportsbook in WA.
If you want to get involved, you can benefit from a juicy welcome offer too. Use the code XB100 to collect a 100% deposit match bonus worth up to $500. But don’t forget there’s a 7x wagering requirement attached to the bonus.
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3. Bovada - Quality Washington State Sportsbook For In-Play Bets
This reputable sports betting brand takes immense pride in its NFL offering, and so it should. But aside from the wide choice of betting lines and competitive odds on American Football, you’ll also find plenty of other sports too. Such as golf, tennis, basketball and horse racing.
Bovada is also widely regarded for its in-play betting and live streaming options. And its selection of cryptocurrency bonuses is particularly noteworthy. While the site offers great promotions to both new and existing players, all of them can be increased when you deposit in Bitcoin for sports betting.
The Bovada welcome bonus is a great example of this. The standard offer of $350 to new players is solid enough. But use the code BTCSWB750 to qualify for up to $750 in their 75% Bitcoin deposit match bonus. The rollover requirement on this offer is 5x.
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4. MyBookie - Great Choice of NFL, MMA and NBA Markets
Undoubtedly one of the best sportsbook sites for any US state, let alone WA, MyBookie offers a huge selection of different sports. But they are strongest when it comes to NHL, MLB and the NFL, with competitive odds and plenty of available lines.
On top of that, they have a nicely laid out site which is user friendly and intuitive. It looks just as good on mobile and tablet devices and their in-play product is excellent too. Throw in the great customer support, a wide range of promos and some convenient deposit methods and you have a top-class bookie.
Finally, registering a new account with the popular MyBookie betting site will net new customers a cool bonus of up to $1,000. Simply use the promo code MYB100 when making your first deposit and you’ll receive a 100% deposit match bonus with a rollover requirement of 10x.
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5. BetUS - Top Washington State Sports Betting Site For Crypto Fans
This brand claims to be the nation's favorite sports betting site for over a quarter of a century. As bold a statement as that is, they certainly do possess plenty of elements which put them right up there. Starting with one of the biggest welcome bonuses in the industry.
New customers can earn a reward of up to $2,500 simply by creating an account and making their first deposit. But don’t forget to use the code JOIN125 to ensure you land that 125% deposit match offer. There’s also a 10x rollover requirement attached.
Among the other fine features to be found at BetUS, they accept a range of cryptocurrencies, they offer plenty of live streams and their minimum bet requirement is low, keeping things accessible to all budgets. In other words, this is a quality all-round betting site.
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Washington State Betting Sites Comparison
Here’s a quick rundown of the top bookmakers in the Evergreen State at a glance.
| Washington State Sportsbooks | Welcome Bonus | Promo Code | Number of Sports | Live Streaming | Payment Methods |
| BetOnline | 50% deposit match up to $1,000 | BOL1000 | 20 | No | Credit card, debit card, wire transfer, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, Ethereum, Litecoin |
| XBet | 100% deposit match up to $500 | XB100 | 21 | No | Credit card, debit card, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin |
| Bovada | 100% Bitcoin deposit match up to $750 | BTCSWB750 | 22 | Yes | Credit card, debit card, Zelle, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin |
| MyBookie | 100% deposit match up to $1,000 | MYB100 | 18 | No | Credit card, debit card, wire transfer, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, Ethereum, Litecoin |
| BetUS | 125% deposit match up to $2,500 | JOIN125 | 22 | No | Credit card, bank wire, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin |
| Everygame | 200% deposit match up to $200 | WELCOME2EG | 17 | No | Credit card, debit card, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Skrill, Neteller, Litecoin, Paysafe |
| SportsBetting.ag | 50% deposit match up to $1,000 | SB1000 | 16 | No | Credit card, debit card, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple |
| BetNow | 100% deposit match up to $500 | BN100 | 10 | No | Credit card, debit card, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash |
| MYB | 100% deposit match up to $1,000 | MYB100 | 18 | No | Credit card, debit card, wire transfer, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, Ethereum, Litecoin |
| GT Bets | 100% deposit match up to $500 | BOS50 | 18 | No | Credit card, debit card, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ripple |
| BUSR | 20% deposit match up to $500 | WELCOME20 | 17 | No | Credit card, debit card, Bitcoin, Litecoin |
How to Bet on Sports in Washington State
Getting started with one of the top bookies in the state is incredibly easy. But if you have any doubts, check out the following step-by-step walkthrough.
We’re using Betonline as an example, but all of our highly recommended sports betting brands follow the same process. If you do choose to register with Betonline, you’ll earn yourself a 50% bonus of up to $1,000 by using the code BOL1000.
Step 1: Visit your chosen site
First, click here to visit BetOnline and click the green “Join Now” button in the top-right corner.
Step 2: Complete the form
All of the best online sportsbooks these days require you to share some personal information. It’s nothing sinister and is purely to prevent fraud and other crimes such as money laundering. The process will take no more than a couple of minutes.
Step 3: Confirm your email
Next, as part of the verification process, you’ll receive an email. Click the link contained inside to confirm your address and your account will be opened automatically.
Step 4: Make a deposit
Now that you’ve got an account, you’ll need to fund it. Navigate to the cashier page and select your preferred deposit method. Then a few simple on-screen commands will appear. Follow these and you’re all set. Don't forget to use the BetOnline sports betting promo code to get your bonus.
Step 5: Place a bet
That’s it! You’re finally ready to make your first bets. Use the navigation menu on the left hand side to browse the wide range of sports betting markets and add them to your betslip. Good luck!
Conclusion
So that rounds off our guide to the top Washington state betting sites. We hope you enjoyed learning all about the law, taxation and various other elements of wagering in the Evergreen State. All that remains now is to pick out one of the sites recommended by our expert analysts and start placing your bets!
BetOnline is our number one ranked site for punters in WA. Join using the code BOL1000 to bag yourself a welcome offer worth as much as $1,000.
FAQs
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