Best Washington Sportsbooks

Online Sports Betting in Washington

Online sports betting in Washington is tightly controlled. It is only available within the physical boundaries of tribal casinos, meaning that while you can use sportsbook apps, you must be on-site at a tribal casino to place a bet. Some casinos have partnered with major operators like DraftKings and Caesars, allowing patrons to use these apps on-site. Others offer their own sportsbook apps, which can be used to build bets before visiting a kiosk or cage to place the wager.

Live and Potential Sportsbook Apps in Washington

Due to the restrictive nature of Washington’s sports betting law, most tribes have confined their sports betting options to their retail gambling facilities. Many locations now offer their respective sports betting partner apps for use on casino grounds, allowing bettors to prepare bets beforehand. Below is a list of sports betting operators in Washington and the casinos they are partnered with:

• Betfred Sportsbook: Partnered with Silver Reef Casino Resort.
• BetMGM Sportsbook: Partnered with Emerald Queen casinos in Tacoma and Fife.
• Caesars Sportsbook: Partnered with Chewelah Casino, Muckleshoot Casino, Spokane Tribe Casino.
• DraftKings Sportsbook: Partnered with Quil Ceda Creek Casino and Tulalip Resort Casino.
• FanDuel Sportsbook: Partnered with Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort.

Washington Sports Betting Law

Sports betting became legal in Washington with the passage of HB 2638 in March 2020. Governor Jay Inslee signed the bill into law on March 25, 2020, after it passed both chambers of the Washington Legislature convincingly. The law allows sports betting on the reservation lands of federally recognized Native American tribes, who must apply to amend their gambling compacts to offer sports betting.

The law also allows both retail and online sports betting but strictly limits online betting to tribal lands. This means that while online sportsbooks are technically legal, the reality is that Washington operates a primarily retail market. Washington sportsbooks can offer wagering on a wide range of events, including professional sports, college sports, and esports. However, the law prohibits betting on in-state colleges and universities and minor league games. As a result, you cannot place bets on teams like the University of Washington Huskies or Washington State Cougars.

While Washington State offers various legal avenues for gambling, it’s important to note that online gambling outside casino grounds remains strictly prohibited. The state has some of the most stringent online gambling laws in the country, making it illegal to place bets or gamble over the internet. According to the Washington State Gambling Commission, transmitting or receiving gambling information via the internet or similar methods is classified as a class C felony.

A class C felony in Washington can result in severe penalties, including fines of up to $10,000 and a prison sentence of up to five years. The law considers each instance of transmitting gambling information, including the placing of a bet, as a separate offense. This means that engaging in online gambling can quickly lead to multiple felony charges.

How Can I Sign Up For An Online Sportsbook in Washington?

Signing up for an online sportsbook in Washington requires a few key steps, all designed to ensure that the process is secure and responsible:

1. Visit a Tribal Casino: Since online sports betting is only available on tribal lands, you must visit a casino that offers this service.
2. Verify Your Identity: You will need to provide identification to verify your age and identity, a crucial step in preventing underage gambling.
3. Create an Account: Once your identity is verified, you can create an account with the sportsbook, providing personal information and agreeing to responsible gambling policies.
4. Deposit Funds: You can deposit funds using one of the available payment methods, such as credit/debit cards, bank transfers, or e-wallets.
5. Start Betting: With your account funded, you can start placing bets, but remember, all betting must take place within the physical boundaries of the tribal casino.

What Sports Can I Bet on in Washington?

Washington offers a variety of sports for betting, reflecting the state’s diverse sports culture. Some of the most popular sports include:

• NFL: The Seattle Seahawks are a major attraction for NFL betting in Washington. Fans can place various types of bets, including moneylines, point spreads, and prop bets.
• NBA: Although Washington no longer has an NBA team, the legacy of the Seattle SuperSonics continues to influence betting on NBA games.
• MLB: The Seattle Mariners provide numerous betting opportunities throughout the MLB season, from moneylines to futures.
• NHL: The Seattle Kraken, as the newest addition to Washington’s sports scene, offers exciting betting opportunities in the NHL.
• College Sports: Betting on college sports is allowed, but with restrictions. Prop bets on individual college athletes are prohibited to maintain the integrity of amateur sports.
• NASCAR: NASCAR betting is a niche but growing market in Washington, with fans placing bets on race outcomes and driver matchups.

Washington’s Sports Teams to Bet On

Washington is home to several professional sports teams, each offering unique betting opportunities:

• Seattle Seahawks (NFL): The Seahawks are the most popular team for sports betting in Washington.
• Seattle Mariners (MLB): The Mariners offer various betting opportunities throughout the MLB season.
• Seattle Sounders (MLS): Soccer fans in Washington can bet on the Seattle Sounders.
• Seattle Kraken (NHL): As the newest team, the Kraken provides fresh betting opportunities in the NHL.

Washington College Sports Teams

Washington State is home to several prominent college sports teams, including:

• University of Washington Huskies: Major force in college sports, particularly in football and basketball.
• Washington State University Cougars: Also a popular choice in college sports betting.

Types of Wagers Available

Washington offers various betting options, allowing bettors to choose the wager that best suits their preferences and strategies:

• Moneyline: Betting on the outright winner of a game.
• Parlays: Combining multiple bets into one for higher payouts.
• Totals: Predicting whether the combined score of both teams will be above or below a specified number.
• Point Spreads: Betting on the margin of victory between teams.
• Futures: Long-term bets predicting outcomes far in advance, like the Super Bowl winner.
• Prop Bets: Betting on specific events within a game, such as the number of touchdowns.
• Live Bets: Placing bets during a game with real-time odds adjustments.

Prohibited Bets

Washington prohibits certain types of bets to protect the integrity of sports and prevent problem gambling. Notably, prop bets on individual college athletes are not allowed, and betting on high school sports is strictly prohibited.

Choosing the Right Washington Betting Site

Choosing the right sportsbook in Washington involves several considerations:

• Licensing and Regulation: Ensure the sportsbook is licensed by the Washington State Gambling Commission.
• User Experience: Opt for a site with a user-friendly interface.
• Betting Options: Choose a sportsbook with a wide range of betting options.
• Bonuses and Promotions: Be aware of the terms and conditions attached to bonuses.
• Customer Support: Reliable customer support is crucial.
• Responsible Gambling Tools: Look for tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion options.

Why Should I Have At Least 3 Washington Sportsbook Accounts?

Having multiple sportsbook accounts can be advantageous:

• Comparing Odds: Different sportsbooks may offer varying odds and it is important to compare odds across multiple sportsbooks.
• Access to Promotions: Take advantage of unique bonuses and promotions.
• Diversifying Bets: Explore a wider range of markets by using different sportsbooks.
• Managing Risk: Spread your bets across multiple platforms to mitigate risk.

What Deposit And Withdrawal Options Are Available?

Washington sportsbooks offer various deposit and withdrawal methods:

• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.
• Bank Transfers: Secure option for larger transactions.
• E-Wallets: PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller offer convenience and speed.
• Prepaid Cards: Play+ allows for controlled spending.
• Cash at Casino Cage: Immediate access to funds through cash deposits and withdrawals at the casino.

Washington Sports Betting Tax Rate

In Washington, sports betting winnings are subject to federal taxes. While Washington does not have a state income tax, bettors must report their winnings on federal tax returns. Tribal casinos may withhold a portion of winnings for federal taxes, depending on the amount won and specific casino policies. It’s important to keep accurate records of your winnings and consult with a tax professional to ensure compliance with tax laws.

Card Rooms

Washington also permits standalone card rooms, which are unique in that they offer house-banked card games outside of traditional casino settings. These card rooms are subject to state regulations, including limits on the number of tables and betting limits. Typically, card rooms can host up to 15 tables, and there’s a maximum bet limit of $400 per hand.

Popular games at these card rooms include poker, blackjack, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and other card-based table games. However, the presence of card rooms varies by location, as local governments have the authority to ban them, and many jurisdictions in Washington have chosen to do so. If you’re planning to visit a card room, it’s a good idea to verify what games are offered beforehand.

Horse Racing

Horse racing enthusiasts can enjoy betting at two live racing venues in Washington: Emerald Downs and Sun Downs. Additionally, the state allows off-track betting at various locations, many of which are housed within casinos or card rooms. These facilities offer the ability to wager on simulcast races from across the country.

Despite the strict regulations on online gambling, Washington does permit online horse race betting through licensed platforms like TVG. This exception allows residents to place bets on horse races legally from within the state.

Daily Fantasy Sports and Other Restricted Gambling Activities

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are not legally available in Washington. The state has classified DFS as a form of gambling, subjecting it to the same legal restrictions as other types of online gambling. As a result, major DFS operators like DraftKings and FanDuel do not offer their services in Washington.

Moreover, even seemingly harmless activities such as participating in office pools or March Madness brackets are illegal under Washington’s stringent gambling laws. The state’s approach to online and unregulated gambling is one of the strictest in the United States, reflecting a commitment to maintaining control over gambling activities and preventing unauthorized forms of betting.

FAQS on Washington Sports Betting

Summary of Washington Sports Betting Options

Washington’s sports betting market is defined by its focus on responsible gambling and a controlled, regulated environment. With betting options available at tribal casinos and a variety of sports to choose from, bettors in Washington have access to a safe and enjoyable betting experience. Understanding the legal landscape, tax obligations, and the importance of responsible gaming practices is crucial for anyone engaging in sports betting in Washington.