WASHINGTON LEGAL SPORTS BETTING OVERVIEW
Introduction
Washington State recently joined the ranks of states that have legalized sports betting. Governor Jay Inslee signed HB 2638 in March 2020, allowing tribal casinos to offer sports betting. This move came as a surprise, considering Washington’s previous anti-gambling stance. The state had even banned Daily Fantasy Sports games of chance in the past. Nonetheless, Washington became the 21st state to legalize sports betting in the United States.
Key Dates and Details
Retail Sports Betting Launch Date
September 9, 2021
Online Sports Betting Launch Date
December 20, 2021
Licensed Sportsbooks
– BetMGM
– Caesars
– FanDuel
– The Book
– Turf Club Sportsbook (retail only)
– Snoqualmie (retail and online)
Legal Wagering Options
Washington offers a wide range of legal wagering options, including:
– Futures
– Moneylines
– Parlays
– Point spreads
– Same game parlays
– Teasers
– Totals
Legal Gambling Age
The legal gambling age in Washington is 18 and above.
Sports to Bet On
Washington sports bettors can wager on a variety of sports, including:
– NFL
– NBA
– MLB
– NHL
– MLS
– MMA
– Tennis
– Golf
– Boxing
– Motorsports
– Cricket
– European soccer
– College sports (excluding in-state teams)
Permitted Banking Options
To fund their sports betting accounts, bettors in Washington can use:
– Mastercard
– PayNearMe
– Play+
– Visa
Washington Gambling Regulator
The Washington State Gambling Commission is responsible for regulating gambling activities in the state.
Disclaimer
It’s important to note that no commission or monetary compensation is made by KustomBetting.com regarding the featured free links displayed to visitors in the State of Washington.
Overview
Washington’s legalization of sports betting has opened up new opportunities for bettors in the state. Tribal casinos, including all 30 casinos in Washington, now have the option to offer retail sportsbooks. As of September 2021, there are already 15 retail sportsbooks operating in the state. Additionally, online sports betting is allowed, but only within the grounds of a partnered casino.
Online and Retail Sports Betting
Washington allows both online and retail sports betting, but with some limitations. Currently, bettors can only use a betting app on the grounds of the partnered casino. The Snoqualmie Casino was the first to launch an online sportsbook app in December 2021, in partnership with IGT. However, legislation is being discussed to expand online betting in Washington with SB 5212.
Market Coverage
Washington’s sportsbooks, many of which are supported by major US operators, cover popular markets such as major league sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS. They also offer wagers on niche sports like MMA and NASCAR. Although college sports betting is allowed, it excludes in-state teams. However, wagering on eSports is prohibited.
Competitive Odds & Prices
Washington’s retail sportsbooks, partnered with major operators like FanDuel and Caesars, offer competitive odds and prices. BetMGM, which is available in Washington, provides generous betting lines on NFL games weekly. While local sportsbook brands may not match the larger bookmakers in terms of promotions like odds boosts, they still offer competitive prices on most sports.
Gambling Revenue
The exact revenues generated by Washington sportsbooks are not publicly declared due to the tribal authorities handling everything. However, comparable states like Colorado, with a similar population and sports betting laws, generated $280 million in pre-tax revenue. It can be assumed that Washington sportsbooks are likely making comparable amounts.
Betting Taxes
In Washington, there is no income tax, but bettors must still declare their gambling winnings to the IRS when filing taxes. Winnings over $600 must be reported on a W-2G form. Sportsbooks also pay an excise tax of 0.25% of the sports betting handle in line with the Internal Revenue Code. Operators are also required to pay $50 for every employee involved in accepting wagers.
How to Place a Bet in Washington
Placing bets in Washington is possible at retail sportsbooks located within tribal casinos. Here’s how to get started:
Retail
– Research your chosen sport and consider the bets you want to place before visiting a retail sportsbook.
– Visit one of the tribal casinos in Washington that offer a retail sportsbook.
– Go to a betting window or use a betting kiosk to place your wagers.
– Choose from various professional sports and betting options like moneylines, parlays, and totals.
– Once you place your bet, you’ll receive a ticket which can be used to claim your winnings if your bet is successful.
Online
– If you are visiting Snoqualmie Casino, you can use their sportsbook app on their property.
– Apple device users can download the Snoqualmie Casino Sports app from the Apple App Store, while Android users can download the APK file from the website.
– Activate the Snoqualmie Casino Sports app by visiting the Snoqualmie Casino box office, providing identification, and filling out necessary forms.
– Deposit funds at the sportsbook window using cash.
– Choose from various professional sports and betting options like moneylines, parlays, and totals.
– Enter a stake, place your bet, and wait for the outcome.
– When you’re ready to withdraw, follow the process outlined by the app and receive your winnings in person.
Banking Methods Available in Washington
For sports betting in Washington, physical payment methods are accepted. These include the Snoqualmie Casino Sports app, which requires cash deposits at the sportsbook window. Visa and Mastercard are also accepted at casinos, though some banks may block transfers to casinos and retail sportsbooks. Other options include the use of a Play+ card available at selected sportsbooks and the PayNearMe service accepted at sportsbooks like Caesars and BetMGM.
Eligibility to Bet in Washington
To place legal bets in Washington, individuals must be 18 years old or older. However, if alcohol is available at the location, the minimum age requirement increases to 21. The following individuals are also prohibited from sports betting in Washington:
– Players, coaches, employees, or members of any professional or college sports team.
– Officials, referees, or umpires of professional or college sports leagues.
– Individuals with authority to influence players.
– Individuals employed by a regulatory body that creates sports rules.
– Individuals with ownership stakes in sports teams.
– Individuals with access to non-public information about a sports team.
– Individuals who have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling activities.
– Individuals prohibited from betting at a state or federal level due to criminal history.
Latest Updates
Sports betting is now fully legal in Washington, with tribal casinos offering retail sportsbooks since September 2021. Only tribal casinos can operate sportsbook apps, and as of March 2023, bettors can only use these apps on the grounds of partnered casinos. The number of retail sportsbooks in Washington is expected to grow, with all 30 tribal casinos having the option to offer sports betting. Legislative discussions to allow online betting at cardrooms are ongoing, and a lawsuit against the federal government aims to expand sports betting laws beyond tribal casinos.
FAQs
Is betting legal in Washington?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Washington.
Who governs sports betting in Washington?
Sports betting at tribal casinos in Washington is governed by tribal authorities, with external regulation from the Washington State Gambling Commission in some cases.
How old do you have to be to bet in Washington?
The legal age to place bets in Washington is 18, but it increases to 21 if alcohol is served on the premises.
When did sports betting launch in Washington?
The first retail sportsbook in Washington launched in September 2021.
Where can I bet on sports in Washington?
Sports betting is currently only available at tribal casinos in Washington.
Are sportsbooks in Washington safe?
Yes, sportsbooks operating at tribal casinos in Washington are considered safe for bettors. Many of these sportsbooks are operated by well-established national brands.
Do I have to pay taxes on betting winnings in Washington?
Yes, gambling winnings in Washington must be declared to the IRS when filing taxes. There are also excise taxes and operator fees associated with sports betting.
Can you play DraftKings/FanDuel/BetMGM/Caesars in Washington?
DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars can be played at selected retail sportsbooks in Washington, with some planning to launch online apps in the future.
Which sportsbooks will be available in Washington in the future?
All 30 tribal casinos in Washington have the potential to offer sports betting, indicating the possibility of further expansion in the future.
