Importnin

The regulations on US online gambling across the country have been through quite the hustle, with many interpretations on what is allowed and what is not, with states that have seen the opportunities that come along with a legal framework for Internet wagering and others that on account of their beliefs state against it. On that account, Washington online gambling is on the extreme side of restrictive actions taken against it. With a constant attitude against USA online casinos, Washington takes the battle to the next level, being one of the few states that have a clear specification that opposes Internet wagering.

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Washington Online Casinos Washington offers several forms of regulated land-based gambling, but the state isn’t very friendly towards real money gaming over the internet. Washington has a number of Native American and commercial casinos, which offer slots, table games, and video poker machines. Gambling Legally in the State of Washington. An Overview Of The Gambling Laws In The State Of Washington. Washington State offers a huge choice of brick and mortar gambling to their citizens, with more than 100 venues including Tribal casinos, poker card rooms and racetracks. Play at the best American, online Casino. Join today and get extra bonus Free Spins! Slots, Blackjack, Roulette and Video Poker! Real Money Online, gambling For 2018 online casino real money - Experience the buzz of online gambling with real money today. We help you find the best online casino - Win!

Contents

Overview on the Washington State’s Gambling Market

There are three main directions to take into consideration when speaking of betting in the state:

• It takes one of the strongest anti-online gambling stances in the country, making it illegal for online gambling in Washington State, to be organized. Washington online poker has had some attempts at being regulated, but WA is far from becoming one of the legal online gambling sites.
• The biggest off-line option for exerting betting are the tribal land based casinos, with more than 20 tribes running almost 30 casino businesses. The year 1999 has found these casinos on the upturn, after enabling them the use of slot machines, a move that gave them a clear advantage over their rivals: card rooms.
• Early developed card rooms in which were, at first, allowed only non-banked games, but now get to offer poker, as well as blackjack. They have demanded the permit for slots machines being included in their offer, to compete with the tribal casinos, but were thus far denied all opportunities of doing so.

While further analyzing the current situation, it is easy to observe that while the tribal casinos have the largest spread, with the most options and gather the highest profit, somewhere around 2 billion dollars. But their paid taxes is zero, given the federal law protecting the Native-Americans and allowing them to use the amount that would’ve gone to the state’s income, for investments in the tribe’s needs. This means that the heavy burden of tax collecting falls on the shoulders of the lottery and the commercially owned card rooms. They total an amount of only 200 million dollars. Perhaps, under these conditions, by refusing to legalize online gambling, Washington denies itself an important means of income.

Land-based Casinos

Even before the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act came into effect, there was a lot of discussion on establishing the ground rules for legally wagering. First, the state constitution denied categorically all forms of gambling. Then, one by one, horse races were allowed and then bingo and raffles. When these were deemed unconstitutional, it was stipulated that a Gambling Commission had to be set in place, for it to regulate this particular domain. Thus, in 1971, the first “casino nights” were allowed, as a charitable event. This has been the first step towards gambling expansion, with card rooms following soon and finally the first agreement with an Indian tribe, for the opening of a stateside casino, all the way in 1992. With all of these measures put in motion, we would have expected that Washington state online gambling regulations would be a swift walk in the park, instead of the fierce struggle that this day presents.
But even these tribal casinos have a bit of a battle of their own. Recently, the Cowlitz tribe opened a state-of-the-art resort casino, near Portland, for a massive investment of over 500 million USD, containing a high number of slot machines, restaurants, and other facilities. However, regardless of all the excitement around this grand-opening, there were those who had nothing but to lose. The close-by establishment of the Grand Ronde tribe has blamed a loss of revenue of almost 40%. Taking into account the experience of this particular tribe, it’s hard to believe that many such tribes are going to welcome the US online gambling stage being expanded in this state.

Card Rooms

These establishments, have come into the public’s attention earlier on, in 1974 and represent the main competitor for tribal casinos, especially in the absence of any Washington online casino for real money sites. The state has a large number of poker rooms, more than many other states. But there aren’t any large card rooms. The highest number of poker tables in a single location is of 32. Most are grouped into bunches of 3-5 poker tables, usually hosted by bars.

Washington State Online Gambling

Based on causes that are currently eluding our understanding, the Gambling Commission has an unusually aggressive attitude against online gambling for Washington. This is among the few states that have specifically stated in its regulations a ban on Internet wagering activity. Besides the fact that the laws in the matter stipulate some of the fiercest punishments for illegal activities, the most interesting moment on this regard came in 2006, when lawmakers decided that felony charges can be pursued for those that use the Internet, among other means, to carry out any activity concerning gambling. Just to clarify the example, felony charges, in this case, can go up to 10000 USD fine, along with a maximum of 5 years imprisonment.
This being the case, it’s no wonder that no operator of online sports betting for Washington State wanted to take the chance and risk such penalties as are stated in the law. The same goes for any software provider or operator who wanted to base their business here and start some Washington online casinos.
Luckily for willing players, the changes in US online gambling regulations also affected the interpretations for the state law. After the rebuffing in 2011 of the Wire Act, all the restrictions and the rules mentioned before, only apply to operators and not to the average everyday player.

Legal Attempts

Not to understand from all stated above, that no attempts have been made to legalize some form of virtual betting. Following the trend of a much more relaxed view on online gambling in the US in general, several supporters have tried on different occasions to push a bill. Most debates have been around the legalization of online poker in Washington.
The most intense discussion happened in 2010, around the idea that residents had the right to play Internet poker and were not meant to become subject of a felony by doing this. This has seen the Supreme Court of Washington, which not only shut the idea down but even stated that it was among the state’s prerogatives to elaborate such punishments. The bills that followed didn’t get this much attention, often enough failing to receive even a hearing. What is indeed gratifying is that regardless of the hostility towards such a concept, the supporters of a bill that would legalize online poker aren’t yet giving up.

Other options

Given the ever-changing stance against Washington online casinos and the apparent worsening of conditions, any online gambling US player is advised to constantly be up to date with the latest news on this subject. For the moment, the options of playing in online casinos refer exclusively to those websites that have their business based outside the state, mostly being licensed in different countries, like Curacao, Malta or Canada, to name a few. As is the best example of a renowned website Bovada Casino. Bovada is legal in Washington and is residents’ favourite online casino brand. Seeing how it is not based in the US, it can offer its gaming services to citizens of this specific state, without fear of repercussions both from the site’s point of view, as well as from its players.

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Can I gamble online in WA?

There is no Washington online casino available. Only offshore-based websites, which need carefully reviewing before joining their games. Luckily there are some sites that do just that and playing on their recommendations, means not to worry about verifying licenses, security measures or authenticity.

Is online poker legal in Washington State?

No for the moment. Although online poker in Washington State has been constantly pushed for legalization, it was not a successful endeavor so far. The only remaining option is that of reviewed and verified websites from other jurisdictions.

What is the minimum legal gambling age in Washington?

The minimum classical gambling age applies to online gambling in Washington State, as well. Thus, although it’s been stated at 18, the recommendations are to align with the general US online gambling age of 21.

How can you withdraw your winnings in Washington?

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Given the restrictions of Washington online gambling, the rules that apply when withdrawing money are those set by the websites you play at. Check out the terms and conditions stated on the site. Any online casino accepting Washington players is going to demand a means of payment that includes extra verification, such as wire transfer. They need more days to be accomplished but are the safest way.

How about future prospects on legislative relaxation on the online gambling domain?

Online gambling Washington State law has had some bills being pushed for legalizing poker, without any real success. We can, therefore, assess that no online casino in Washington is to be seen anytime soon.

Additional Sources:

https://www.wsgc.wa.gov/news/gambling-legislation-2019
http://mrsc.org/Home/Explore-Topics/Public-Safety/Licensing-and-Regulation/Gambling-in-Washington-State.aspx
https://www.jobmonkey.com/casino/washington/

An Overview Of The Gambling Laws In The State Of Washington

Washington State offers a huge choice of brick and mortar gambling to their citizens, with more than 100 venues including Tribal casinos, poker card rooms and racetracks. On the other hand this is the most clearly anti-gambling State when it comes to online play – with an act making this illegal and including some severe punishments. This article gives you a complete overview of the gambling laws in the State of Washington.

First up, you will find a quick-fire history below, going from the early settlers through to the present day. After that the different gambling formats are listed, along with the legal situation in Washington State for each one. Next the more detailed information can be found, including quotations from the Statutes themselves and a legal timeline. At the end of this page you will find a summary and look at possible future scenarios.

Washington Gambling Laws – A Brief History

Like many States, the initial Statutes in Washington were strongly anti-gambling. This was partly the puritanical views of the era, and party a reaction against the excessive vices (including gambling) of the earliest settlers. The history of gambling laws in this State since is largely built on gradually exempting different forms of gambling from the initial cover-all ban.

Today, Washington is a haven for gamblers, with a huge choice of venues. There are more than 100 casinos, mostly on tribal lands. These were created during the 1990’s – after the State negotiated compacts with the tribes. There are also casino cruises operating out of Seattle, these boats sail the requisite 3 miles to reach international waters, where players are free to gamble without jurisdictional issues. Charity ‘casino nights’ make up the other casino gaming options.

Poker fans are well served in this State. There are many legal card-rooms who offer non-banked games. While there are a lot of smaller poker tournaments and cash games, none of the global tournament tours have made it to this corner of the US as yet. You can also play home-games. The stipulation for these is that nobody takes a profit from the games, either by raking the pots or selling beverages.

If you prefer to play your poker games online, then you are out of luck in this State. They have harsh anti-internet gambling laws, which were put into effect in 2006. These make it a felony to transmit betting information on the internet – even for the players. There have been failed attempts to get these penalties watered down, and also a failed attempt in 2010 to have this law struck down as unconstitutional.

There has been a lottery in Washington since 1982. This includes scratch-off cards, draws and also participates in the major inter-State games. Charity bingo and raffles are also permitted, though these require individual licenses and are subject to restrictions in frequency and prize pools. The other alternative for gamblers in Washington is horse racing. This was the first format to be legalized, when pari-mutuel betting was allowed on-track back in 1933. Nowadays you can bet on simulcast races from designated tracks and off-track betting sites too. There are no slots of lottery type games at the racetracks.

What Forms Of Gambling Are Currently Legal?

Casino Gaming: Yes, there are more than 100 casinos in this State, the majority of them on Tribal land offering slots, blackjack and poker and video poker.

Online Casinos: No, gambling on the internet is explicitly illegal in Washington, carrying a Felony charge.

Live Poker: Yes, you can enjoy poker in card rooms who run on the basis that poker is a game of skill, or at the tribal casinos. Home games are also legal, as long as nobody is taking a profit from the games via rake or fees. There are also several casino cruise ships which operate out of Seattle.

Online Poker: No, the ‘Skill Game’ argument is not accepted as exempting poker from the internet gambling laws.

Sports Betting: Yes, pari-mutuel betting can take place from 4 racetracks and off-track locations, this includes Simulcast betting on races from out of state.

Lottery Betting: Yes, Washington State has a lottery and also takes part in the inter-state games like the PowerBall and Mega Millions.

Bingo Games: Yes, there are separate Charity gambling laws which cover bingo and raffle games for good causes.

Washington Gambling Laws – Statutes And Legal Timeline

The Washington Statutes are longer and more thorough in the details of carve-outs than those in many States. They rest on a ‘contest of chance’ definition, which live poker games have already been successfully exempted from. Online gambling games have their own act and some strong wording to boot.

Here is the key definition of gambling:

Here is the key wording concerning internet gambling:

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Below are the legal milestones which have occurred since the generally anti-gambling constitution was signed back in 1890.

1933: Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing first legalized.

1973: Charity gambling begins under the auspices of the newly formed Gambling Commission. This allows bingo, pull-tabs, raffles and casino nights.

1982: State lottery signed into law, this now includes a wide range of draws and games including the inter-state games.

1992: First compact signed with a native tribe following the 1988 Federal Indian Gambling Regulation Act in 1988.

1997: Card rooms allowed offering non-banked games outside of tribal lands. This includes poker, where the game is not played against the house.

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2006: Internet gambling made into a felony via an act which makes transmission of gambling information over phones or the internet illegal for the players as well as the operators.

2010: Poker Players Alliance bid questioning whether the internet gambling ban was constitutional fails, with the Supreme Court backing the State.

2013: Bill put forward (Initiative Measure 582) for the regulation of intra-State poker within Washington. This did not make it as far as the floor. As of 2014 there are no known alternative bills in the legislative process.

Washington Gambling Laws – Summary And Look To The Future

While online poker players think of Washington as draconian in their approach to gambling, the truth is that the laws are liberal here – at least for live gambling games. The choice of Indian casinos is huge, with at least one in every city and reasonably sized town offering a range of games including poker. The internet laws are strict, and the chances of these being amended any time soon look slim. Even if the argument for regulation and taxation could be won inside the government, there are a lot of tribal interests who might feel this could reduce the number of players coming through their doors.

Useful Resources:

Internet Act

Info On Online Act

• https://gamblingandthelaw.com//columns/115-washington-state-makes-it-a-felony-to-play-poker-online

Statutes

Summary Of Gambling Laws

Background Information From Government Covering Gambling Laws And History

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• http://www.wsgc.wa.gov/docs/background.pdf