Top gambling options in Washington State

Washingtonians who enjoy gambling have a variety of options to choose from ranging from tribal casinos to state-licensed card rooms. While online gambling still remains largely restricted, bettors within the Evergreen State can still access online wagering sites via international platforms. Additionally, there are lotteries, bingo halls, and sports betting as well. 

With a number of good options to choose from, it’s important for both new and experienced bettors in the state to understand the top options so they can select a wagering platform that fits with their betting style, schedule, and preferences. 

Online gaming and casino options

With so many Washingtonians having busy schedules, online casino gambling is one of the most popular options. However, there are not yet any online casinos allowed within Washington State. Because of this, many bettors in the state often visit offshore international online casinos.

International offshore casinos available in Washington typically offer a wide variety of games like poker, blackjack, and slots, giving gamers a similar experience to what they’d find in a physical casino. Some players are wary about sharing their personal details over the internet and so turn to offshore gambling sites that don’t require verification in order to get started playing.

These no-KYC (Know Your Customer) sites let players register and wager without the hassles of paperwork or identity verification. In fact, the top no-KYC casinos let players wager without submitting any documents at all. This removes the fear that a player's data may be compromised online, as they don’t even have to share any personal information in the first place. 

Online betting is popular in Washington state, however it is still restricted. As gaming progresses, bettors should stay tuned to any regulatory changes within the Evergreen State. There could be potential shifts and changes that players should keep an eye on. 

Tribal casinos

Washington is home to more than 30 tribal casinos and these establishments are the most popular in-person option for many bettors within the state. Tribal casinos are operated by different Native American tribes within Washington and they are spread out around the state. 

At tribal casinos, bettors can find games like slots, table games, poker, and even bingo. All tribal casinos operate under the Gaming Regulatory Act and have certain legal protections granted by the State of Washington that allow them to offer a larger variety of games than non-tribal establishments. For this reason, they’ve become popular in the area. 

For example, the Tulalip Resort Casino is known for its huge range of games like slots, blackjack, and poker along with its luxurious amenities. This casino is located in Tulalip and is considered one of the most well-known tribal casinos within the state.

Not only does this establishment offer wagering, but visitors can also find a hotel on site complete with spa services, live music, entertainment, and fine dining.

Another well-known tribal casino in the state is Muckleshoot which is located in Auburn. Muckleshoot Casino has thousands of slot machines for players to choose from along with a variety of table games and regularly scheduled bingo events. 

State-licensed card rooms

Washington state has a number of “mini-casinos” which are non-tribal state-licensed card rooms. These are not full casinos. These establishments are smaller and more restricted but still offer a variety of games to bettors. State-licensed card rooms typically offer games like poker, blackjack, and baccarat. While card rooms face some limitations, their wagering limit was recently increased by the state.

The Fortune Casino in Renton is one well-known state-licensed card room. This establishment offers a huge range of poker games in a laid-back setting for players. Similarly, the Silver Dollar Casinos, with several located within the state, offer card games like baccarat and pai gow and are a favorite among local residents.

State-licensed card rooms are usually smaller than tribal casinos. They are regulated by the Washington State Gambling Commission. This ensures fair play and proper oversight. For bettors who enjoy casual card games without the glitz of a fancy casino, choosing a state-licensed card room may be ideal. 

Horse racing and off-track betting

Horse racing has been popular for a long time in Washington and establishments like Emerald Downs still draw a big crowd. Within the state, horse racing enthusiasts can attend horse races and wager in person. Additionally, Washington State allows off-track betting, too. This means that Washingtonians can place wagers not only on races happening in Washington but also on races happening all around the country. 

Lottery games

Powerball, Mega Millions, and Scratch-Offs are all popular lottery games within Washington State. Beyond these staples, the Washington State Lottery also offers Keno and other draw games and weekly jackpots. 

For bettors who prefer to wager in a casual way without visiting a casino, lotteries are ideal. Lotteries are also good for bettors who want to stake smaller amounts and who want their wagered funds to go toward a good cause. Within the state, the lottery funds a number of public programs including education. 

Bingo halls

Bingo Halls are another way to gamble within Washington. Bingo is often available at tribal casinos, but there are also dedicated bingo halls sprinkled throughout the state that have become popular as well. 

Bettors can often find bingo games hosted at community centers, at charity or fundraising events, or at local halls. Bingo is a fun way to gamble in a social setting and encourages the community to connect with one another. 

Sports betting

Washington is home to some outstanding sports teams, and residents can now wager on games. However, there are some limitations, like that bettors can only place their sports bets at tribal casinos. Many tribal casinos have added sportsbook areas so that sports fans have a dedicated space within the casino to place their wagers.