Sports Betting In Washington
Those waiting for an in-person experience to sports betting in Washington, will not have to wait much longer. Several tribes have signed off on new gaming compacts that will allow them to open sportsbooks at their casinos which they are slated to in the later half of this year. But, for those who don’t want to wait, there are online sportsbooks which you can use. This might be hard to believe given the online sports betting laws in Washington. But after careful examination, we can assure you that using the proper online sportsbooks is a safe thing to do in the Evergreen State.
Fr om what we understand, the law is focused on those who run the online books, rather than those who use them. So, for safe and legal sports wagering in Washington, we recommend that players only use online, offshore sportsbooks. These books are perfectly legal for anyone in the United States to use, including Washington residents, because they are located in other countries. This page will go into further detail about the laws surrounding online betting on sports in Washington. We’ve also included other pertinent information further down this page.
Is Land-Based Sports Betting Legal in Washington?
Yes, land-based sports betting is legal in Washington. In 2020, WA HB 2638 was signed into law which allowed the state to renegotiate their tribal gaming compacts with each tribe. Within those negotiations, sports betting would be added to the list of games in which they can offer. Since then, well over a dozen tribes have reworked their gaming compacts and are in position to launch sports betting at their casinos in the near future. Expect some to launch in the later part of this year.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Washington?
The first thing to know about online sports betting for real money is that you will not get in trouble. Why? Because there are no actual laws in Washington that prohibit real-money sports gambling.
This is the case in most states, too, since online gambling is still a relatively new concept. Washington is currently considered “unregulated” because its voters and legislators have not dealt with any online gambling laws as of yet, though this is actually a good thing for in-state residents wanting to gamble online. In fact, the only people who are potentially punishable for online betting are the ones who maintain sites. Other than that, you are in the clear.
Which Sports Betting Sites Accept Washington Residents?
Since Washington is unregulated, players have a lot more options when it comes to which sites they want to sign up to. The challenge, of course, is finding a website that is reliable, trustworthy, and safe for you to bet on.
There are a large number of such sites out there but only a few that deserve mention. These sites are known for the wide array of betting options, customer service, and reliable platforms that allow you to play without inconvenience. This is essential for Washington gamblers, especially since online sports betting is still on the rise.
Facts About Legal Online Sports Betting In Washington
- Over 100 million dollars was bet at Washington online sports betting sites last year.
- E-wallets and credit cards are the most popular deposit options used in Washington.
- It is 100% legal to bet on sports in Washington.
- Deposit and sign-up bonuses are available for first time users of online sportsbooks in Washington.
Bovada Sportsbook - Top Washington Sports Betting Site
When Washington residents look to win money betting sports online they turn to BetOnline's sports betting website, and it's not just because this sportsbook will give their users up to $1,000 extra when making their first deposit. A limited time offer, this 50% welcome bonus is a step up from the usual promotions advertised by BetOnline.
With a variety of options available for deposit like MasterCard, Visa, Discover, cash wire transfers (person-to-person), and book to book (only between participating sportsbooks), it's clear to see that BetOnline is at the top of their game when it comes to facilitating American transactions. What's more is that this online sportsbook uses industry standard 256-bit encryption when transmitting any sensitive information and they're protected by SSL. It really doesn't matter how you slice it, BetOnline is safe to use in every conceivable way.
SportsBetting's Sportsbook - Betting Lines For The Seahawks And 20+ Other Sports
Though Washington is a tough on all forms of online gambling, Internet sports wagering included, SportsBetting's online sportsbook continues to be a primary choice for anyone wanting to bet on Seattle Seahawks games and Washington collegiate sports (UW Huskies + WSU Cougars). With more than 15 years of legal + safe operation, this betting website is one of the most trusted for all gamblers living in the United States including adults in Washington State that are at least 18 years old.
If you ever have any doubt about using this sportsbook then do not be afraid to ask for assistance. SportsBetting has English speaking operators standing by 24 hours per day on their toll-free help lines as well as an extensive online help section which breaks down just about everything that is allowed here. The final option for support has become an industry standard and SportsBetting has mastered the art of efficient live chat support which is just two clicks away from the homepage at any time!
Top Washington Sports Betting Sites
Other Types Of Gambling Available In Washington
Other than online sports betting and the state’s one horse track, Washington residents have access to literally dozens of tribal casinos. These Native American owned and operated facilities forgo a number of federal laws due to sovereignty. At the end of the day, though, a poker table and slot machine is the same anywhere. Tribal casinos in Washington are spread all over the state, too, as well as a few commercial ones. Washington also has a state lottery and a few bingo halls.
Does Washington Allow Pari-Mutuel Betting?
Washington is home to only one horse racing track. That would be Emerald Downs in Auburn, a place where you can go in and bet on thoroughbred races. It opened in 1996 and continues to grow, perhaps due to the small amount of pari-mutuel betting opportunities available in the state.
How Old Do I Have To Be To Bet Sports Online In Washington?
Washington is actually one of the few states that has managed to pass a flat gambling age in the state. It doesn’t matter whether you’re gambling in a casino or betting sports online, Washington residents need to be 21 before they place their bets. Online sportsbooks will require you to verify your identity when you create your account, so be sure to have a valid photo ID to send in.
What Teams Can I Bet On In Washington?
Whether you love to root for your home team or you’re just looking for popular competitors to back when sports betting in Washington, there are a number of teams you can bet on. Here, we’ve put together a short list of popular collegiate programs as well as professional teams that are available for sports betting. In Washington, the teams you can bet on are limitless.
College:
- Washington Huskies
- Washington State Cougars
- Gonzaga Bulldogs
Professional:
- Seattle Seahawks
- Seattle Mariners
- Seattle Storm
Is Betting Real Money Online Safe?
Betting real money online is perfectly safe for Washington residents. Making a deposit at an online sportsbook is just like purchasing something off of Amazon or any other digital retailer. The only difference you'll find at an online sportsbook than the land-based ones in Las Vegas is the number of sports you can wager on. You'll always find more lines at an online sportsbook. But when it comes to processing your money, it might actually be safer to use an online book rather than a land-based one.
You have multiple ways to fund your account at an online sportsbook - credit or debit cards, digital currency, and bank transfers, to name a few. Land-based books require you to pay in cash, and cash only. Online sportsbooks employ the best firewalls and encryption technologies, giving you a secure location that is accessed directly from your home or smartphone. You never have to deal with large crowds or rude tellers. Everything about betting real money online is safe when you use a licensed online sportsbook.
Why Was My Credit Card Declined At Bovada
Credit cards can be declined for a couple of reasons at Bovada. First, your card might not be enabled to make overseas purchases. The best online sportsbooks for American bettors are located in other countries, so you'll need to make sure that your card can make offshore purchases to use when funding your account. Another reason your card may have been declined is because your bank thought the transaction was false. They do this to protect your financial info but it can become inconvenient when it prevents you from doing what you want to do. Declined credit cards don't have to prevent you from sports betting in Washington however; the books we recommend offer a number of different deposit methods that are incredibly easy to use and are processed just as quickly as Credit Cards.