Legal Status
Sports betting is legal in the state of Washington but has yet to launch.
Legislative Progress
The Washington legislature legalized sports betting in-state with the passage of House Bill 2638 in March 2020. Governor Jay Inslee signed the bill into law later that month.
But that was only the first step in the process. The hard part was next.
There are 29 federally recognized Indian tribes in Washington, and the state has gaming compacts with all 29 of them. But the state’s 29 tribal casinos are operated by just 22 of them. Before the process could continue, the gaming compact had to be renegotiated with each tribe.
As of late mid-2021, the state had reached an agreement on amended compacts with 16 tribes, including the Tulalip, Suquamish, Kalispel, Snoqualmie, Stillaguamish, Island, Puyallup, Colville, Lummi, Muckleshoot, Swinomish, and Spokane tribes.
And in late July the Washington State Gambling Commission approved licensing rules that became effective at the end of August.
But the legislature will have to approve the compacts, which will also need federal approval from the Department of the Interior before a tribe can start taking bets on sports.
Casino Participation
The only entities allowed to apply for a sports betting license will be the state’s tribal casinos. Licenses will allow casinos to operate a retail sportsbook. However, bettors can make mobile bets while located on the premises of a licensed casino.
Role of the Lottery
Washington has a lottery, but it does not appear as if it will be involved with sports betting.
Professional Sports Team Involvement
Since sports betting will only be allowed at tribal casinos, Washington’s professional sports teams (Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Mariners, Seattle Sounders, Seattle Storm and the Seattle Kraken) are not expected to get involved in the state’s sports betting industry.
But it would not be surprising if some (or all) of the teams sign deals, making a sportsbook the official sports betting partner of the team.
Licensing
In late July, the Washington State Gambling Commission approved licensing rules that became effective at the end of August.
Annual license fees and associated calculation of tax on sportsbook revenue are still to be determined.
Expected Live Date
Officials hope to be able to launch in the fall to take advantage of the NFL’s popularity. But, along with completing the rules and regulations, the state has to issue licenses and complete gaming compact negotiations (which also need federal approval).
So, many things could keep sports betting from launching before the NFL season. But it would not be shocking to see it launch before the end of the year.
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