Gaming is illegal unless the activity is specifically
authorized by state law. Gambling involves three elements: prize, chance and consideration (wager or anything of
value).
Conducting illegal gambling activities may result in criminal charges being filed against you, your organization
and/or its officers, and forfeiture of all property or money associated with the illegal gambling.
Bookmaking means taking bets or wagers on the outcome of a future event, typically sporting events, when you conduct the activity as a business and accept a fee from the bettor for the chance to place a bet.
Professional gambling is illegal and is usually connected to animal fights. State law prohibits anyone from training animals to fight, fighting animals, or being present at fights, whether or not professional gambling is taking place.
Slot machines, video poker and video pull-tabs, pachinko and pachislo machines, and other electronic games of chance are illegal.
It is legal to possess an antique slot machine as long as it is at least 25 years old, is played at no cost, and is not operated for gambling purposes.
Sports wagering is illegal in Washington State except at Tribal casinos with amended Class III compacts following the passage of House Bill 2638 in March 2020.
It is illegal for individuals to offer card or dice games, or any gambling activity for profit. Only licensed card rooms can collect a fee or percentage of wagers from card games.
If you have a substantial interest in, or other control over any premises, you will be held responsible and could be charged with professional gambling if you knowingly allow unauthorized gambling activity on your premises.
You are engaged in professional gambling if, acting other than as a player, you knowingly:
Conduct may include activity directed toward: