Washington Sports Betting 2025: Legal Status & WA Sportsbooks
LEGAL (LIMITED)
Washington sports betting is legal at tribal casinos, but online wagering remains limited and tightly regulated.
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Last Updated: 21 August, 2025
Yes, sports betting is legal in Washington, but only at licensed tribal casinos.
Online betting is technically allowed, but only on tribal land via approved apps.
There are no statewide mobile sportsbooks like FanDuel or DraftKings.
All forms of betting must comply with tribal compacts and state regulations.
Key facts of Washington betting
How do I gamble in Washington?
Washington’s gambling landscape is shaped by tribal-state compacts, allowing legal sports betting only at tribal casinos.
Online and mobile sports betting outside tribal lands remains prohibited.
However, residents can access other legal gambling options within the state.
Daily fantasy sports in Washington
Daily fantasy sports are currently not legal in Washington, as the state’s gambling laws do not explicitly permit them.
Residents interested in DFS may need to use platforms based in other states or avoid them altogether.
Other legal gambling options
Washington offers horse race betting through pari-mutuel wagering at licensed racetracks.
Social sportsbooks using virtual currency are available, letting players participate in sports-style contests legally.
Tribal casinos also provide a variety of gambling opportunities, including sports betting on-site.
To place sports bets at a tribal casino in Washington, you must be at least 21 years old.
This age requirement applies to all gambling activities at tribal facilities.
For pari-mutuel horse race betting and lottery games, the minimum age is typically 18, depending on the venue.
Can I bet on sports in another state?
Yes, but only if you’re physically in a state where sports betting sites are legal and you comply with that state’s laws.
Crossing state lines doesn’t bypass your home state’s restrictions; you can’t place bets while physically in Washington if the activity is legal elsewhere.
Washington borders several states with varying sports-betting rules:
Oregon offers full mobile sports betting statewide via apps like DraftKings and the Scoreboard.
Idaho does not permit any form of sports wagering.
British Columbia (Canada) allows betting through the government-run PlayNow platform for single-game wagers.
If you travel to Oregon or British Columbia, you can legally place bets there, just make sure you’re physically in that jurisdiction to do so.
But remote betting from Washington remains illegal, even if you use an out-of-state app.
Betting sites to avoid
Some Washington residents may be tempted to use offshore betting sites due to limited legal options.
These platforms often claim to offer full sportsbook access, but they operate outside US jurisdiction.
That means no consumer protections, no regulation, and a high risk of fraud.
⚠️ Stay away from these offshore sportsbooks; they are not safe or legal for Washington players. ⚠️
Pros and cons of sports betting in Washington
Pros
- ✅ Legal betting available at tribal casino locations
- ✅ Regulation helps protect players at licensed venues
Cons
- ❌ No mobile or online sportsbooks for residents
- ❌ Daily fantasy sports are banned under state law
Latest Washington sports betting updates
The future of sports betting in Washington
Washington’s sports betting law is built around tribal exclusivity, and that’s unlikely to change in the near future.
All legal sports wagering happens on-site at tribal casinos, with limited in-person mobile betting allowed only while on tribal land.
Recent legislative attempts to expand betting beyond tribal compacts have stalled.
Proposals to authorize commercial sportsbooks or allow broader mobile access have faced pushback from tribal interests and state lawmakers.
Daily fantasy sports remain banned, and even adjacent markets like Kalshi face legal uncertainty.
Unless there’s a major shift in political will or public demand, Washington will likely maintain its current structure.
Tribes hold firm control of sports betting access, and statewide mobile expansion appears off the table for now.
Our expert view: Regulated betting will remain tribal-only for the foreseeable future.
Other types of legal betting in Washington
While sports betting isn’t legal statewide in Washington, a few other types of gambling are allowed through tribal compacts and licensed facilities.
Horse racing
Washington allows pari-mutuel wagering on horse races at licensed tracks and off-track betting locations.
Emerald Downs is the state’s primary racetrack and hosts both live races and simulcast events.
Bettors can place wagers on-site, but online horse betting is restricted.
National apps like TwinSpires and TVG are not available to Washington residents.
Pari-mutuel wagering
Pari-mutuel betting is legal for horse racing but does not extend to other events.
All bets must be pooled and follow the rules set by the Washington Horse Racing Commission.
This form of wagering is available at racetracks and approved OTB locations, but not online.
Charitable bingo and raffles
Charitable gaming is legal under Washington law for nonprofits, veterans’ organizations, and similar groups.
This includes bingo nights, raffles, and small-scale fundraising games.
These events must be registered with the state and follow specific licensing and prize limits.
Electronic bingo and casino-style games are not permitted.
Yes, social sportsbooks are legal and accessible in Washington.
These platforms use sweepstakes models and virtual currency, making them compliant with state gambling laws.
Players can make picks using free coins or tokens and win redeemable prizes.
Apps like Fliff and Rebet are two of the most popular choices in the state.
Because they do not require cash bets, these sites are widely available and legal to use in Washington.
How to start betting in Washington
Some websites may claim you can bet online across Washington, but that’s not accurate.
We’ll show only legal, compliant ways to gamble, which may not involve sports at all.
Daily fantasy sports
Daily fantasy sports are not legal in Washington.
Platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel block users based in the state due to strict gambling laws.
While some players may attempt to access contests through VPNs, this violates platform terms and carries legal risks.
For now, residents will need to look at other legal options.
Online horse race betting
Online horse betting is not permitted in Washington.
Apps such as TVG, TwinSpires, and FanDuel Racing do not accept Washington users due to state law.
While pari-mutuel wagering is legal at racetracks like Emerald Downs, it must be done in person.
There are no legal ways to bet on horses online from within the state.
Charitable gambling
Charitable gaming is allowed for nonprofits and similar organizations under regulated conditions.
Bingo, raffles, and fundraising events are permitted when properly licensed and reported to the state Gambling Commission.
Prize limits and operation rules apply, and electronic versions of these games are not allowed.
If you’re attending or hosting an event, make sure it complies with state regulations.
Social sportsbooks
Social sportsbooks like Fliff and Rebet are available throughout Washington.
These apps use a virtual currency model, allowing players to make sports picks for fun or for redeemable prizes.
No cash is required to enter, which makes them compliant with state law.
These platforms are widely used as legal alternatives to traditional sports betting.
Crossing state lines to bet legally
If you want to place a legal online or mobile sports bet, your best option is to travel to Oregon.
Oregon offers legal mobile sports betting through licensed apps.
Washington residents can place wagers there as long as they are physically in the state.
Just remember, you must return to Oregon each time you want to bet; placing bets from within Washington remains illegal.
Types of bets in Washington
While traditional online betting apps aren’t available, several legal betting options exist:
Retail tribal sports betting: You can place standard sports wagers in person at licensed tribal casinos. These include moneyline, point spread, over/under, futures, and prop bets. Mobile or online access is restricted to on-site play at these tribal venues.
Pari‑mutuel horse race betting: At racetracks like Emerald Downs and licensed off‑track betting parlors, you can legally bet on horse races. Bets are pooled with payouts based on total ticket sales; you must bet in person.
Social sportsbooks: Platforms such as Fliff and Rebet operate using virtual currency or sweepstakes models. They let you pick game outcomes and win redeemable rewards, but no real-money bets are placed so they comply with state law.
Social sportsbooks in Washington
Social sportsbooks are legal in Washington and provide an accessible, compliant way to enjoy sports-style contests without using real money.
Fliff
Fliff is one of the most widely used social sportsbooks in Washington.
It operates on a sweepstakes model, where users make picks using virtual currency and can redeem winnings for cash prizes.
The platform does not require deposits, which keeps it compliant with state law.
Fliff includes a broad range of sports, user leaderboards, and regular promos.
It’s available via mobile app and browser.
Top features
No purchase necessary to play
Free virtual currency for sports picks
Redeemable prizes via a sweepstakes format
Broad sports coverage (NFL, NBA, MLB, etc.)
Available in Washington without restriction
Pros and cons
Pros
- ✅ Legal across Washington
- ✅ Fun and interactive without real-money risk
Cons
- ❌ No cash betting available
- ❌ Sweepstakes prize redemptions can take time
Rebet
Rebet offers a legal, no-money-required experience focused on live and pre-game picks.
It rewards activity and accuracy with coins and social engagement points.
Players climb leaderboards and can unlock rewards through consistent play.
It’s available as an app for both iOS and Android users in Washington.
Top features
Pre-game and live betting formats
Reward system tied to engagement and accuracy
Clean, social interface for casual players
Virtual wallet, no cash needed
Fully compliant with Washington laws
Pros and cons
Pros
- ✅ Free and accessible in WA
- ✅ Includes live game tracking
Cons
- ❌ Prizes not always cash
- ❌ Limited customization of picks
Types of bets in Washington
Legal sports betting at tribal casinos allows for a range of bet types.
Here are the most common ones available:
Moneyline: Pick which team will win the game outright. Odds are based on who is favored or the underdog.
Point spread: Bet on the margin of victory between teams. Favorites must win by more than the spread; underdogs can win or lose within the margin.
Over/under: Also known as totals, this bet involves predicting whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under a set number.
Futures: Place long-term bets on season outcomes, like who will win the championship or a division title. Odds are usually higher since outcomes are uncertain.
Parlays: Combine multiple picks into one bet for a larger payout. You must win every leg of the parlay to get paid.
Prop bets: Wager on specific player or game events, like how many passing yards a quarterback will have. These are popular for casual bettors and are widely available in retail sportsbooks.
Live betting: Place bets while the game is happening, with odds updating in real time. Available at select tribal sportsbooks depending on technology setup.
How to bet responsibly in Washington
Even with limited legal gambling options in the state, some Washington residents may still face gambling-related harm.
Retail sports betting, social sportsbooks, and offshore sites can all contribute to risky behavior.
It’s important to recognize the signs of problem gambling and know where to turn for help.
Washington offers both local and national resources for those seeking support.
Washington-specific resources:
Washington State Problem Gambling Helpline – Call 1-800-547-6133 (24/7 confidential support)
Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling – www.evergreencpg.org
Washington State Gambling Commission – www.wsgc.wa.gov
National help organizations:
National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org
Gamblers Anonymous – www.gamblersanonymous.org
GamTalk – www.gamtalk.org
Warning signs of a gambling problem include:
Hiding betting activity from friends or family
Chasing losses with larger or riskier bets
Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling
Spending more money or time than intended
If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out for help.
Most gambling platforms also offer self-exclusion tools, time limits, and spending controls, using them early can make a big difference.
Read our guide to responsible betting here.
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