Washington State Sports Betting | Latest on Washington Sportsbooks 2024
Washington has always been strict when it comes to legal sports betting. Although sports wagering has been allowed since March 2020, it can only take place at tribal casinos. With many of the best sports betting sites now partnering with these casinos, there's hope Washington online betting could soon be more widespread. When this happens, sports bettors could find a far greater selection of sportsbooks in Washington state on offer.
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Upcoming Legal Washington Sportsbooks and Apps
While many retail sports betting brands are positioned among Washington bettors, legal online sportsbooks are yet to appear. Given the sports betting law has been drafted and the partnerships are already in place, that is expected to change shortly. When legal sports betting in Washington state does go online, here are the brands we think are most likely to launch:
BetMGM Sportsbook
- Best for: Features and frequent odds boosts
- Review: BetMGM Sportsbook
With BetMGM offering retail sports betting at the Emerald Queen Casino, the brand should be among the first to take sports betting online in Washington state. If that happens, BetMGM's WA sports betting app should provide plenty of boosts on Washington state sports teams.
BetMGM Pros and Cons
- Live betting available
- Great selection of bet features, including parlay builders
- Brand has offered a generous sign-up bonus in other states
- Limited deposit options
Caesars Sportsbook Washington
- Best for: Caesars Reward Program
- Review: Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars offers three WA retail sportsbooks at Chewelah Casino, Spokane Tribe Casino, and Muckleshoot Casino, making it among the most likely Washington betting sites to launch. If it does, bettors will find a range of markets and offers, plus the famous Caesars Reward Program.
Caesars Pros and Cons
- One of the best rewards programs around
- Offers a huge range of deposit options in other states
- Strong customer support via live chat, email and phone
- Odds often fall short of those offered by competitors
FanDuel Sportsbook Washington
- Best for: Mobile sports betting app and overall user interface
- Review: FanDuel Sportsbook
Operating out of the Clearwater Casino Resort, FanDuel will also be well-positioned to launch a Washington state sports betting app. Once it's set-up to offer Washington online gambling, it will provide a betting experience that encompasses everything from futures bets to props.
FanDuel Pros and Cons
- One of the most user-friendly mobile betting apps around
- New sports wagering promotions added every month
- Live betting with up-to-the-second live odds
- No loyalty program or VIP scheme
DraftKings Sportsbook in Washington State
- Best for: Best overall odds and range of markets
- Review: DraftKings Sportsbook
While Washington sports betting legislation prohibits wagering on fantasy sports contests, DraftKings is still partnered with two Washington State sports betting locations. Should it go online, users will find odds that put it up there with the best Washington sportsbook options.
DraftKings Pros and Cons
- Offers the biggest welcome bonus in many states
- Markets provided on everything apart from college sports
- Often has the best odds on major events like the Super Bowl
- Known for sending an intrusive number of emails and notifications
Best Washington Online Betting Sites Compared
Online Washington Sportsbook Features to Look out for
When online sports betting in Washington State sites go live, WA sports betting should offer a choice of sign-up bonuses to customers, as well as a range of markets on most major sports. All sites will be available on your preferred mobile device at tribal casino locations within the state of Washington, with many popular payment methods supported.
Washington State Online Betting Bonuses and Promotions
When Washington state betting sites begin appearing online, there should be plenty of sportsbook promos available. Initially, these will likely be in the form of a deposit match or a second-chance bet to entice new bettors to sign up. Beyond that, most sites will provide ongoing promotions, including bonus bets, odds boosts and bet specials on franchises like the Seattle Seahawks football team.
Washington Mobile Sports Betting Payments
Many quick and easy mobile sports betting payment methods should be available in the state of Washington. All sites should support credit/debit card payments when they launch online. That said, given players will need to be at a Washington tribal sports betting location to wager online, the cashier cage may be the best choice.
Washington Sports Betting App Features
We can expect to see some pretty top-notch features when the first Washington betting sites appear online. Customers will have no problem placing in-play sports bets, and should be able to draw on a host of live data to inform their wagers. Some brands may offer live streams for big events like baseball's World Series, meaning bettors will be able to watch while they wager.
Washington Sports Betting Apps Experience
When they do go live, WA apps should provide a slick and easy way for players to bet from tribal casino locations. All online betting apps should be available on both Android and iOS devices and will use geolocation software to ensure players are situated on tribal land.
Competitive Odds and Betting Lines
Naturally, those looking to place a WA sports bet will expect competitive odds and a wide range of betting lines. Between them, the brands that look likely to launch in Washington should have many of the best prices and offer all of the markets listed later in this article.
Helpful Customer Support
When online sports betting is new to a state, one of the most important things is to have a helpful and reliable customer support service. Thankfully, all of the brands set to launch in Washington provide help 24/7 via live chat, email and phone if bettors encounter any issues.
Licensed, Regulated sports betting app in Washington state
Of course, when you bet in Washington, you'll be doing so safe in the knowledge that you're wagering at a state-licensed site. This should provide Washington residents with additional peace of mind and will ensure operators in WA adhere to all responsible gambling measures.
Is Washington Sports Betting Online Legal?
Although Washington made sports betting legal in 2020, the laws are very different from those in other states. In order to place bets online, customers have to be physically located at one of the region's 35 tribal casinos. This is far less convenient than traditional online betting and is a big factor in why many of the best sports betting sites are still yet to launch in WA.
When will Sports Betting in Washington Launch?
Legally-speaking, there's nothing stopping Washington sports betting from launching right away. The problem is most retail sportsbooks don't think the current legislation is fit for purpose. Until laws are amended, launching an online sportsbook could be seen as unappealing to some operators, who would need access to a larger customer base than they currently have.
Who will be able to bet on Washington Sports Betting Sites?
To wager online, Washington residents will need to be aware of the following restrictions:
- The minimum legal age for betting in WA is 21+.
- Daily Fantasy Sports are not covered by current Washington sports betting laws.
- Betting on college sports is restricted, even during competitions like March Madness.
- Online betting can only be conducted if the bettor is physically present at a tribal venue.
Sports We Can Expect to Bet on at Washington Betting Sites
You’ll have access to thousands of markets when sports betting in Washington. Bet on your favorite sports from football and baseball to hockey and college sports.
NFL Betting in Washington
With the National Football League being a pro organisation, customers in Washington will have no trouble betting on the NFL. Given Seattle is the most populous city in the state with 700,000 residents, this means there's likely to be plenty of action on the Seahawks.
NBA Betting in Washington
Betting on the NBA will also be fair game in Washington. With the Seattle SuperSonics no longer in existence and no top-flight NBA teams playing in Idaho or Oregon, customers will have to look to Seattle Storm in the WNBA for local interest.
MLB Betting in Washington
Betting on the MLB and events like the World Series will also be legal in WA, so expect the Seattle Mariners to feature heavily in odds boosts and specials in the state. Unfortunately, betting on the Washington State Cougars varsity team will not be allowed.
NHL Betting in Washington
Betting on the NHL regular season and Stanley Cup will again be permitted in Washington state, both for retail sportsbooks and on-premises betting online. Again, the only professional team in the state is Seattle Kraken, which plays in NHL's Western Conference, Pacific Division.
NCAA Betting in Washington
Unlike in other states, betting on college sports will be expressly forbidden in Washington. These restrictions also cover nationwide events like March Madness, so bettors will have no access to NCAA markets either at retail sportsbooks or online.
Popular Washington Online Betting Markets to Expect
While the access to Washington online sports betting may be restricted, the range of markets certainly won't be. Currently, all of the following options are available at retail venues and will likely feature on Washington state sports betting apps too.
- Moneylines
- Spreads
- Totals
- Parlays
- Futures
- Prop Bets
- Live Bets
Note: any betting on college sports will be prohibited in WA.
Will Horse Racing be Legal on a Washington betting app?
While it remains to be seen whether betting on horse racing will be offered in WA, it's legal to bet on the sport at several OTB locations within the state. Should one of these be partnered with a sportsbook, on-premises betting via an app would technically be possible.
Top Washington State Sports Teams to Watch Right Now:
Seattle Seahawks
The only team to have played in both AFC and NFC championship games, the Seahawks have appeared in three Super Bowls, winning in the 2013 season.
Seattle Mariners
Back in 2001, the Mariners set an American record for most wins in a single season at 116, but the side currently hold the longest active play-off drought in MLB.
Seattle Sounders FC
The Sounders are among the most successful sides in MLS history, having won the U.S. Open Cup four times, the MLS Cup twice and the Supporters Shield.
Seattle Storm
Previously the sister side of the Seattle SuperSonics, WNBA franchise the Storm have won four basketball championships in their history - most recently in 2020.
WA State Sports Betting Bonuses We Expect
While it's hard to speculate what kind of online sportsbook bonuses might offer in WA under the current laws, should the state open up further we might expect to see the following offers:
Bonus Bets
A staple feature of most successful sportsbooks, bonus bets enable customers to bet on matches using bet tokens rather than their own cash. Should their bonus bet win, they'll usually need to rollover the profits several times before they can be withdrawn.
Second-Chance Bets
A second-chance bet will differ from bonus bets in the sense that they are issued after an initial wager has settled. Second-chance bets will typically invite a customer to wager a certain amount, which will be refunded to them in bet tokens should their bet not come in.
Deposit Bonus
One of the most typical welcome offers around, this type of bonus helps customers get more value from their deposits. When they put money in their account, a deposit bonus will add a percentage on top in bonus funds, which must then be wagered before they can be withdrawn.
Odds/ Profit Boosts
Something of a speciality of BetMGM, odds boosts offer enhanced prices on selected markets, often featuring in-state teams. Profit boosts are similar, but are usually used for parlay bets, where the more legs you add, the greater the potential boost will be.
Parlay Insurance
Parlay insurance is a system where if a multi-leg bet lets you down by one result, you'll receive a portion of it back in bet credits. This can help take the sting out of big sports bets that fall apart at the very last hurdle.
Loyalty Rewards
Most online sportsbooks feature some kind of loyalty scheme. Typically, this will enable users to collect points as they bet, with these points being redeemable for cash and bonuses. Caesars Rewards Scheme is one of the best available.
How to Sign Up for the Best Washington Sportsbooks Once Launched
- Use our banners on this page to activate your exclusive promo offer and head to the registration page.
- Create your account by inputting all the required personal details, including the last 4 digits of your SSN, and verify using copies of your ID and any other documentation.
- Add our exclusive promo code - if available for the betting site/app you have selected, you will likely be asked for it during the sign-up process.
- Set a strong password and enable two-step authentication for your account for that extra security - you need to protect your bankroll.
- Search for the mobile sportsbook app in the App Store or Google Play or visit the sportsbook’s site using your iPhone and use the direct download link provided. You’ll need to temporarily allow downloads from a third-party provider.
- Accept geolocation tracking, or download a separate app to allow geolocation tracking from the online sportsbook to verify you’re on tribal grounds in the state of WA.
- You can then deposit money, place bets, and withdraw winnings. More on the available payment methods below.
Washington Online Sports Betting Payments
- Visa
- Mastercard
- PayPal
- Skrill
- Neteller
- PaySafeCard
- eCheck
- Bank Transfer
- Cashier cage
Making Deposits
Making deposits at WA sportsbooks should be relatively straightforward. Washington state residents will likely be able to pay funds directly into their online account via the cashier cage at their chosen retail venue or by using a mobile betting app while on-premises.
Making Withdrawals
The process for making withdrawals should be largely the same. As customers will need to be on-site to bet, verifying their ID should be no problem and as far as we're aware, there are no rules preventing them from withdrawing remotely.
Washington Sports Betting Options
Regulated Betting Sites in Washington vs Offshore Sportsbooks
Regulated Sportsbooks
- Adhere to all local rules and regulations
- Regulator is obvious and easy to contact
- Support conventional payment methods
- Sports/markets are decided at a state level
- Geolocation restrictions may apply
Offshore Sportsbooks
- Crypto payments are often welcomed
- Markets cater for an international audience
- Some countries are restricted, but access is easier
- Adhere to rules in their physical jurisdiction
- Licensing details can be hard to locate
There are pros and cons to using both regulated and offshore sportsbooks. You may find offshore sites are easier to access and offer more markets and payment options, but do you really know what you're signing up for? With a locally-regulated sportsbook, you know exactly where you stand and who to contact should you have a dispute. Because of this, we'd recommend playing at regulated sites you know you can trust, but if you do feel the need to register at an offshore platform, make sure it's one we've thoroughly reviewed first.
How to Bet on Sports in Washington State - Safely
1. Play at reputable sites
Although the online gambling rules in WA are strict, players should feel very secure that any operator who goes online will be safe and trustworthy. While you could technically access an offshore sportsbook, doing so would be at your own discretion.
2. Set a budget
A simple but important rule. Setting a budget enables you to never bet more than you can afford to lose and should stop you from chasing your losses. If you're concerned about your betting behavior, be sure to visit your sportsbook's responsible gaming page.
3. Always read T&Cs of promos
Any kind of promotion - especially welcome offers aimed at new customers - will come with T&Cs attached. Make sure you familiarize yourself with these before accepting any offer so you don't miss out on the bonus being offered.
4. Know your bets
To be a successful sports bettor, it's essential to know which bets work for which sports. As different markets require different approaches, we'd advise brushing up on your strategy by reading our betting guides.
5. Compare multiple betting sites/apps
Remember, if you don't like the odds at one site, there's nothing stopping you from opening an account with another. Registering with multiple sportsbooks will allow you to shop around for the best odds and offers so you always get maximum value.
Washington State Sports Betting Online Summary - Top Things to Know
- Sports betting has been legal in WA since 2020 but only at sportsbooks on tribal land
- You may also bet at online sportsbooks but again this must be done from a retail venue
- The only way to wager online elsewhere is to register an account at an offshore sportsbook
- Online casinos and poker sites are illegal in WA and betting is technically still a felony
- Betting on college events is expressly forbidden at any licensed sportsbook in Washington
- There is no tax on sports winnings in WA but players must be aged 18+ in order to bet
Online Sports Betting in Washington State FAQ
Is online sports betting in Washington state legal
Yes. Online sports betting has been legal in WA since 2020, but the first online sportsbooks are still yet to launch in the state. The reason for this is customers can only bet using them from tribal venues, giving sportsbooks limited reach in the state.
How to bet online in Washington state
We recommend betting at your local tribal venue using a computer or device.
Can you bet online in Washington state
You can, but it's currently heavily restricted. As customers must be on the premises of a local retail sportsbook to bet at a WA online sports betting site, some of the bigger sportsbooks are currently calling for legislation to be relaxed.
When will online sports betting be legal in Washington state?
Technically it already is - the first online sports betting apps in Washington state just haven't launched yet. Given some of the big-brands that have gotten involved with the Indian tribes, however, we'd tentatively say it's coming soon.
Is sports betting legal in Washington state?
Sports betting and online sports betting are both governed by the same laws set out in 2020. While the former has been steadily conducted at retail sportsbooks throughout the state, the latter is yet to fully take off.
Can you bet on sports in Washington state?
You can legally bet on most professional sports and Olympic events in Washington state. However, One thing you can't bet on is college sports, which are expressly forbidden in the current legislation.
Is DraftKings legal in Washington?
DraftKings has a partnership in place with both the Tulalip Resort Casino and the Quil Ceda Creek Casino in WA. While this could technically see sportsbook accept online bets from either venue, it's yet to launch in the state.
Is FanDuel legal in Washington?
FanDuel has a partnership agreement in place with the Clearwater Casino Resort in WA. This makes the brand one of the more likely online sportsbooks to feature in the state, but so far no betting app has been launched.
Where to bet on sports in Washington state?
You can bet on sports at tribal venues throughout WA. Most casino sites in the state offer their own retail sportsbook, and others have partnered with well-known national operators. You can't, however, wager online from your home.
Why is sports betting illegal in Washington?
It's not, it's just heavily restricted. The laws in Washington state were designed to benefit the Indian tribes in the area, who in turn invest a portion of profits in local initiatives. As such, all sports betting must take place on tribal land.
Responsible Mobile Sports Betting in Washington state
It's hard to imagine a state with as strict rules as WA wouldn't enforce responsible sports betting when the first apps go live. Expect to find responsible gaming sections on each app, with links to problem gambling organizations and rules on how to set up restrictions such as:
- Deposit Limits
- Loss Limits
- Cooling-Off Periods
- Self-Exclusion
