Washington Sports Betting in 2024 – Latest Legal Updates & Best WA Online Sportsbooks

Washington sports betting sites offer Evergreen State residents broad odds and betting markets on everything from the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners to worldwide sport.

Offshore Washington betting sites offer numerous other advantages over US-based operators. Aside from giving bettors more flexibility, these platforms also typically have larger betting bonuses and provide cryptocurrency banking support.

Our experts thoroughly examine the WA state sports betting scene, offering commentary on the legal state of play, available betting markets, local sporting institutions, and best platforms. After reading, choose from our recommended WA sports betting sites, claim the welcome promo, and get started.

Sports Betting in Washington Overview

Washington sports betting has been legal since March 2020, although not in the same expansive way as many other states. The Evergreen State’s laws restrict wagering exclusively to tribal lands, although offshore online sportsbooks offer a loophole for residents who cannot travel to these locations.

Here is a quick rundown of the most important WA state sports betting facts:

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Washington State?

Short answer – yes. Washington state online sports betting has been legal since Governor Jay Inslee signed HB 2638 into law on March 25, 2020. The bill permitted tribal casinos to offer sports betting, but wasn’t entirely clear on whether this was retail-only or also included online wagering.

This came as a surprise for many analysts, with the state historically being quite restrictive regarding sports betting like neighboring Idaho. Just consider the status of daily fantasy sports in the Evergreen State, a strictly outlawed option that lawmakers consider a game of chance and therefore under the same legal umbrella as online casino gambling.

But there is a significant catch for bettors using state-regulated sportsbooks, as all wagering must take place on tribal gambling locations. This can include mobile and online sports betting, although users must be situated on tribal premises to legally place state-regulated wagers.

Two recent expansion bills – HB 1639 and SB 5587 – are currently being discussed in the state legislature. If passed, these would also permit sports betting at card rooms and racetracks. In any case, Washington-regulated sports betting platforms are at a significant disadvantage compared to elsewhere.

The restrictive nature has significantly slowed industry growth. Washingtonians are far better off wagering at offshore WA sports betting sites, which don’t have any such restrictions. On top, these platforms generally have larger bonuses and more versatile banking options, including cryptocurrency.

Washington Sports Betting Timeline

A good way to understand the current state of play regarding Washington sportsbooks is looking back at the journey so far:

• January 25, 2024: HB 1369 and SB 5587 are reintroduced into state legislature after hitting a dead end in 2023.
• February 21, 2023: Chief Judge David Estudillo rejects Maverick Gaming LLC’s lawsuit filed a year previously in the US District Court for the Western District of Washington.
• January 25, 2023: Lawmakers begin tentatively exploring a way to expand sports betting in WA to include racetracks and card rooms.
• January 11, 2022: A court case – Maverick Gaming LLC v United States – is filed arguing that Washington’s Indian tribes were unlawfully given exclusive access to the Evergreen State’s casino and sports betting industries.
• December 29, 2021: Snoqualmie Casino launches the first of a few Washington sports betting apps, although all wagers must still take place on the casino’s grounds.
• September 28, 2021: FanDuel partners with the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort, the first foray from a major US-regulated sports betting firm in Washington State.
• September 9, 2021: Snoqualmie Casino is the first Washington tribal organization to launch retail sports betting just outside Seattle.
• March 25, 2021: Governor Jay Inslee enshrines HB 2638 into law, allowing tribal casinos to offer sports betting alongside casino gaming.
• May 14, 2018: The US Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) during Murphy v NCAA, enabling individual states to formulate their own online sports betting laws.

Who Can Bet on Sports in Washington?

The legal betting age in the Evergreen State is either 18 or 21 depending on the establishment’s rules. Most offshore Washington sportsbooks have an 18+ rule for signing up. Wagering on these platforms is far more flexible than in-state options. Betting at a WA-regulated sportsbook requires you to be physically present on tribal casino grounds.

Are Sportsbook Winnings in Washington Taxable?

The Washington State Gambling Commission states that the state itself does not collect a gambling tax, with local cities, counties, and towns allowed to collect taxes. This is complicated regarding sports betting, something that can only happen on tribal land (if you’re betting with state-regulated operators).

Offshore sports betting winnings should be reported to the IRS, as the organization classifies gambling income as entirely taxable.

Pros & Cons of Betting on Sports in Washington

Check below for the main pros and cons regarding sports betting in WA:

Can Washingtonians Bet on Offshore Betting Sites?

Offshore Washington online sportsbooks are headquartered outside the US and have licensing by international organizations like the Curacao Gaming Control Board and Anjouan Gaming Board. These operators are exempt from restrictive Washington state gambling laws, abiding by regulations from international gambling authorities.

Bettors in the US won’t be punished for wagering at offshore sportsbooks, with these platforms operating in a legal gray area. The main thing to remember is that all our recommended operators must still abide by laws and regulations designed to keep players safe. These are enforced by authorities like the ones listed above.

Washingtonians can also enjoy several benefits wagering at offshore sites over state-regulated options. The largest factor currently is being able to place wagers regardless of location rather than being legally obliged to visit a tribal gambling establishment. Some other advantages include larger bonuses, crypto compatibility, and fewer betting market restrictions.

One thing to remember, however, is that offshore betting sites must be heavily vetted to ensure maximum safety and legitimacy. Our experts know exactly what makes a trustworthy platform, and we’re constantly on the lookout for the top options.

The Best Washington Online Sports Betting Sites in 2024

Check below for our favorite Washington State sportsbooks:

1. BetOnline – No. 1 Overall Online Sportsbook For Washington Sports Betting
2. Bovada – Top-Performing WA Sports Betting Platform For Loyalty Rewards
3. BetWhale – Best Offshore WA Online Sportsbook For PayPal Banking
4. BetNow – Enjoy An Industry-Leading Reimbursement Program
5. Everygame – Best Washington State Sports Betting Site For Reload Promos
6. MyBookie – Enjoy Competitive Odds & A Superb Layout
7. CoinPoker – Now with Brand New Sportsbook
8. BetUS – Best For WA Sports Betting Tips & Prediction Broadcasts
9. SportsBetting – Same-Day WA State Sports Betting Payouts
10. XBet – Best WA Online Sports Betting Bonus Wagering Requirements (1x)

Top 5 Washington Online Sportsbooks Reviewed

Our experts explore the top five options for online sports betting in Washington State via the mini-reviews below. We’ll assess everything from betting market quality to bonuses, payment methods, user interfaces, and more.

1. BetOnline – No. 1 Overall Online Sportsbook For Washington Sports Betting

BetOnline is the godfather of modern online sports betting in many ways, with a history going back to 1991. The Panama licensed and headquartered operator has numerous eye-catching selling points, rocketing to the top of our WA online sportsbook rankings.

Right off the bat, BetOnline’s commitment to no wagering requirements on the welcome bonus is a notable advantage, with no other competitors offering promos without any playthrough whatsoever. The operator also has well over a dozen ongoing promos, including risk-free wagers, prop boosts, reduced juice on NHL (perfect for Seattle Kraken fans), and much more.

BetOnline is also a sports betting in WA leader regarding the brilliant user interface. The betslip makes toggling between “Straight”, “Parlay”, “Teaser”, and “If Bet” incredibly straightforward, while sifting through the 30+ sports and thousands of individual betting markets is made easy with logical and responsive search menus.

The “Mega Parlay” feature is one of our favorite BetOnline characteristics, particularly for NFL betting where gamblers have an extremely deep array of props and other markets to choose from. For example, Seattle Seahawks fans could mix-and-match predictions for Geno Smith’s passing yards, Kenneth Walker III’s rushing yards, and Tyrel Dodson’s tackles.

BetOnline sports bonus:

2. Bovada – Top-Performing WA Online Sports Betting Platform For Loyalty Rewards

Bovada is one of the most famous offshore operators in the US, operating with a Anjouan license since 2011. This multifaceted platform is more than just a sportsbook, with users also enjoying top-of-the-range online casino and poker options.

While the 50% up to $250 (or 75% up to $750 for crypto deposits) welcome bonus is impressive, Bovada comes into its own with the industry-leading loyalty scheme. Bovada Rewards is perfect for Washingtonians searching for a way to maximize the value from every wager. Bettors gain points that can be redeemed for real money while also claiming specific rewards each time they climb the ranks.

Bovada is also one of the most advanced Washington sports betting platforms, with live streaming, comprehensive in-play wagering, and extremely deep betting markets. For example, LA Rams @ Seattle Seahawks during Week 9 had over 195 markets for the fixture alone. The same can be said about college football betting, as you’ll find dozens of betting markets for Washington Huskies and Washington State Cougars games.

This makes Bovada a brilliant choice for bettors seeking comprehensive options, especially paired with the powerful integrated same-game parlay builder.

Elsewhere, Bovada provides six cryptos alongside conventional credit/debit cards. Withdrawals are slightly slower than BetOnline but can still be completed within 48 hours.

Bovada sports bonus:

3. BetWhale – Best Offshore WA Online Sportsbook For PayPal Banking & eSports Betting

BetWhale is one of the newest WA online sports betting platforms on the scene, emerging in 2023 with Anjouan Gaming Board licensing. The Curacao-headquartered operator notably offers PayPal and Neosurf as banking methods alongside several cryptos, Flexepin, and conventional debit/credit cards. The inclusion of eWallets is a significant advantage over most other competitors, with offshore sites rarely stocking these banking methods.

Washingtonians looking for a comprehensive eSports betting suite will love BetWhale. The sportsbook has a dedicated area for this popular wagering option, covering over 20 specific games and tournaments. Bettors also get in-built Twitch video streaming, rounding off arguably the WA online sportsbook for eSports betting.

Another area BetWhale excels is with soccer betting. The operator has far more options than other competitors. Whether you’re looking for odds on the Seattle Sounders and Reign FC or niche international leagues like the Armenian Premier League, there’s something for everyone.

One small gripe is that the website loading speeds are slower than most alternatives, particularly for the live betting suite.

It’s a small price to pay for such a brilliant platform. This is exemplified by the large 125% up to $1,250 welcome bonus, significantly more than most alternatives. Just watch for the 10x wagering requirement.

BetWhale sports bonus:

4. BetNow – Enjoy An Industry-Leading Reimbursement Program

BetNow surges ahead of the competition with an industry-leading reimbursement program offering bettors 2% of weekly sports betting losses back and 10% for racebook betting and casino losses. Marketed as an industry first, it’s a compelling advantage over other Washington betting sites that could be particularly useful for beginners still getting to grips with tactical betting.

While BetNow has a more limited selection of sports than elsewhere, the operator focusses on US major leagues and college sports with great results. The platform has competitive odds on the NHL, for example, with the Seattle Kraken at +165 to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs. This was +164 and +163 at BetOnline and Bovada, so WA bettors could score extra value for money at BetNow.

The platform is also notably generous with the BetNow welcome bonus, allowing new customers to choose between four separate promos. These run up to 200% up to $200 for crypto deposits or 150% up to $225 for conventional debit/credit payments.

Existing customers can also claim several ongoing promos. Eye-catching examples include a 200% refer-a-friend bonus, regular up to 25% deposit offers, and various sport-specific betting contests.

BetNow sports bonus:

5. Everygame – Best Washington State Sports Betting Site For Reload Promos

Everygame is arguably the best Washington sports betting platform for reload promotions, with numerous generous options available. Some of our favorite examples include Champions League parlay insurance for European soccer fans, a $500 monthly cash reward for users placing parlays with the highest odds, and a weekly $50 draw for free parlay wagers.

The operator also provides four $100 free NFL wagers for fans betting consistently (at least $1500) over four or more game weeks. New customers can additionally claim one of the most generous WA sports betting welcome bonuses, with 50% up to $500 for fiat currencies and 50% up to $1,000 for crypto deposits.

Elsewhere, Everygame has similarly impressive odds as BetNow. It had +165 odds on the Seattle Kraken for the aforementioned match. Everygame’s prop bets are excellent. For instance, you’ll find game props, team props, and player props for most Seattle Krakens matches.

Everygame also scores highly regarding the banking methods, with cryptocurrencies and debit/credit cards available alongside Paysafecard, Neosurf, and Payz.

Everygame sports bonus:

Comparing The Best WA Sports Betting Sites

Get a quick head-to-head comparison of the best Washington State sports betting sites below:

How We Rank The Best Sports Betting Washington Sites

Our experts look at various characteristics to determine the top Washington online sportsbooks. Check the how we rate gambling sites page for a thorough exploration or get a summary below:

• Safety: All Washington betting sites must have top-tier security features and licensing from international regulators like the Curacao Gaming Control Board.
• Deposit & Payout Methods: The best operators have broad banking methods, including cryptocurrencies, eWallets, and debit/credit cards.
• Bonuses & Promotions: We look for the most generous sportsbook bonuses and frequent ongoing promotions with minimal wagering requirements.
• Range of Sports: Having a comprehensive selection of sports available is integral to a leading Washington State sports betting platform.
• Depth of Markets: Similarly, top-of-the-range operators must have comprehensive betting markets.
• Quality of Sports Betting Odds: Our experts assess and compare odds to find the most value.
• Mobile Interface: Having a HTML5-optimized website or native iOS/Android mobile app is key. We test each platform’s options to find the smoothest interfaces.
• Customer Service: Checking for responsive and helpful customer service channels is another key aspect.

Types of Bonuses at Online Betting Sites in Washington

Learn about the main bonus categories for sportsbooks in Washington State below:

• Deposit Match: Promos matching your deposit by a certain percentage (generally between 50% and 200%) in bonus funds.
• No Deposit: Promos that don’t need a deposit to activate, typically offering free bets.
• Free Bets: Sportsbooks award free bet tokens of a specified value, often only eligible on specific sports, markets, or odds.
• Crypto Promotions: Bonuses aimed specifically at crypto users.
• Reload Bonuses: Ongoing bonuses for existing customers spanning deposit matches, free bets, risk-free wagers, and more.
• Risk-Free Bets: Wagers where users can claim their stake back if they lose (usually as bonus funds with wagering requirements).
• Parlay Insurance: Promos allowing bettors to claim their stake back on parlays that fail by one leg.
• Odds Boosts: Enhanced odds on specific games and markets, increasing potential payouts.

Comparing Best Bonuses at Washington Sportsbooks

We’ve compiled the most important information regarding the best Washington sports betting bonuses below:

Popular Payment Methods at Washington Online Sportsbooks

Understanding the main payment method categories is crucial for budding WA sports bettors, as each option has different advantages and disadvantages. See below for a rundown:

Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies use blockchain technology to offer decentralized, anonymous, and transparent payments. Tokens like Bitcoin and Ethereum are exclusively available at offshore sportsbooks, providing bettors with instant transactions without the need for traditional banking information.

Credit/Debit Cards

Conventional credit/debit cards are the most straightforward banking methods, allowing bettors to use pre-existing Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and other accounts. Payment times are slower than crypto or eWallets, but the tradeoff is advanced fraud protection.

Bank Transfers

Bank transfers are the slowest banking methods available, but can also be the most secure. Additionally, they tend to have the highest limits, so can be preferable for high rollers.

eWallets

eWallets are digital wallets that bettors can use to separate gambling funds from other finances. The most famous examples are PayPal and Skrill. Advantages include faster payments and less need for sensitive information sharing, as all that’s required is a username and password.

Get Started and Sign Up With A Washington Betting Site

Here is a quick step-by-step guide detailing how to get started at a Washington betting site:

#1: Choose a Washington Sports Betting Platform

Consult our mini-reviews and comparison tables to find a Washington State sports betting platform in line with your requirements.

#2: Complete Registration Form

Hit the “Register” or “Sign Up” button and fill the account registration page.

#3: Validate Account

Look out for a verification link in your email inbox and follow the instructions to validate your account.

#4: Deposit and Claim Bonus

Navigate to the cashier section and deposit. Ensure you hit the minimum requirement to claim the welcome bonus and use any promo codes if necessary.

Most Popular Sports and Teams to Bet on in Washington

Washingtonians have several major league teams to follow alongside some of the most successful college teams in the US. Here’s a rundown:

• Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
• Seattle Mariners (MLB)
• Seattle Kraken (NHL)
• Seattle Storm (WNBA)
• Seattle Sounders (MLS)
• Reign FC (NWSL)
• Seattle Seawolves (MLR)
• Washington Huskies (NCAA I Pac-12)
• Washington State Cougars (NCAA I Pac-12)
• Gonzaga Bulldogs (NCAA I WCC [moving to Pac-12 in July 2026])

Take a Look at Our Expert Sportsbook Selections on Your Favorite Sports

Popular Type of Bets at WA Online Sportsbooks

Learning the key wager types is crucial before enjoying the many Washington state online sports betting platforms. Here are the main options:

• Moneyline: A moneyline bet is a straightforward bet on the winner or loser of a game.
• Spread betting: Wagers focusing on the margin of victory rather than the actual outcome. When you engage in spread betting, your wager involves point spreads, run lines, or puck lines.
• Parlays: Multi-faceted bets with several predictions under one stake. All must be accurate to trigger a payout. Wins are much larger as each leg multiplies the odds. Top-spec Washington betting sites also have same-game parlays.
• Over/Under: Also called totals, bettors must predict whether the number of match events will be over or under the total set by the sportsbook. Over/under bets are often combined with a moneyline bets for a same-game parlay.
• Prop Bets: Wagers covering specific predictions during a match. For example, how many touchdowns the Seattle Seahawks will score?
• Live Bets: In-play wagers placed while the match is being played with consistently updated odds.

Betting Apps & Mobile Betting Sites In Washington

Washington sports betting apps provide bettors with an easy way to wager on the move and enjoy specific advantages like push notifications and biometric security features. But there’s a catch in the Evergreen State – WA-regulated operators can only take bets on tribal lands, rather than diminishing the benefit of mobile wagering.

This is where offshore Washington State sports betting apps excel. Most operators have HTML5-optimized websites, enabling bettors to place mobile wagers with ease from anywhere.

Retail Sports Betting in Washington

There are dozens of retail sports betting locations in Washington, all on tribal grounds. Here are a few of the most popular:

• Snoqualmie Casino (37500 SE North Bend Way, Snoqualmie, WA 98065)
• Caesars at Spokane Tribe Casino (14300 US-2, Airway Heights, WA 99001)
• Betfred at Silver Reef Casino Resort (4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale, WA 98248)
• Little Creek Casino Resort (91 WA-108, Shelton, WA 98584)
• DraftKings at Quil Ceda Creek Casino (10200 Quil Ceda Blvd, Tulalip, WA 98271)

Other Betting and Gambling Options in Washington

Aside from sports betting, Washingtonians can also enjoy the following gambling options:

• Retail Casinos: The Land of Enchantment has over 30 tribal casino locations.
• Online Casinos: Players looking for online casinos in Washington can only access offshore online casinos, with state-regulated operators strictly prohibited.
• Poker: Some popular WA poker rooms include Pockets Eight and Fortune Poker. Residents can also enjoy various online poker sites.
• Horse Racing: Horse racing betting is extremely popular in the Evergreen State. Popular racetracks include Emerald Downs and Dayton Days.
• Fantasy Sports: Lawmakers have strictly outlawed fantasy sports.

Online Sports Betting in the Nearby States to Washington

Get the lowdown on online sports betting in neighboring states:

• Oregon: Sports betting in Oregon launched in August 2019. DraftKings is the only state-regulated operator allowed.
• Idaho: The Gem State isn’t likely to legalize sportsbooks anytime soon, although Idaho sports betting fans can use offshore platforms.
• California: Similar to Idaho, California’s comprehensive tribal gambling network means a state-regulated online sportsbook industry is a long way off the cards. However, bettors can use offshore sites.

Responsible Gambling in WA

Staying responsible while enjoying sports betting in Washington is crucial. Always set sensible budgets before wagering and never chase your losses, as this is bound to cause even more financial anguish. Read our responsible gambling page to learn more.

Here are some helpful resources to consider:

• Washington State Gambling Commission Self-Exclusion Program
• Washington State Health Care Authority
• Washington State Problem Gambling Resources

Conclusion: Best Online Sportsbook for Washington Bettors

BetOnline is our top-rated Washington sportsbook for numerous reasons. The operator has a superb interface, frequent ongoing promotions, live streaming support, a “Mega Parlay” feature, and much more. Sign up using our link below to get started.

Washington Sports Betting FAQs

Is sports betting legal in Washington State?

Yes. The Evergreen State legalized sports betting at tribal casinos in 2020.

Is online sports betting legal in Washington?

Yes. However, bettors at state-regulated platforms must be physically present on tribal lands.

Are offshore betting sites legal in WA?

Betting at offshore betting sites in WA is perfectly safe and legal.

What are the best Washington online sportsbooks?

Some of the best WA sportsbooks include BetOnline, Bovada, and BetWhale.