Washington Sports Betting – How To Bet At Washington Sportsbooks & Betting Sites

Welcome to your ultimate guide for Washington sports betting! Whether you’re a veteran in the industry or a sports betting newbie, we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the legal landscape of Washington sports betting and the top sportsbooks and betting sites available in the state. We’ll also cover the sign-up process and everything else you’ll need to begin your sports betting journey in the Evergreen State!

Is Sports Betting Legal in Washington?

Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 2638 into law on March 25, 2020, effectively legalizing retail sports betting at tribal casinos throughout the state. Both online and in-person betting are available in Washington, but they must take place on the premises of licensed retail sportsbooks throughout the state.

The following casinos and venues throughout the state accept wagers on both college and professional sports:

The legal betting age in Washington is 18 years old, but some retail sports betting locations in the state may require you to be 21 years or older to enter.

In addition, you cannot currently place wagers on minor league sports, eSports, or in-state college teams. For example, you cannot bet on the University of Washington or Washington State University, but you can bet on other college sports programs throughout the country, such as the University of Oregon, UCLA, or USC.

When Will Online Sports Betting Launch in Washington?

While online and mobile sports betting is technically legal in Washington, it is only able to take place on the premises of licensed tribal casinos throughout the state. In other words, it is only legal to use a tribal casino’s sports betting app or website when physically present on their property. For instance, the Snoqualmie Casino Sportsbook offers customers on-property digital betting via their mobile app.

Unfortunately, online sports betting from anywhere in the state is unavailable at this time. However, there are many Washington state legislators who are proponents of expanding the state’s digital sports betting market and many others who have recently challenged what they believe to be a tribal monopoly on sports betting.

As a result, Washington may look to authorize mobile sportsbooks to operate their platforms in the state in the upcoming years. Many sports betting companies (such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and Unibet) have already partnered with tribal casinos to offer retail sportsbooks and would be likely candidates to launch their online platforms in the Evergreen State should the opportunity ever arise.

How Can I Bet on Sports in Washington?

Washington sports betting enthusiasts have a handful of options available to them. A few of the best opportunities are listed and explained below.

Retail Sportsbooks

As previously mentioned, Washington bettors can place in-person wagers at retail sportsbooks across the state. Quil Ceda Creek Casino, Snoqualmie Casino, and Tulalip Resort Casino are a few of the closest options for Seattle sports bettors, but the options are scattered across the state, ensuring all Washingtonians have access to at least one of their state’s licensed tribal casinos.

Visit Neighboring States

Another option for Washington residents is to visit nearby states (such as Oregon, Montana, and Nevada) to place your bets. Those who live in southern Washington, in particular, may find a quick trip to Oregon to be their best option, as they’ll be able to place bets online using the DraftKings Sportsbook website or mobile app and wager on the University of Washington, Washington State, and Gonzaga, if interested.

Horse Racing

Betting on horse races is also legal in the state of Washington, and bettors can place wagers at licensed racetracks as well as online racebooks, including but not limited to TVG, DRF, DraftKings, and TwinSpires. Although horse racing is generally considered a sport, it is not subject to the same rules and regulations as football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and other popular American sports. As a result, you’ll have no problem betting on all of the country’s most exciting races each year.

Offshore Sportsbooks

Lastly, Washington bettors have the option to use offshore sportsbooks (e.g., MyBookie, Bovada, and BetUS) to place online wagers on any American or international sporting events. Offshore sportsbooks typically require users to be only 18 years of age to sign up and start betting, but it is important to understand that these sites come with certain risks and uncertainties because they are not regulated in the same way as U.S. sportsbooks.

What Are the Best Washington Sportsbooks & Betting Sites?

Although no online or mobile sportsbooks are currently operating in the Evergreen State, there are plenty of platforms ready to enter the market as soon as they are given the chance. A few of the most likely candidates are discussed below.

DraftKings Sportsbook

One of the biggest names in the world of sports betting, DraftKings is currently partnered with multiple retail sportsbooks in the state (Quil Ceda Creek Casino and Tulalip Resort Casino) and owns a monopoly on the sports betting market in Oregon, Washington’s neighbor to the south. As a result, it seems likely that DraftKings Sportsbook would jump at any opportunity to enter the state of Washington.

DraftKings Sportsbook offers a generous welcome offer to all new customers and provides frequent bonuses to existing customers to enhance their overall betting experience. In addition, DraftKings is one of the best in the industry when it comes to offering a wide range of alternative lines and totals as well as prop bets on all your favorite players and teams.

Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook is another industry giant and currently offers retail sports betting in the Evergreen State through partnerships with Spokane Tribe Casino, Muckleshoot Casino, and Mistequa Casino Hotel. Well known for its top-tier customer loyalty program and daily odds boosts, Caesars Sportsbook has a variety of unique features and special benefits to offer all users of the platform.

Unibet Sportsbook

Unibet Sportsbook launched in Washington in April 2023 through a partnership with the Swinomish tribe and its Swinomish Casino & Lodge in Anacortes. With an experienced and trusted brand as well as a fantastic in-game betting service, Unibet is one of the best sports betting platforms in the United States today. New customers will also receive substantial first-bet insurance when they first sign up for an account with Unibet.

BetRivers Sportsbook

Last but not least, BetRivers Sportsbook is a likely contender for a Washington sports betting license at some point in the near future. Owned and operated by Rush Street Interactive (RSI), BetRivers is a rapidly-growing sports betting site and is frequently entering new markets throughout the United States. BetRivers Sportsbook provides all users with competitive odds, exciting promotional deals, and a variety of different betting markets.

Where Can I Bet on Sports in Washington?

In addition to the retail sports betting opportunities available at casinos throughout the state, Washington bettors will always have the option to visit neighboring states to experience a variety of online and in-person wagering options. A few of the nearby states that have already legalized sports betting are discussed below.

Oregon

Sports betting launched in Oregon in August 2019 and both online and in-person wagers are currently accepted in the state. You can cross state lines and visit any of Oregon’s licensed tribal casinos that offer retail sports betting, or you may place your bets online using DraftKings, the state’s only available mobile sportsbook.

Montana

Although it does not border Washington, Montana is just a short drive away for many residents of the Evergreen State and offers hundreds of different retail sports betting locations across the state to anyone who is 18 years or older. In addition, online sports betting is available through Sports Bet Montana, but you will need to be on the premises of an authorized retail location to actually place your bets.

Nevada

Nevada is also relatively close to Washington and offers a great selection of online and retail sportsbooks. Washington sports bettors can take a trip down to the Silver State and bet on all their favorite sports and team using their preferred online sportsbook (e.g., BetMGM, Caesars, or SuperBook), or they may physically place wagers at any of the nearly 200 licensed retail sports betting locations across the state

How To Sign Up & Start Betting in Washington

Although online and mobile sports betting is not yet legal in the state of Washington, it is important to be aware of the process you’ll need to use to get started once it becomes available. Here are the six basic steps to follow:

1. Choose Your Sportsbook: Pick a sportsbook with qualities and features that align well with your personal preferences and unique betting needs.
2. Register for an Account: Begin the sign-up process. Enter all necessary personal information (name, address, date of birth, etc.), choose a password, and agree to the site’s Terms of Use.
3. Verify Your Account: Complete the account verification process by following the on-screen instructions provided by your sportsbook. You may need to enter your social security number or upload a form of photo identification to confirm your identity.
4. Make a Deposit: Use any of the platform’s accepted payment methods (e.g., debit/credit cards, online banking, or digital wallets) to make your first deposit.
5. Claim Your Welcome Offer: Claim the generous new player bonus offer provided by your sportsbook. You will typically receive bonus funds, first-bet insurance, or a deposit match.
6. Start Placing Bets: Begin placing bets on all your favorite players, teams, and leagues. Good luck!

What Teams Can I Bet on in Washington?

In Washington, you can bet on a wide range of teams across many different sports. A few of the most popular franchises and organizations are discussed below.

Washington Huskies

Many of the state’s college sports fans support the University of Washington Huskies. Based in Seattle, the Huskies compete at the Division I level in the PAC-12 Conference. The University of Washington football program has been excellent, claiming two national championships, seven Rose Bowl victories, and one Orange Bowl title over the years.

In addition, the school’s softball team, men’s rowing team, women’s cross country team, and women’s volleyball team have all claimed national titles in the 21st century, helping the Huskies establish themselves as one of the top athletic programs across the country. You cannot currently bet on the University of Washington at retail sportsbooks in the state, but you can visit nearby states, such as Oregon, to bet on the Huskies in all major sports.

Washington State Cougars

Another beloved college sports program in the state is the Washington State Cougars, also a member of the Pac-12 Conference and a fierce rival of the Washington Huskies. Washington State University is based in Pullman and owns NCAA titles in basketball, indoor track and field, and boxing. You also are unable to bet on any Washington State games within state lines, but you can bet on out-of-state schools or visit a neighboring state to place a wager on the Cougars.

Gonzaga Bulldogs

The Gonzaga University Bulldogs are also a favorite among college sports fans in the Evergreen State. The school owns one of the top men’s college basketball programs in the nation and is the West Coast Conference’s premier team year in and year out. Led by Head Coach Mark Few, Gonzaga has reached the Sweet Sixteen in eight consecutive NCAA Tournaments and seems to edge closer to a national title each season.

Seattle Seahawks

Arguably the most popular professional sports team in the state of Washington, the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks entered the league as an expansion team in 1976 and have a rambunctious fanbase, often nickname the “12th Man” for their loudness and tenacity at each and every home game. You can bet on all of the team’s games throughout the regular season and postseason by visiting licensed retail sportsbooks throughout the state.

Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners are a Major League Baseball (MLB) team based in Seattle, Washington. Established in 1977, the Mariners have had their fair share of ups and downs throughout their history. They play their home games at T-Mobile Park and are well-known for their dedicated fanbase.

While they haven’t yet won a World Series, the team has had some successful seasons and notable players, including Hall of Famers such as Ken Griffey Jr. and Ichiro Suzuki. Mariners’ games offer fans and bettors alike the excitement of America’s favorite pastime.

Tips & Tricks for Washington Sports Bettors

If you’re looking for a way to increase your chances of success in the world of sports betting, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some tips and tricks to use:

• Research Teams & Players: Knowledge is power. Before placing your bets, take the time to research the teams, players, and their recent performances. Stay updated with injuries, team dynamics, and any other factors that may impact the outcome of the game.
• Keep Your Emotions in Check: It’s important to stay level-headed and not let emotions dictate your betting decisions. Avoid chasing losses by making impulsive bets or increasing your stakes out of frustration. Stick to your strategy and make rational decisions based on analysis rather than emotions.
• Utilize Multiple Sportsbooks: Don’t limit yourself to just one sportsbook. Explore different licensed sportsbooks in Washington and compare the odds they offer. This way, you can find the best value for your bets and potentially increase your winnings.
• Be Cautious With Parlays: Parlays and accumulators offer the potential for higher payouts by combining multiple bets into one. However, they are also riskier, as all the individual bets must be correct to win. Approach parlays with caution and consider using them sparingly as part of a larger betting strategy.
• Explore Live-Betting Options: Live betting, also known as in-play betting, allows you to place bets while a game is in progress. It opens up exciting opportunities to capitalize on momentum shifts and favorable lines throughout a game. Keep an eye on the matchup and look for advantageous moments to place well-informed live bets.
• Bet Responsibly: Remember that sports betting should be fun and entertaining. Set limits for your betting activities and never gamble more than you can afford to lose. If you feel that your betting habits are becoming problematic, seek help from support organizations dedicated to responsible gambling.

Washington Sports Betting FAQ