Is online poker legal in Washington? Not licensed
No online poker site is licensed in Washington. The state has not passed a law to regulate it.
What Washington law says
Washington is the strictest state in the country on this. A 2006 law makes playing poker online for money a Class C felony for the player, and a court challenge in 2012 did not overturn it. Most operators, including free-play sites, have left the state.
Online sports betting is also prohibited; betting is limited to tribal casinos.
What is likely to change
No sign of change.
Real money online poker in Washington: the offshore sites
Sweepstakes poker in Washington
Washington's gambling statute already shuts sweepstakes sites out; they do not serve the state.
Live poker in Washington
Tribal casinos and licensed card rooms. See poker rooms near Seattle.
Common questions
Is online poker legal in Washington?
No online poker site is licensed in Washington. The state has not passed a law to regulate it.
Can I get in trouble for playing online poker in Washington?
Yes. Washington law makes it a felony for the player. We are not lawyers and this is not legal advice. Gambling laws in most states are aimed at people who run games, not people who play them, but the wording differs state to state. If it matters to you, ask a Washington lawyer.
Which poker sites accept Washington players?
Playing online poker for money is a felony for the player in Washington. We do not list sites for this state. Play live.
Do I have to be in the state to play?
On a state-licensed site, yes: your phone or computer is location-checked. Offshore sites decide by the address you register with.