Washington Scores with In-Person Sports Betting, But Mobile Needs a Touchdown
Sports fans in Washington state can finally place legal bets! Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
Touchdown for In-Person Betting: Washington legalized sports betting in March 2020, with the first wagers accepted in September 2021.
Tribal Casinos Lead the Way: Only federally recognized tribal casinos are authorized to offer sports betting within their facilities.
Mobile Muddle: Similar to Mississippi, Washington allows mobile betting, but only if you’re physically located inside a casino. This significantly limits its convenience and potential revenue for the state.
Statewide Mobile Pass Unlikely: Unfortunately, there’s no clear path towards legalizing full statewide mobile sports betting in Washington anytime soon.
The Future of Washington Sports Betting
While Washington has taken a step forward with in-person sports betting, mobile options remain restricted. Here’s what to watch for:
Legislative Changes: Lawmakers might revisit regulations in the future to allow for wider mobile betting access, similar to neighboring states.
Tribal Expansion: Tribal casinos could potentially explore expanding their mobile sports betting offerings within casino grounds.
Stay tuned for updates on how Washington’s sports betting landscape evolves!
Washington Betting FAQs
Yes, Washington legalized sports betting in March 2020, with the first bets accepted in September 2021. However, there are limitations.
You can only place sports bets in person at a federally recognized tribal casino that offers sports betting facilities.
Sort of. Washington allows mobile sports betting, but only if you're physically located inside a licensed casino that offers sports betting. Remote mobile wagering from anywhere in the state is not currently permitted.
There's no clear timeline for legalizing full statewide mobile sports betting in Washington.
Keep an eye on local news outlets and follow the Washington State Gambling Commission website for any announcements or changes to sports betting regulations.
