Tribal Sports Betting in Washington – Approved!

The sports betting scene of the United States has been changing a lot in the last couple of years. Ever since they smoothed the legal way for sports wagering, almost all states have been taking steps. And now it is the time for Washington: the governor has just approved tribal sports betting deals in the state, for all gamblers to enjoy! They legalized sports betting in the US on May 14, 2018, by overturning the congressional law they passed in 1992. Therefore, today every state can decide for itself on legalizing sports betting among its borders. It can already be a little bit confusing, but there is another factor to spice up the gambling business in the States. It is tribal gambling, which has been around for decades. So, the ever-changing legislation can make even old-timer gamblers a little bit confused. But now, we are about to clear the air on the topic, at least as far as Washington is concerned. How are sports wagering and tribal sports betting doing in Washington? Let us tell you!

Gambling in the Evergreen State

According to letsgambleusa.com “Washington boasts a massive land-based gambling industry that generates around $3 billion in annual revenue. About 70% of this revenue is raked by the local tribal casinos, which makes these establishments important for the economies of their respective counties and cities.” The gambling regulations are also known to be unique in the state. The piece of law on the matter matters is the Washington Revised Code, RCW 9.46.010 et seq. and RCW 67.16.010 et seq. The minimum gambling age in Washington is 18. However, several local casinos serve alcohol, you need to be at least 21 to enter. And what about online gambling? According to bettingusa.com “online casinos and poker sites are prohibited by some of the strictest laws in the nation in Washington. Senate Bill SSB 6613 was passed in 2006 for the purpose of clarifying Washington’s stance on participation in unlawful internet betting.” However, there are some online sports betting sites in the US, like Bovada, that excepts the state to change the current strictness. But what about tribal sports betting in Washington?

Tribal Sports Betting in Washington

So, as you can see tribal gambling has a long history in the state of Washington. And now, it is time for the issue to move to a whole another level. The Governor, Jay Inslee signed the agreements that allow sport betting in the tribal casinos of Washington. That meaning there is only one more step to the case: the approval of the Department of the Interior. If they give their federal approval, the law will come into force. They made the agreement itself with 15 – plus one from the Gambling Commission – tribes. These are The Colville, Cowlitz, Jamestown S’Klallam, Kalispel, Lummi, Muckleshoot, Puyallup, Shoalwater Bay, Snoqualmie, Spokane, Squaxin Island, Stillaguamish, Suquamish, Swinomish, and Tulalip tribes. It was the Skokomish Lucky Dog Casino that got its approval from the state gambling commission.

Benefits of the new ruling

The governor, Inslee emphasized the importance of the new regulations: “This will give people the opportunity to participate in a new gaming activity that is safe and well regulated by the tribes.” But it is also great for the tribes, as they have new opportunities to reach more gamblers and raise their incomes. And that is something that is also great for the state’s till, because of revenue taxes. However, the legislations are still strict on online gambling. As such, operators of online gambling sites in the US have to wait it out. And what about gamblers? They can try some wagering forms outside of the state. Like going abroad and put some bets up on Bovada, in the meantime!

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