State law prohibits anyone from training animals to fight, fighting animals, or being present at fights, whether professional gambling is taking place. Professional gambling is illegal and is usually connected to animal fights. Bookmakingīookmaking means taking bets or wagers on the outcome of a future event, typically sporting events, when you conduct the activity as a business and accept a fee from the bettor for the chance to place a bet. You can learn more about sports wagering licensing or about the rules that govern sports wagering in Washington state. Sports wagering is illegal in Washington state except at tribal casinos with amended Class III compacts following the passage of House Bill 2638 in March 2020.ġ00-square sports pool boards are also permitted under restricted conditions. You can report illegal gambling activity to us at any time. Gambling involves three elements: prize, chance, and consideration (wager or anything of value).Ĭonducting illegal gambling activities may result in criminal charges being filed against you, your organization, and/or its officers, and forfeiture of all property or money associated with illegal gambling.
Gambling in Washington state is illegal unless the activity is specifically authorized by state law.
