Gambling online has exploded in popularity across the United States, with many states adopting regulated online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker platforms. But if you live in Kent, Washington, the situation is very different from many other states — and understanding the legal landscape is essential before you even think about placing a wager online.
Washington’s Online Gambling Laws
Washington State has some of the strictest online gambling laws in the country. State law explicitly prohibits all forms of online gambling, including online casinos, poker, and sports betting conducted over the internet. According to the Washington State Gambling Commission, it is a Class C felony to “knowingly transmit or receive gambling information” by telephone, internet, or any similar means, meaning that even placing a bet online could technically fall under this prohibition.
To break that down simply: if you make a wager online — whether it’s slots, table games, poker, or a sports bet — using a real-money site from within Washington, that action is unlawful under state law. This broad restriction is much harsher than most states, which usually allow at least sports betting or online lotteries. In Washington, the law doesn’t carve out exceptions for different types of gambling — anything that fits the legal definition of a wager made online is prohibited.
What’s Considered Illegal?
Washington defines online gambling as transmitting or receiving gambling information via an electronic system. This includes playing internet card games, betting on virtual casino games, or placing a sports bet from a mobile phone. Even simple acts like buying a raffle ticket or placing a micro-bet online count if real value is involved.
Under state law, gambling requires three elements:
- Staking something of value (e.g., money),
- On the outcome of a future event or game of chance, and
- With the agreement that a prize will be awarded.
If all three elements are present over the internet, it’s illegal.
Online Casinos and Poker — Not Allowed
Online casinos are explicitly illegal in Washington State. Slots, blackjack, roulette, online poker, and virtual table games — each of these falls under the prohibition on transmitting gambling information via the internet.
Similarly, online poker rooms are outlawed, and state law has historically taken a very broad approach so that even offshore platforms accepting Washington players technically violate gambling statutes.
Sports Betting — Only in Person
Washington did take some steps to legalize sports betting with the passage of House Bill 2638 in 2020. However, the way the law was implemented means that sports betting is only legal at tribal casino properties — and even then, only when you’re physically located on the premises.
What this means for someone in Kent is that you cannot place a mobile sports bet from home as you might in other states like Colorado, Oregon, or Michigan. Even licensed sports betting apps are geofenced so that they only work inside a tribal casino’s property.
Horse Racing Betting — Limited Option
One narrow exception in Washington is horse racing advance-deposit wagering, which can be done through authorized pari-mutuel platforms. But this is a specialized form of online wagering tied directly to horse races and regulated separately from casino games or sportsbook betting.
Offshore Gambling — A Legal Gray Area
Despite the clear legality issues outlined by state law, many Washington residents still access international or “offshore” gambling sites that are based outside the U.S. These sites often accept players from Washington, including casino games and sports betting.
However, it’s important to understand that Washington still considers participation in these sites illegal — even if enforcement against individual players is rare in practice. This creates a legal gray area: while enforcement action against individual gamblers is scarce and there are few publicized prosecutions, the underlying law is still on the books. In other words, there’s legal risk involved with using offshore platforms, even if in reality most casual players are not pursued by law enforcement.
Legal Alternatives in Kent
If you want to gamble legally in Kent and follow state law, your options are limited but clear:
- Visit a Tribal Casino: Washington has multiple tribal casinos that operate land-based gambling, including slots and table games.
Place Sports Bets on Site: At some tribal casinos with sportsbooks, you can place sports wagers — but only while physically present in the casino.
Horse Racing Wagers: If you’re interested in racing, some licensed online pari-mutuel platforms are available for that specific purpose.
Responsible Gambling and Knowing the Law
Before attempting to gamble online, it’s vital to understand your state’s laws and the risks involved. Gambling should be treated as entertainment, not a way to earn income, and it’s especially important to prioritize safety and responsible betting. This is true regardless of whether you choose to gamble at a legal casino, a tribal property, or consider offshore platforms.
Conclusion
Living in Kent, WA, means navigating one of the most restrictive online gambling environments in the U.S. Most forms of online gambling — including online casinos, poker sites, and even home-based sports betting — are strictly prohibited under Washington law.
The only legal ways to gamble are by visiting tribal casinos in person or using specialized horse-race wagering platforms. While offshore gambling options exist and may be accessible in practice, they remain illegal under state law. Anyone considering gambling online should understand both the legal framework and the potential risks involved.