Legal Poker For Washington Residents
Of all the different forms of gambling, poker remains one of the most popular—yet it also remains one of the most legally contentious. For example, those who live in the State of Washington will surely ask whether there exist any legal Washington poker opportunities—and the answer to that question is not necessarily simple. The State of Washington does not expressly condone poker, yet there are many forms of poker that are legal, or at the very least safe. These include legal Washington poker games at various casinos and in private homes. All of this is to say nothing of online poker rooms.
Washington gamers need to know where and when they can play poker without fear of legal repercussions—which is exactly what this page is about. Established as an educational resource for Washington gamers, this page will look closely at the topic of Washington’s poker laws. It will also consider some of the opportunities that exist for live poker games and for online gaming. In the end, the page will seek to demonstrate the numerous ways in which Washington gamblers can play poker without fear of legal consequences.
Washington Poker Laws & Statutes
First and foremost, it is important to establish what Washington’s laws actually say about poker. As in most states, Washington’s views on poker can be a bit difficult to pin down. What can be said with certainty is that the state does not condemn private, home poker games, so those who like to play in a social setting can do so without worry. Moreover, the state does fully support certain forms of gambling within its many Native American casinos—and yes, that includes games of poker.
Beyond that, things can get a bit dicey. Washington does not condone tournament-style poker, and it does not expressly approve of online gaming, either. That does not necessarily mean that such poker opportunities are unwise or unsafe, however, and indeed, those who live in Washington can play poker in online poker rooms and not have to worry about what the law says. Though the laws are staunch in their language, fact of the matter is that they are really geared towards those profiting from running a poker website and not Washington residents that use them.
Is it Legal to Play Online Poker in Washington?
Next, we turn our attention to the question of online poker and its legality. This is a slightly more complicated question to consider. The reason for that is that there is a world of difference between that which is legal and that which is safe. Technically, Washington’s laws do not allow for online poker, yet there is no real legal peril that players need to worry about.
That’s because the laws in Washington penalize those who own and operate online gambling and poker sites—not necessarily those who play at those sites. As such, there is no legal liability put onto those who simply enjoy playing poker on the Internet. Washington gamers can visit their favorite online poker rooms and not have to worry about the threat of prosecution, especially when they use those websites located outside of Washington's and U.S. jurisdiction.
Can I Get into Trouble for Playing Online Poker Washington?
To phrase the question another way, will Washington gamers get into trouble for playing poker in online poker rooms? Again, while online poker is not expressly permitted by the State of Washington, that does not mean there is a risk of legal penalization for those who play. It may not be legal, strictly speaking, but it is safe.
And once more, the reason is that Washington’s laws, though they do not directly condone online gambling, also do not directly criminalize online poker playing. The only legal liability falls to those who own and operate poker sites. Washington gamers do not need to worry about getting into trouble simply because they happen to visit online poker sites!
Legal Poker Sites That Accept Washington Players
An introduction to legal online poker can be daunting for some Washington residents, but a lot of the stress can be avoided by knowing ahead of time some good legal poker sites to sign up with. That’s why we’ve compiled the list below, in hopes of helping Washington residents find the best means of participating in online poker for them.
Bovada Poker - Most Trusted Online Poker Room For Washington
Washington residents know the best when they see it, and when it comes to legal poker sites the best available is Bovada. Their intuitive software combined with their comprehensive listings of available poker games help make Bovada one of the best in the business, and after 20 years of service to US citizens, you can bet they know exactly which bells and whistles will impress players from Michigan, not that they have to worry much about that any more. For a business as well run and operating for as long as Bovada, customer service becomes second nature.
In order to earn the chance to show new clients just how serious Bovada poker is about their level of service, they’re willing to offer free money to sign up. Whenever a new customer starts an account with Bovada, they are able to earn up to 100% of their deposit back in bonus money. Prospective users should check with Bovada regarding the specifics of the deal, but suffice to say, it’s a promotion without parallel in the world of legal online poker.
BetOnline Poker - All Washington Players 18+ Welcome Here
For the discerning poker player from Washington, they would be well advised to at least pop their browser over to one of the world’s fastest growing legal online poker rooms over at BetOnline. New and old users alike all eventually learn one thing about playing poker with BetOnline. When they have their name on an account, they’re in charge, and this quality legal poker site for Washington residents is only too happy to oblige.
When a user plays with BetOnline, they play their way. Be it though high stakes tournament play, fast games of five card stud or anything in between, the BetOnline poker room is there for their players! They even offer novelty, seasonal and fun tournaments. Fan of zombies? Check near Halloween or close to big premiers for AMC’s “The Walking Dead” for a fun, zombie themed poker tournament, as well as tournaments designed around all major and even some non-major holidays. Just because poker is something to be taken seriously doesn’t mean it can’t be serious fun.
| Legal Washington Poker Sites | Welcome Bonus | What To Play | Site Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada Poker Play / Sign Up | $1,000 FREE - 100% Match | Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo - Stud Hi/Lo |  |
| BetOnline Poker Play / Sign Up | Maximum $1K: 200% Rate | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo | |
| SportsBetting Play / Sign Up | 200% Match / $1,000 Max | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo | |
| 5Dimes Poker Play / Sign Up | Vary Weekly - Check Website | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo |  |
Does Washington Have Legal Land-Based Poker?
Now we will turn our attention to some more specific forms of poker—starting with live games, and then moving into online poker. As we have already noted, home and private poker games are safe options for any Washington native. Additionally, the state offers numerous Native American casinos, located throughout Washington. Many of these casinos, while not as lavish as the big resorts of Vegas or Atlantic City, nevertheless offer robust, varied gaming options—and that includes many poker tables.
Legal Land-Based Poker Rooms For Washington Players
The next question that Washington poker enthusiasts will want to ask is this: Where are the best places to play? There are two basic options here—to play a live, land-based game, or to head to an online poker room. In Washington, land-based poker games are more plentiful than you might think, thanks to the relatively large number of Native American casinos. These casinos all offer varying mixtures of slots, video games, and table games, but many of them do offer both live poker tables and video poker.
And then there are the online poker rooms. There are several good, reputable online poker rooms that can be enjoyed safely and without fear of legal consequences. These online poker sites are all more than happy to accept the participation of gamblers from Washington!
Future of Poker/Online Poker in Washington
The fact that Washington has so many live poker rooms on offer indicates that the state’s views on gambling are relatively permissive—but what does that mean for the future of poker, and especially online poker, in Washington? Only time will tell, of course, but there is plenty of reason to believe that fully legalized online poker will start coming to more and more states across the country. Right now, only Nevada offers it, but many other states are moving in that direction—and Washington may one day end up as one of them.
For now, Washington gamblers can rejoice in the knowledge that online poker is a safe and secure way to play—and indeed, it is more accessible to most residents of the state than a trip to a casino could ever be. There are many online poker rooms that provide sound playing options for residents of Washington; no matter what the future holds, online poker stands as an ideal way for Washington poker lovers to play.
