Washington Sweepstakes Casinos in 2025

There's no two ways about it: sweepstakes casinos in Washington are illegal. The state is playing hardball against all types and subtypes of online gaming, and sweepstakes sites don't get a free pass in the Evergreen State.

And if you're banking on the situation improving anytime soon, don't bother. The anti-gambling sentiment is simply far too strong. Social casinos remain the only legal option for playing casino-style games online. But even then, you can only play for fun and shouldn't consider purchasing coins or redeeming real cash prizes.

Online Gambling Legislation in Washington

Washington lawmakers are crystal clear: no form of online gambling is allowed in the state, period. The principal law governing the status of gambling can be found under Chapter 9.46 of the RSC, stating that any game of chance where you wager something of value or win something of value is explicitly banned.

To make matters even clearer, Washington legislators introduced the 2006 blanket ban on Internet gambling, which not only added sweepstakes casinos into the mix but also increased the charge from a gross misdemeanor to a Class C felony. In layman's terms, you could end up in prison for up to 5 years or pay a fine of up to $10,000.

As per the Washington State Gambling Commission, the exclusive privilege of hosting casino-style games belongs to 30+ tribal casinos and several poker rooms around the state. Tribal casinos can also host sports betting activities as per the 2020 bill. That's it.

How About WA Sweepstakes Casinos?

In most other states (think 40+), sweepstakes casinos operate within a legal gray area that tolerates them so long as you don't have to make purchases to play. Not so in Washington.

The Evergreen State leaves little room for interpretation and flat-out bans all Internet gambling. You could go to prison if caught red-handed. Not even social casinos are completely off the hook. They are safe so long as they don't have stores where you purchase in-game currencies.

Recent History of Sweepstakes & Social Casinos in Washington

Unlike in some other states where sweepstakes casinos can leverage a gray area, the 2006 law forbids purchasing or wagering anything of value, be it real money or virtual tokens. The whip of the law was best witnessed in the 2018 legal case of High 5 Casino, which had to pay a $25 million fine for allowing players to purchase non-redeemable tokens.

Not even the monopoly claim against tribal casinos proved fruitful. A 2022 lawsuit targeting the Washington Gambling Commission was dismissed a year later.

The State of Social Casinos in Washington

Social casinos are defined as online platforms where you can only play for fun, and they are technically legal. However, as proved by the case of Larsen v. PTT, LLC (aka, High 5 Casinos), social casinos that sell Gold Coins (defined as 'things of value' in the lawbook) may end up breaking the law.

But what about the layers? While the former Gambling Commission Director Rick Day is on record saying that the social casino legislation focuses on operators and not individual players, one can never be too careful. We suggest that you play only at Washington social casinos that don't feature stores.

Are sweepstakes social casinos legal in Washington?

No. The 2006 Internet gambling ban does not leave any wiggle room for Washington sweepstakes casinos to operate legally. Your only legal choice is social casinos that don't have casino stores.

Can I win real money playing at Washington social sweepstakes casinos?

No. Playing at Washington sweepstakes casinos is a Class C felony and you could end up in prison if caught.

Can I claim bonuses at Washington sweepstakes casinos?

No, because sweepstakes casinos are illegal in Washington. You can take advantage of free GC in WA social casinos and play for free without the possibility to redeem money prizes.

What is the difference between social and sweepstakes casinos?

Social casinos can only be played with Gold Coins for entertainment, while sweepstakes casinos let you redeem real money prizes. In the case of Washington, you can only play games at social casinos.

Can I purchase GC at Washington social casinos?

You can, but it's illegal for social casinos in Washington to sell virtual tokens.