Washington State Gambling Commission
P.O. Box 42400
Olympia, WA 98504
360-486-3440
360-486-3629 (fax)
Internet Gambling
The Washington State Constitution prohibits all gambling activities unless the activity is specifically authorized in State law. Internet gambling has never been authorized and is illegal in Washington State. It is also illegal under federal law.
Gambling has a history of connection to crime and corruption and as a result is strictly controlled virtually everywhere. Just because gambling occurs on the Internet doesn’t change this potential or the concern. The Washington State Gambling Commission was created to keep the criminal element out of gambling and to protect the public.
It may seem harmless to gamble online; however, unlike licensed gambling activities, Internet gambling sites are not regulated in Washington State, or anywhere in the United States. Players have no idea who is operating the gambling site.
Players put themselves at risk of credit card fraud, identity theft, or other financial crimes by disclosing information that should be kept secure. Players don’t know if the game is run honestly, if winnings will be paid, or what the online site uses the money for. If players encounter problems, there is no agency to help them.
