Rules & Laws

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Washington State Gambling Commission
P.O. Box 42400
Olympia, WA 98504
360-486-3440
360-486-3629 (fax)

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Our Mission

Protect the Public by Ensuring that Gambling is Legal and Honest.

Our Vision

We will maintain public confidence by:

Conducting a fair and effective gambling regulatory and enforcement program
Investigating illegal activities
Building positive partnerships and relationships
Providing a workplace that allows employees to excel at their jobs
Anticipating and responding to the evolving gambling industry

Our Values

We Value Integrity, Professionalism, Respect and Diversity.

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National Indian Gaming Commission

Governor's Office of Indian Affairs

Underage Problem Gambling

Rules and Laws

Rule-making Moratorium:
Governor extends rule-making moratorium through December 2012
Governor issues rule-making moratorium through December 2011

During the Commission’s review process, all proposed rule changes are published in the Washington State Register.

Public Hearings on Rule Changes.

Agency staff review all proposed rule changes before they are discussed by the Commissioners. Staff prepares a rule summary, which includes a history of the rule, previous changes made to the rule, and resource/regulatory impacts the change could have. Rule summaries are posted on our website under the “Public Meetings” Tab, then select the Commission meeting date the proposed rule change will be discussed.

Below is the typical process proposed rule changes follow after staff review a proposal and it moves forward for public discussion:

• Proposed rule changes are discussed at a study session (first month).

• The following month, the proposal is “Up for Filing” at a Commission meeting (second month). Proposals are generally filed for discussion.

• The following month (third month), proposals are discussed at a second study session.

• The following month, the proposal is “Up for Final Action” at a Commission meeting (fourth month). The Commission will decide whether to adopt the proposed rule change or not. Any additional comments from staff and the public can be discussed at this meeting. If additional time is necessary to determine final action, the Commission, staff, or the public can request the proposal be held over to the next meeting.

How can you let the Commissioners know if you support or oppose a proposed rule change?

The Commissioners appreciate knowing if you support or oppose a proposed rule change. If you can’t attend a public meeting, please send your comments to:

Washington State Gambling Commission
Attention: Rules Coordinator
P.O. Box 42400
Olympia, WA 98504
or by e-mail

For questions, please call the agency’s Rules Coordinator at (360) 486-3466 or by e-mail