Rules & Laws

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

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.

Report A Violation

Access Washington

Doing Business in Washington

National Indian Gaming Commission

Governor's Office of Indian Affairs

Problem Gambling

DSHS Problem Gambling Program

Rules and Laws

All proposed rule changes are reviewed by our Commissioners who decide to approve or deny the requested change. The Commission normally meets the second Thursday and Friday of each month. Approximately ten days before each meeting, a meeting agenda is posted on our website outlining what topics will be discussed at the meeting. Text of proposed rule changes and explanations of each change are posted with the Friday agenda. Commission meetings are open to the public.

2009 Commission Meeting Schedule

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

Public Hearings on Rule Changes.

Proposed rule changes are discussed at Study Sessions before they are Up for Filing by the Gambling Commissioners. Study Sessions are informal meetings that provide an opportunity for you to meet with staff and discuss current issues, enforcement questions, proposed rule changes, and legislative bills. Study Sessions are held 10:30 a.m. to noon Thursday mornings before Commission meetings.

Proposed rule changes are discussed at, at least two Commission meetings and usually one or two study sessions.

At the first Commission meeting (first month), proposed rule changes are Up for Filing and are generally filed for discussion.

The following month (second month), proposed rule changes are discussed at the informal Study Session again.

At the following Commission meeting (usually the third month), the rule is Up for Final Action where the Commission will decide whether to make the 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 rules be held over to the next meeting.

Send your Comments to Us.

If you have something to say about a proposed rule change, you are encouraged to attend a Commission meeting or informal Study Session.

The Commission appreciates hearing your support or opposition about proposed rule changes. That will provide them as much information as possible before deciding to approve a rule change or not. If you can’t attend a meeting, please send your comments to:

Washington State Gambling Commission
Attention: Susan Arland, Rules Coordinator
P.O. Box 42400
Olympia, Washington 98504-2400
or by e-mail

For detailed information about proposed rule changes, visit our website at www.wsgc.wa.gov and select Public Meetings. Meeting agendas and information are posted about ten days before each meeting. For a brief outline of proposed and adopted rule changes, select Rules and Laws, Rules under Review .