Let’s not beat around the bush: sweepstakes casinos are off the table in Washington. Unlike other states where unclear gambling laws leave some wiggle room for interpretation, the Evergreen State takes a hard-line approach.
Washington Sweepstakes Casinos
A 2006 law makes online gambling flat-out illegal. Even participating isn’t just frowned upon — it’s treated as a Class C felony. That means heavy fines and potential jail time. If you’re looking for legal gambling action, you’ll have to head to tribal lands, home to more than 35 Indian casinos and cardrooms across the state.
So, what’s left for you in terms of online gaming? Social casinos. These platforms are free-to-play and use a single virtual currency that can’t be cashed out or redeemed for prizes. It’s purely for entertainment — nothing more, nothing less.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the social casinos you can legally access in Washington and clear up the rules around sweepstakes apps in the state.
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List of Legal ‘Online Casinos’ in Washington
- iOS & Android apps
- Operated by Hard Rock Games
- Multiplayer table games
- Available in all States
- 24/7 bingo games
- Supports a variety of payment methods
- Live game shows
- 30+ social betting markets
- Owned by RSI
Washington Gambling Laws: Online Casino Legal Updates
The patchwork nature of online gambling laws across the U.S. can leave both players and operators scratching their heads, trying to figure out what’s permitted and what’s not. But there’s no need for guesswork in Washington — the rules are as clear as they come. The state slams the door shut with a blanket ban on all forms of online gambling. No gray areas. No wiggle room.
The primary law governing gambling in Washington is Chapter 9.46 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Key sections include:
- RCW 9.46.240 – Unlawful Gambling (Professional Gambling): This section bans all gambling activities unless expressly authorized. It also targets “professional gambling,” which means running or making money off gambling operations.
- RCW 9.46.0237 – Definition of Gambling: Gambling is defined as any activity involving a:
- Wager (you’re putting money or something of value on the line);
- Element of chance (luck drives the outcome);
- Reward (you win something of value).
- RCW 9.46.240 – Online Gambling: This section expressly prohibits online gambling within Washington.
What sets Washington apart is the way it enforces these rules. It does not treat online gambling violations as minor infractions like most states. Here, it’s a Class C felony. That means serious consequences: up to five years behind bars or a $10,000 fine.
While other states might turn a blind eye or hand out a slap on the wrist, Washington’s 2006 Internet Gambling Ban makes sure the penalties hit hard. If you’re betting on Washington softening up on this anytime soon, don’t hold your breath.
Even sweepstakes casinos don’t get a free pass under Washington’s strict anti-gambling laws. According to the Washington State Gambling Commission, there are only two types of permitted activities involving ticket drawings for a chance to win prizes:
- Raffles (strictly for charity purposes)
- Promotional contests of chance (run by businesses as part of marketing efforts)
Sweepstakes, however, don’t fit neatly into either category. They combine elements of raffles and promotional contests, forming a third category. Because they don’t align with Washington’s strict definitions, sweepstakes casinos are not legal in the state.
When it comes to social casino games that use virtual currencies, Washington courts have made it clear that even these can cross the line into illegal gambling. Case in point: the 2018 lawsuit “Larsen v. PTT, LLC.” The court found that apps like High 5 Casino and High 5 Vegas violated Washington’s gambling laws because players could spend real money to buy virtual tokens and keep playing.
The fallout? High 5 Games settled the case for $1.25 million to put the issue to bed.
Here’s the takeaway: even when games operate with virtual currencies, if those currencies can be bought with real money and allow players to continue gaming or gain other advantages, they can be classified as illegal gambling in Washington.
This serves as a warning for players in the state — social casinos aren’t automatically in the clear, especially if real money enters the picture.
What Comes Next for Washington Online Gambling?
When it comes to recent developments in Washington’s gambling laws, one of the biggest moves was the passage of ESHB 2638 in 2020. This sports betting bill allowed tribal casinos in the state to offer sports betting as part of their compacts with Washington. But it has to happen in person on tribal lands. No online or mobile betting is included.
In February 2022, a lawsuit was filed against several tribes and the Washington Gambling Commission, claiming that the tribes had a monopoly on the state’s gambling market. However, the lawsuit was dismissed in 2023, leaving the current setup intact.
As for online casinos, there are no new laws on the table. Judging by the fact that even the tribal casinos haven’t managed to push through online gambling, it’s hard to imagine it popping up anytime soon. For now, Washington’s stance on online gambling remains as firm as ever.
How You Can Play Slots and Casino Games in Washington
Offshore casino sites are a hard pass, that’s for sure. Sure, you could theoretically access these platforms, maybe even register and make a deposit. But what happens after that is anyone’s guess. There are way too many shady operators out there, and I’ve seen players get burned more times than I can count, with no way to get their money back.
And let’s not ignore the legal risk. While former Gambling Commission Director Rick Day once said the state wasn’t looking to prosecute individual players and was more focused on operators, that was years ago. Laws and enforcement priorities can shift quickly, and you don’t want to end up in a bad spot.
So, what are your options for playing slots, table games, and other casino favorites in Washington? You’ve got two: brick-and-mortar casinos and social casinos.
Among social casinos, the pickings are slim, but what’s available is solid. Platforms like Hard Rock Social offer a packed lineup of games and come with the peace of mind of being well-established brands. They’ve got partnerships with some of the top game makers in the industry, which means you’re playing on a platform with quality content.
Overview of the Best Gaming Sites in Washington
The SweepsKings team has sorted through all the social casinos available in Washington to pick out the top three. Here’s the lowdown on what these platforms bring to the table.
1. Hard Rock Social
- Legal in Washington? Yes
- Welcome Bonus: 300,000 Gold Coins
- Number of Games: 300+
- Virtual Currencies: Gold Coins
- Payment Methods: Visa, Mastercard
Hard Rock’s social casino app brings the iconic brand into the online gaming space, and it’s been making waves since its launch in 2019.
The Hard Rock welcome bonus is 300,000 Gold Coins, but that’s just the starting point. From there, you can pick up more coins through recurring offers like the hourly treasure chest, referral bonuses, watch & earn (earn coins by watching ads), missions, and giveaways.
On the gaming side, Hard Rock offers a well-rounded library of 300+ games from industry leaders like Novomatic, Everi, AGS, and NetEnt. The selection has plenty to offer, with a mix of slots, table games, jackpots, and even bingo.
If you run low on coins and there are no freebies in sight, you can refill via Visa or Mastercard, but keep in mind that Gold Coins are purely for play — they can’t be cashed out, no matter how big your wins.
For any issues, Hard Rock provides email and phone support to help resolve things quickly.
2. BetRivers.net
- Legal in Washington? Yes
- Welcome Bonus: 250 VR
- Number of Games: 900+
- Virtual Currencies: Virtual Credits
- Payment Methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Online Banking
BetRivers.net is a social gaming platform from Rush Street Interactive, one of the biggest names in U.S. gambling. It’s the sister site to the BetRivers sportsbook and casino, which operates legally in several states nationwide.
When you sign up, BetRivers.net gives you 250 free virtual credits to get rolling. With those coins, you can dive into a massive library of 900+ games from top-notch vendors like Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, and Playson. Unlike many competitors that treat RNG table games as a throw-in, BetRivers goes all-in with a solid blackjack, roulette, and baccarat selection.
But that’s not all. BetRivers also offers a live dealer lounge powered by Evolution Gaming. Here, you can enjoy casino classics like craps or game shows like Crazy Time and Mega Ball.
If you burn through your virtual credits, you can either purchase more or wait for your next free drop. Regulars also get perks like a daily wheel spin, hourly refills (every 4 hours), and free bingo tickets to keep the fun going.
One thing to keep in mind: virtual credits are strictly for gameplay. You can’t cash them out — they’re for entertainment only.
3. Bingoport
- Legal in Washington? Yes
- Welcome Bonus: 500 Port Points and 2 Free Access Tokens
- Number of Games: 12+
- Virtual Currencies: Port Points, Access Tokens
- Payment Methods: Visa, American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Diners Club, Google Play, Apple Pay, PayPal, Amazon Gift Vouchers
Bingoport is a social online bingo platform launched in 2021 by 1st Leads Limited. It’s the only gaming app in Washington that operates on a sweepstakes model, using two virtual currencies and offering the ability to redeem tangible prizes.
New players kick things off with 500 Port Points and 2 Free Access Tokens. You can redeem your PPs after hitting the $10 cash-out threshold (12,000 Port Points). Play five 12-game bingo sessions within your first 24 hours, and you’ll unlock a $25 dining advantage card as a bonus.
The platform has two sections: the Silver Lobby for standard bingo games and the Gold Lobby for exclusive games that require Access Tokens. Unlike most sweepstakes sites, Bingoport doesn’t sell virtual currency. Instead, players earn Port Points and Access Tokens through gameplay, promotions, and subscriptions.
With about a dozen bingo rooms featuring 30-ball and 75-ball games — all developed in-house — Bingoport offers a fresh, one-of-a-kind experience for bingo fans in Washington.
Why Our Experts Selected These Brands
The three casinos we recommended for players in Washington weren’t picked out of a hat — they earned their spots through a detailed evaluation process built around what players actually care about. While we adjusted our usual audit approach for the social casino space, we stayed focused on the core areas that matter most:
- Legitimacy: Only platforms backed by trusted brands or with solid reputations among players made the cut. We also considered feedback from communities like Reddit to ensure their viability in the real world.
- Bonuses: Players should feel rewarded from the start, with a big join bonus plus various ongoing promos to keep the coin stash supplied at all times. Hard Rock and BetRivers.net stood out by including loyalty programs — something you don’t often see with social casinos.
- Games: Social or not, quality matters. We looked for a good mix of games across different categories, plus strong partnerships with top game developers.
- Banking: While you can’t redeem winnings at social casinos, buying coins should be easy. We checked the payment options and ensured the top-up process was hassle-free.
- Support: No one wants to be left hanging. Quick and reliable support was non-negotiable, and the best platforms all had teams that could help get players back on track without the runaround.
- UX: Performance checks on both desktop and mobile are key to our audit process. Casinos with native iOS and Android apps (like our top picks) earned bonus points for offering a more convenient way to play on the go.
How Payments Work
Social casinos typically operate with a single type of virtual currency, which you can buy using U.S. dollars through common online payment methods like credit/debit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.
The names for these coins vary by platform, unlike sweepstakes casinos where they’re often called “Gold Coins.” Regardless of the branding, these tokens are purely for entertainment — like demo credits at real money casinos. You can use them to play games in Washington, but they can’t be redeemed for cash, gift cards, merchandise, or anything of monetary value.
You usually can’t win real money at social casinos. Bingoport is an exception here. They offer two types of virtual coins, one of which can be redeemed. To cash out, you’ll need to use the redeemable coins in gameplay (meeting the wagering requirements) and then rack up enough winnings to hit the minimum redemption threshold.
Your Gaming Options at Washington Social Casinos
Washington social casinos might not offer real prizes, but they don’t skimp on quality. These platforms team up with top game studios, delivering a lineup that holds its own against sweepstakes and even real money casinos. Here’s what’s in the mix:
- Slots: Hundreds of slot games are available, featuring various themes and gameplay mechanics. You’ll find popular modern features like Megaways, Hold & Win, and Bonus Play.
- RNG table games: These are computerized versions of classic table games like blackjack and roulette, without a human dealer. They often include unique extras like side bets and bonus payouts for specific outcomes — take a look at creative twists like Blackjack xChange.
- Live dealer games: These bring the feel of a real casino to your screen with live-streamed games like baccarat, roulette, blackjack, and craps. You’ll also find live game shows like Crazy Time and Mega Ball for something different.
- Bingo games: Social bingo rooms host variations with free tickets and fun add-ons like auto-dab options and jackpots.
Bonuses and Promotions
Social casinos are required to provide players with free resources to keep them playing without spending money — this is essential to avoid being classified as real money apps in Washington. As a result, from the moment you sign up, you’ll be showered with no deposit bonuses. Here’s a breakdown of the types of promos you can expect:
- Registration bonus: The welcome bonus is awarded as soon as you sign up, with no strings attached. It’s typically the most generous promotion you’ll find on social casino platforms.
- Referral bonus: Bring a friend on board, and you’ll score some extra coins. In some cases, your friend might need to complete a task, like making a coin purchase, for you to get the reward.
- Other promos: Social casinos get creative with ongoing offers for returning players. These might include daily spins, hourly rewards, missions, or even earning coins by watching short videos.
Unlike sweepstakes casinos, you won’t see mail-in promotions here, which makes sense since redeemable coins aren’t part of the social casino model.
Comparison of the Best Legal Casinos in Washington
WA Social Casinos | Welcome Bonus | Games | Best Feature | Apps |
---|---|---|---|---|
BetRivers.net | 250 free Virtual Credits | Slots, RNG table games, live dealer games | Live game shows | / |
Hard Rock | 300,000 Gold Coins | Slots, table games, and bingo | Cool promos | iOS, Android |
Bingoport | 500 Port Points and 2 Free Access Tokens | Bingo rooms | Free bingo games | / |
Aspects in Favor and Against Social Casinos in Washington
Social casinos in Washington are a fun, low-stakes way to enjoy gaming, but they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. While the games can be entertaining, the lack of real prizes might be a dealbreaker for some. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons.
- Free to play, with plenty of no deposit bonuses
- Wide variety of games from top-tier developers
- No legal risk since it’s strictly for entertainment - only viable option in WA
- Creative promos to keep the gameplay engaging
- No real prizes or cash rewards
- Might need to purchase coins to keep playing
- Limited options compared to sweepstakes casinos
- Can feel less rewarding for competitive players
Other Gambling Options for Washington Players
Washington might have strict online gambling laws, but there’s no shortage of in-person options for players in the Evergreen State. Here’s a look at what’s available beyond social casinos:
- Gambling on tribal lands: Tribal casinos operate under agreements with the state through the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). They offer slot machines, table games like blackjack, poker, roulette, and baccarat, as well as sports betting, which has been legal since 2020 but only available on tribal lands.
- Lotteries: Washington’s state lottery is fully legal and regulated. Players can buy traditional tickets like Powerball and Mega Millions or try their luck with scratch-off cards.
- Horse racing: Parimutuel betting is allowed at licensed tracks like Emerald Downs and is overseen by the Washington Horse Racing Commission.
- Charitable gambling: With the proper licensing, nonprofits such as schools, churches, and charities can legally host raffles, bingo, and punchboard games. All proceeds must go to charitable causes.
- Social gambling: Home games with friends, like low-stakes poker, are perfectly legal as long as the organizer does not take a rake and the stakes remain modest.
- Commercial cardrooms: These are heavily regulated but fully legal. They offer poker and other games where players bet against each other, not the house.