• Research

    State of Play

    Explore the national and state-by-state impact of the casino gaming industry, as well as key regulatory and statutory requirements in each state.

    • Number of Casinos 34

    • Economic Impact $9.25 Billion

    • Jobs Supported 56,580

    • Tax Impact & Tribal Revenue Share $1.79 Billion

    • Gross Gaming Revenue $2.53 Billion (2016)

    Size of circle indicates number of casinos in the area.

    All location data is as of Dec. 31, 2023.

    In Washington, 29 federally recognized tribes have signed compacts with the state.

    Authorized games include all Class II and Class III gaming activities that are authorized under Nevada law, including table games, poker, sports pools, keno, punchboards, and pull-tabs. In 1998 the tribes signed an amendment to the compacts known as Appendix X. Appendix X allowed the compacted tribes to operate a gaming system called the Tribal Lottery System (TLS). The TLS allows tribes to use electronic gaming machines at tribal casinos that offer both online and instant lottery games.

    Each tribe must establish a tribal gaming commission or agency to regulate all tribal gaming operations. The commissions or agencies are responsible for enforcement of the compact provisions and all tribal ordinances and regulations.

    The Washington State Gambling Commission is given limited authority to regulate gaming on tribal lands through provisions contained in the compacts.

    The compacts remain in effect in perpetuity and may only terminate by written agreement of both parties or on the date that all gaming operations covered by the compact cease.

    AVAILABLE GAMING LICENSES
    Manufacturer/Supplier License

    REVENUE SHARE
    The tribes are required to pay certain amounts to the state as compensation for regulatory oversight. In addition, the tribes must make payments totaling up to 1.63 percent of net win to various recipients.

    TAX PROMOTIONAL CREDITS
    No

    WITHHOLDINGS ON WINNINGS
    The state does not withhold a percentage of gambling winnings. However, federal law may require tribal casinos to issue a W-2G form to persons and may withhold winnings if certain conditions are met. For more information click here.

    STATE USE OF REVENUE
    The state uses revenue from tribal gaming for charitable donations, community impacts, and smoking cessation programs.

    TRIBAL USE OF REVENUE
    Requirements as described in IGRA.

    STATUTORY FUNDING REQUIREMENT
    0.13 percent of annual net win from Class III gaming.

    SELF-EXCLUSION
    Patrons may choose to exclude for 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, or 10 years.

    COMPLIMENTARY ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
    None

    ADVERTISING RESTRICTIONS
    None

    ON-PREMISE DISPLAY REQUIREMENT
    Yes

    AGE RESTRICTIONS
    No person under the age of 18 may take part in any gambling activity or be present on the gaming floor of a gambling facility.

    OPERATION ON HOLIDAYS
    Yes

    TESTING REQUIREMENTS
    Prior to operation, all electronic gaming devices and associated equipment must be tested by a licensed gaming laboratory.

    ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING REQUIREMENTS
    Federal compliance requirements under the Bank Secrecy Act.

    SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS
    Federal shipping requirements under the Johnson Act.

     

    RESTRICTIONS ON POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS
    Yes

    CREDIT OFFERED TO PATRONS
    Yes, with limitations.

    SMOKING BANS
    No

    CASHLESS GAMING & ALTERNATIVE PAYMENTS
    Yes. However, cryptocurrency is not currently accepted as a form of payment for gambling transactions.

    AUTHORIZED OPERATORS
    State law authorizes in-person sports wagering at tribal casinos and via mobile platforms available exclusively on tribal reservations.

    MOBILE/ONLINE
    Authorized via mobile platforms available exclusively on tribal reservations.

    TAX RATE
    N/A

    INITIAL LICENSING FEE
    N/A

    LICENSE RENEWAL FEE
    N/A

    AMATEUR RESTRICTIONS
    Betting on games involving collegiate teams from Washington is expressly prohibited.

    TAX OF PROMOTIONAL CREDITS
    Not explicit.

    AGE RESTRICTIONS
    Must be 21 years old.