Washington Sports Betting: Best Washington Sportsbooks April, 2024

Sports betting is legal in Washington, but it is restricted to tribal casinos. It’s uncertain if statewide sports betting will come to the state, but for now, you can only access online sportsbooks while physically located at tribal locations. We’ve covered everything you need to know about sports betting in Washington, including the sportsbook available now at state casinos.

How We Rated the Top Washington Sports Betting Sites

Our rating process is deeply rooted in our first-hand experience with each sportsbook. Before we start writing, we put ourselves in the shoes of the bettor and go through the betting experience from start to finish. By doing so, we can fairly understand each sportsbook's strengths and weaknesses.

Our writers are required to dedicate a minimum of two hours to test each of the following six areas:

1. User Experience: We examine and test the platform's design. Is the layout well-organized? Is it easy on the eye? Is the interface smooth, fast, and glitch-free? We assess the performance across all devices, including the website, mobile browser, and app.

2. Features: We like to see a deep and varied selection of sports and betting markets. Are there popular and niche markets, with a good variety of betting types? We also praise sportsbooks with unique features like DFS, live betting or streaming, picking services, and early cash-out.

3. Promotions: We personally claim all available promotions to see if they are worth your time. We pay special attention to the welcome bonuses, frequency of ongoing offers, and the rewards attached to the loyalty scheme. We also spend time going over the terms and conditions to make sure there’s nothing to trip you up.

4. Deposits and Withdrawals: We go through the entire process of depositing and withdrawing, using all payment methods to test their speed and efficiency. Are there any fees? Is there a good range of options? How is the sportsbook’s processing time for transactions?

5. Customer Support: We assess the usefulness of customer support by sending emails, using live chat, and calling the phone number. We use a preselected set of questions to see if they are helpful and informative, so we can easily compare how the support compares to other sportsbooks. 

6. Responsible Gambling: We have a lot of time for sportsbooks that go the extra mile in advocating for responsible gambling. This could be through links to organizations or detailed resources and specific tools like deposit/wager limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion.

After each review has been published, our post-publication editors will spend at least 5 hours each month updating the content.

Why You Should Trust Us

At WSN, we take pride in the authenticity and reliability of our reviews. We achieve this through our direct approach, taking the time to explore and test out every sportsbook that makes it onto our site. We sign up, make real money deposits, place bets, and cash out our earnings. Doing so lets us see firsthand what a platform excels at and what needs improvement. 

Our team is made up of bettors who have been part of the betting industry since the beginning. As the industry has developed, so has our knowledge and understanding of sportsbooks. Ultimately, we want to provide you with our insights so that you can make smart betting choices.

Closer Look at the Best Online Sportsbooks in Washington

1. DraftKings Sportsbook

Best for: All-round Platform  

DraftKings is a leading choice for US bettors, offering a cutting-edge, sleek online sportsbook. If you’re looking for a sportsbook that has everything and more, DraftKings is the ideal choice.

To use the DraftKings sportsbook, you must be at either the Tulalip Resort and Casino or Quil Ceda Creek Casino. It cannot be accessed online from anywhere else in the state.

I’m a big fan of the DraftKings interface, which provides a cutting-edge platform that elevates the betting experience. Not only is it easy on the eyes, but it is also user-friendly and intuitive. It’s quite impressive how they’ve managed to keep everything well-organized, given the number of different features and markets. DraftKings also excels in all other areas; payouts are speedy, the mobile app is highly rated, and there’s a low minimum deposit of only $5. The rewards are also fantastic through the loyalty scheme, ‘DraftKings Dynasty’, and you can benefit from daily odds boosts. 

Check out our in-depth DraftKings review for more information.

• WSN rating: 4.8/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

• App rating: 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

2. Caesars Sportsbook

Best for: Loyalty Scheme

Caesars is a globally recognized name in the betting industry, delivering a world-class online sportsbook. If you want a rewarding sportsbook with a trusted reputation, consider Caesars Sportsbook.

Caesars Sportsbook can only be accessed when visiting one of its retail locations: Chewelah Casino, Muckleshoot Casino, or Spokane Tribe Casino. To place any bets, you must be physically located in these casinos.

The platform has a sleek and sophisticated design that you’d expect from the Caesars brand. I really enjoyed exploring the platform. It was a hassle-free experience, from signing up to placing bets to withdrawing funds. My favorite feature of Caesars is the loyalty scheme, since it uses the overarching Caesars brand to offer unbeatable rewards. You can accumulate points for Caesars Rewards by booking hotels, shopping, dining, and placing bets. These points can later be redeemed for amazing benefits like reduced hotel rates, tickets to special events, or dining vouchers, as well as online betting bonuses and promos. New members of the sportsbook are also awarded 1,000 free points.

Check out our Caesars Sportsbook review to learn more.

• WSN rating: 4.3/5

• Sign up offer: $1,000 First Bet on Caesars

• Promo Code: WSN1000

• App rating: 4.6/5 (iOS); 4.3/5 (Android)

Full List of Legal Sportsbooks in Washington

The full list of all sportsbooks available in Washington that can be accessed at their respective retail partners is:

• Betfred

• BetEQC

• Caesars Sportsbook

• DraftKings

• Snoqualmie Casino Sportsbook

Washington Online Sports Betting Sites

Washington Retail Sportsbooks

Is Sports Betting Legal in Washington?

Sports betting is legal in Washington but restricted solely to tribal locations. In March 2021, Governor Jay Inslee signed a bill into law (HB 2638) that allowed for retail and online sports betting at tribal casinos. The legislation stated that all federally recognized Native American tribes could offer sports betting on their reservations. They would have to apply to change their existing gambling compacts, but it would be available to any tribe with casino locations.

In September 2021, sports betting was launched in the state, with the first bet placed at Snoqualmie Casino. Some tribal casinos have partnered with multi-state operators, and bettors can access their online sportsbooks strictly while on casino property. Other casinos have their own specific platforms that bettors can use.

How to Get Started

It is very simple to sign up for an online sportsbook and start betting. If you’re a beginner just starting out, check out our guide to get started:

1. Select a licensed sportsbook. Firstly, you’ll need to choose a licensed and regulated sportsbook in Washington. There are a lot of offshore platforms out there, where there’s no guarantee of your security. All legal online sportsbooks in Washington can only be accessed at tribal casinos.

2. Create an account. Next is the registration process. You’ll have to provide personal information like your name, email, SNN, address, and password. 

3. Verify your identity. Many sites will ask you to confirm your identity for security reasons. You might be asked to submit documentation like your driver’s license, passport, or proof of address. This only needs to be completed once. 

4. Claim your welcome bonus. At this stage, you can check the steps to claim your welcome offer, which will be detailed in the terms and conditions. Check whether you have to use a promo code or opt-in to trigger your bonus.

5. Deposit into your account. Some welcome bonuses require a qualifying deposit, or you’ll have to place your first bet to unlock them. Head to the cashier section, where you’ll be asked to fill out your payment information and choose your deposit amount. Typically, the standard minimum deposit for sportsbooks is $10.

6. Place your first bet. Finally, you can dig into the available sports and betting markets to choose your first bet before selecting your wager amount and adding it to your bet slip.

7. Withdraw your winnings. If your bet is successful, you can proceed with cashing out your winnings. Processing times will vary depending on your withdrawal method and the sportsbook itself. 

Washington Sportsbook Promos

US Sportsbooks have a range of welcome offers designed to attract new users to the platform. Here’s a look at the most common welcome bonuses that they offer:

Bonus Bets

Bonus bets work like betting vouchers, which are exclusively used to place wagers. They cannot be withdrawn or exchanged for real money without first being used to bet. Sportsbooks award these vouchers with many bonuses, including through the ones listed below. A common welcome offer is some bonus bets ranging from $100 to $200 in exchange for signing up and making a minimal qualifying deposit or wager. It’s my favorite kind of offer to recommend to beginners, as there’s low risk yet high reward.

Second Chance Bets

As the name suggests, a second chance bet offers a safety net on your initial wager. If your first bet results in a loss, the sportsbook will refund you up to a limit. You’ll either have a winning initial wager or grab the bonus, which softens the blow of a losing bet. Your refund will come in bonus bets or site credit, so you can’t just withdraw it without first using it to bet.

Deposit Match Bonuses

Here, the sportsbook will match a percentage or all your deposit up to a maximum. This offer is more commonly found at online casinos, but sportsbooks sometimes offer it. The more you deposit, the more you stand to gain from this bonus. Therefore, it’s best for those who want to make a big deposit right off the bat.

No-Deposit Bonuses

This is a highly sought-after bonus, which also makes it quite rare. To qualify, you won’t have to make a deposit or wager but simply sign up for a sportsbook. The bonus is typically a smaller amount, from $10 to $20, and there may be additional requirements to fulfill before you can withdraw any winnings, like making a deposit down the line. If you're interested in exploring similar offers in the realm of sweepstakes, check out our best no-deposit sweepstakes for more information

What Mobile Sportsbooks Are Available in Washington?

Betting on sports through mobile phones has become the leading option for bettors, making it essential for sportsbooks to have an excellent mobile app alongside their usual website. Our recommended platforms have two of the top betting apps in the industry, and they can be used at their retail partner locations in Washington.

1. DraftKings Sportsbook - 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android) 

2. Caesars Sportsbook - 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.3/5 (Android)

What Betting Markets Are Available in Washington?

Washington sportsbooks have a huge range of betting and sports markets, which might initially seem a bit confusing for beginners. We’ve explained all the common types of bets that you might come across:

Moneyline Bets

This is a popular kind of bet where you simply predict which team or player will win a game. Positive odds represent a lower probability of winning, while negative odds suggest a higher likelihood. It can look like this:

• SEA Krakens (-225)

• SJ Sharks (+185)

Here, if the Krakens are successful, a $225 bet would make a profit of $100, for a total payout of $325. If the Sharks come out on top, a $100 bet would win $185, for a return of $285. If you are still having problems understanding odds, we have a full guide explaining how to read odds.

Point Spreads

Point spread betting is another favorite at sportsbooks, where your bet focuses on the margin of victory. The sportsbook sets a line of points to make up for the difference in ability between the teams, so it produces a more balanced betting situation. To win your bet, your chosen team needs to win the game with the point spread taken into account. Here’s an example:

• SEA Krakens -1.5 (+120)

• SJ Sharks +1.5 (-142)

Here, the spread is 1.5 points. For a bet on the Krakens to win, they’d have to win the game by 2 or more points. On the other hand, if you bet on the Sharks, they’d have to avoid losing by 2 points or win outright for your bet to pay out. Even a one point loss would be enough to win a bet on the Sharks. Point spread betting has odds around -110 for each side.

Totals

With a total bet, you’re not betting on the winner or loser of a game, but instead on the combined score. This kind of bet also goes by an over/under bet, as you predict whether the total score from both teams will be over or under a number set by the sportsbook. Take a look at this example:

SEA Krakens vs. SJ Sharks:

• Over 6 (+102)

• Under 6 (-122)

Prop Bets

Prop bets are wagers placed on certain events occurring in a game that is not necessarily related to the game’s outcome. These bets cover a range of situations, including player stats, team performance, or even random other events. Typical examples of prop bets include predicting the first goal scorer in a soccer game, the number of saves made in a hockey match, or the first team to hit a home run in a baseball game. You can also find unique and fun prop bets for big events, as the Gatorade color poured over the winning coach at the Super Bowl.

Futures

Placing a future bet means you’re betting on the outcome of an event or championship well in advance, typically before the season has even kicked off. For example, if you’re a fan of the Seattle Seahawks, you can place a futures bet in September that they’ll win the Super Bowl. You can place this before the season starts, but it is also available during mid-season and the playoffs. 

Parlays

Parlays allow you to combine several individual bets into one. Each separate wager has to win for the whole parlay to be successful. As the odds are multiplied together, you can benefit from a bigger payout, but it is riskier. For instance, you can make a parlay bet by combining the moneyline wagers for the Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Krakens, and Seattle Mariners. Each team would have to win for your parlay to be successful. Teaser bets let you tweak the point spreads or totals in your favor within the parlay, but they do come with a lower payout.

Live Betting

Live betting involves placing bets on a sports event as it unfolds. This differs from traditional betting, where all wagers are made before the start of an event. With live betting, you can bet in real-time as you watch the game, as the odds adjust to reflect the ongoing action. Common live bets include predicting which team will score next or the total points scored by the end of a game. DraftKings and Caesars both have excellent live betting sections on their platforms.

What Can’t You Bet On in Washington?

For Washington sports betting, there are a few restrictions to be aware of:

• Betting on political events is strictly illegal.

• You cannot wager on any entertainment or awards ceremonies.

• Bets cannot be placed on any high school sports.

• No wagering on in-state college teams.

Betting on College Sports in Washington

Betting on college sports is only allowed on out-of-state teams. It is not legal to place bets on any in-state college team.

Washington Sports Betting Facts

Washington Sports Betting Updates

Governor Jay Lee's decision to enact an emergency clause on HB 2638 to authorize legal sports betting at tribal casinos was a somewhat unexpected move, considering how highly regulated Washington is. Both retail and online sports betting arrived in 2021, and since then, tribes have teamed up with major operators to offer betting services. 

Here is a timeline of major events in Washington sports betting:

• Jan. 25, 2024 - House Bill 1639 and Senate Bill 5587, which would allow retail and online sports betting at a card room or racetrack, are reintroduced.

• July 7, 2023 - Maverick Gaming takes its dispute against the exclusivity of tribes in Washington for sports betting and casino games to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

• March 29, 2023 - DraftKings releases its DK Horse Racing app.

• Feb. 21, 2023 - A federal court dismisses Maverick Gaming’s request to amend the law restricting sports betting to tribal casinos within the state.

• Jan. 25, 2023 - A legislative proposal aimed at broadening the legal sports betting market in Washington to include card rooms and racetracks is submitted.

• Feb. 10, 2022 - Caesars makes headlines by launching retail sports betting at Spokane Tribe Casino and Muckleshoot Casino.

• Feb. 4, 2022 - The Suquamish Clearwater Casino opens the doors to its FanDuel Sportsbook.

• Jan. 19, 2022 - DraftKings announces a partnership with the Tulalip Tribes of Washington to introduce retail sportsbooks at Tulalip Resort Casino and Quil Ceda Creek Casino.

• Jan. 11, 2022 - Maverick Gaming LLC initiates a legal challenge by filing a lawsuit against Washington State and its tribes, arguing that the tribes were improperly granted exclusive rights to sports betting and other gambling activities.

• Jan. 10, 2022 - The reintroduction of SB 512 aims to legalize sports betting at Washington racetracks and card rooms with a provision for mobile betting that requires physical presence at the retail location.

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Washington?

Washington is one of the few states that has explicitly declared Daily Fantasy Sports as illegal. Residents cannot use any DFS platforms in the state.

Sports Teams in Washington

Washington is home to a few major league teams, full of passionate and loyal fans that create a thriving sports culture:

• Seattle Seahawks (NFL) - The Seahawks are Washington’s most successful major league team. They have a long history in the NHL and won the Super Bowl in 2013. 

• Seattle Kraken (NHL) - The Kraken are the newest team in the NHL, founded in 2021. In 2023, they won their first playoff series against the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Colorado Avalanche, marking the first time in NHL history that an expansion team has won its first series against the Stanley Cup holders. 

• Seattle Mariners (MLB) - The Mariners joined the American League as an expansion team in 1977. They’ve never clinched a World Series, but they do have three West Division titles under their belts.

Washington Sportsbook Partnerships

Washington’s major league team do not currently have any partnerships with sportsbooks. Perhaps this will change in the future if online sports betting becomes available statewide.

Getting Help: Responsible Gambling in Washington

Support is readily available for those facing problems with gambling in Washington from specific organizations and helplines:

• The Washington Problem Gambling Helpline can be called or texted at (800) 547-6133 for immediate assistance.

• The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling has useful programs, treatment, and recovery services. You can also contact them at (360) 352-6133.

• There’s also nationwide services like the National Council on Problem Gambling and Gamblers Anonymous.

Sportsbooks also have specific tools that can help you manage your betting:

• Deposit/wager limits: Sets a limit to help you handle your spending.

• Time alerts: Notifications for how long you’ve been betting.

• Time-out/self-exclusion: Blocks access to a sportsbook for a set period or permanently.