Last updated: 08/5/2019
Author: Addictions.com Medical Review

Whittier Law School gambling expert I. Nelson Rose believes a third wave of legalized gambling is washing over the United States. 14 The first wave began in colonial America when lottery management companies took their place among the largest early-nineteenth-century businesses. 15 A healthy economy together with lottery corruption contributed. The legal gambling age in the United State is usually between ages 18 and 21. In the extreme cases of rarity, States like Oklahoma and Maine place the age limit for playing Bingo at 16 years. Precautionary Measures against Underage Betting In the US.

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Even without the physical triggers so commonly associated with drug addiction, gambling disorders can wreak just as much havoc in a person’s life. While drug addiction works as a substance-based disorder, gambling addictions have more to do with a lack of impulse control.

Gambling addiction often affects people who also struggle with alcohol abuse.

Ultimately, it’s the loss of control that defines addictive behavior regardless of the substance or activity involved. Gambling addiction statistics present this “loss of control” factor in a stark and alarming light.

Gambling addiction statistics show how problem gambling can up-end a person’s life in more ways than one. Not unlike other types of addiction, people most susceptible to gambling also suffer from other disorders of which they may or may not be aware.

Probably the most glaring revelation to be had from gambling addiction statistics lies in the consequences that result when gambling disorders go untreated.

1. Gambling Trends

As with all types of data, certain trends or patterns of behavior start to surface within a given population. Gambling addiction statistics are no different. Some of the more prevalent gambling trends show:

Gambling Age In America

  • The likelihood of developing a gambling addiction increases 23-fold for people affected by alcohol use disorders
  • Over 80 percent of American adults gamble on a yearly basis
  • Three to five gamblers out of every hundred struggles with a gambling problem
  • As many as 750,000 young people, ages 14 to 21 have a gambling addiction

2. Gambling & Criminal Activity

As far as gambling and criminal activity goes, gambling addiction statistics reveal a direct correlation between the severity of a gambling addiction and the likelihood of committing crimes. Rates of gambling addiction for criminal offenders far exceed rates found among non-offenders. On average, an estimated 50 percent of those affected by gambling problems commit crimes in order to support their addiction.

3. College Gambling

Gambling addiction statistics show people between the ages 20 and 30 have the highest rates of problem gambling.

  • 75 percent of college students report having gambled during the past year
  • The risk of developing a gambling addiction more than doubles for young adults in college settings
  • An estimated six percent of American college students struggle with gambling problems

4. Gambling & PTSD Trends

People affected by post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD live with high levels of stress and anxiety on a daily basis. Gambling addiction statistics show high rates of gambling addiction among PTSD sufferers.

  • PTSD symptoms affect anywhere from 12.5 to 29 percent of problem gamblers
  • 34 percent of those who seek treatment for gambling addiction exhibit symptoms of PTSD

5. Gambling & Mental Illness

Gambling

As addictions, in general, alter brain chemical functions in destructive ways, people struggling with gambling addiction have a higher likelihood of developing mental disorders. Gambling addiction statistics show a high incidence of certain types of mental illness, some of which include:

American Gambling Age

  • Depression disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Substance abuse disorders
  • Anti-social personality disorder

As with any other type of addiction, a gambling addiction can only get worse when left untreated.

  • Horseracing (1933), Bingo (1963), Lottery (1982), Indian Casinos (1992), Card Clubs (1997)
  • $445 million
  • $2.2 billion
  • 18 for all gambling, although some casinos that serve alcohol require patrons to be 21
  • Washington bans smoking in all gaming establishments. State law does not apply to reservation casinos.
  • Horse racing is the only form of legal online gambling. All others are expressly illegal.

Washington is one of the most liberal states in the country when it comes to gambling. This includes having many Washington casinos and card clubs spread throughout the state. The racing industry dates back to 1933. This includes live and off-track betting. Charitable gaming was legalized 40 years later. It is up to local jurisdictions to regulate. The Washington Lottery sells tickets for instant games and lotto drawings.

Card clubs in Washington state can offer live poker tables, as well as house-banked card games. This includes blackjack, baccarat, and proprietary games. Craps, roulette, slots and video poker are not permitted at card clubs. Tribal Washington casinos may spread these games.

Paying Gambling Taxes in the State of Washington

Did you know that your gambling income is taxable? OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos has gathered everything you need to know about paying taxes on your gambling winnings straight from a Certified Public Accountant. For more information please visit our exclusive Gambling Taxes article.

Washington Casinos Map & Guide

  • Tulalip Resort Casino
  • Little Creek Casino Resort
  • Angel of the Winds Casino
  • Muckleshoot Casino
  • Emerald Queen Casino
  • 67
  • 52
  • 28

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Types of Washington Online Gambling Allowed

The only form of online gambling legal in Washington state is horse racing. TVG, TwinSpires, and BetAmerica are among the sites that accept this action from Washington residents.

Daily fantasy sports contests are illegal in Washington. No legitimate sites take players from the state. Washington state law forbids all forms of online gambling except horse racing. It is a felony to participate as either a player or operator.

Types of Live Washington Gambling

  • Slots: Yes
  • Blackjack: Yes
  • Poker: Yes
  • Craps/Roulette: Yes
  • Horses: Yes
  • Lottery: Yes

Washington gambling offers all types of betting action players can find. The state lottery sells scratch-off and lotto tickets. The most popular games are massive interstate jackpot drawings like Mega Millions and Powerball. Charities can spread bingo and raffle nights. There are racetracks that offer live and off-track betting.

Card clubs have live poker rooms and house-banked games like blackjack. These range from mini-casinos that have just a few tables to establishments that resemble full-service Washington casinos without the slots. It all depends on local law. Washington casinos on reservations can offer slots, video poker, live poker, craps, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and Pai Gow games.

Washington Gambling Laws

The most unusual Washington gambling law is its prohibition against online gambling. It is a felony to play any gambling game over the Internet. This applies to the participants and the operator. This is enough to keep daily fantasy sports sites out of the state. Even offshore sites that are probably violating every state law in every market they participate in avoid Washington. It is nearly impossible to find a legitimate poker, casino or sports betting site that accepts Washington residents because of this.

Live horse racing is legal in Washington. These tracks may operate race books. Online and mobile betting apps are also permitted if a license is issued.

Charities may offer bingo and raffles may be offered by nonprofit organizations. These must register with local jurisdictions, which have the ultimate right of regulation.

The state lottery is the only other group that is permitted to offer games of pure chance outside of reservations. The lottery may sell instant game and lotto tickets. The Washington Lottery may distribute these tickets through retailers but not over the Internet. State law permits the lottery to enter interstate drawings.

The minimum Washington gambling age is 18 years of age to enter. Washington casinos are allowed to raise the minimum gambling age to 21 years if alcohol is sold and served. Card clubs pay a tax rate of 20 percent on gaming revenue. Tribal Washington casinos must enter a gaming compact with the state that is negotiated by the governor. All of the gambling and casinos in Washington is licensed and regulated through the Washington State Gambling Commission.

List of Washington State Casinos

There are more than 60 Washington casinos within the state. These range from small card clubs with 15 or fewer tables to sprawling resorts with slots and dozens of table games on reservations. Players can find casinos in Potlach, with plenty of options to choose from, or go to the casinos in Chewela. To make it easier to find a casino, you can always look at the Washington casinos map located above for directions and more.

CasinoSizeAddressWebsite
7 Cedars Casino – Sequim580 Slot Machines270756 US-101www.7cedarsresort.com
12 Tribes Resort & Casino – Omak500 Slot Machines28968 US-97www.colvillecasinos.com
Angel of the Winds Casino – Arlington1,100 Slot Machines3438 Stoluckquamish Ln.www.angelofthewinds.com
Buzz Inn Casino – East WenatcheeOnly Table Games (10)280 Grant Rd.www.buzzinncasino.com
Casino Snoqualmie – Snoqualmie1,700 Slot Machines37500 SE North Bend Waywww.snocasino.com
Chewelah Casino – Chewelah360 Slot Machines2555 Smith Rd.www.chewelahcasino.com
Clearwater Casino Resort – Suqamish1,200 Slot Machines15347 Suquamish Way NEwww.clearwatercasino.com
Club Hollywood Casino – ShorelineOnly Table Games (15)16716 Aurora Ave N.www.club-hollywood-casino.com
Coulee Dam Casino – Coulee Dam164 Slot Machines515 Birch St.www.colvillecasinos.com
Coyote Bob’s Casino – KennewickOnly Table Games (12)3014 W. Kennewick Ave.www.coyotebobscasino.com
Crazy Moose Casino – Mountlake TerraceOnly Table Games (15)22003 66th Ave. W.www.mountlakecasino.com
Crazy Moose Casino – PascoOnly Table Games (18)S. 20th Ave.www.pascocasino.com
Elwha River Casino – Port Angeles100 Slot Machines631 Stratton Rd.www.elwharivercasino.com
Emerald Queen Casino – Fife2,060 Slot Machines5700 Pacific Hwy E.www.emeraldqueen.com
Joker’s Casino – RichlandOnly Table Games (9)624 Wellsian Waywww.atomicbowl.com
Lancer Casino – ClarkstonOnly Table Games (9)1250 Bridge St.www.lancerlanesandcasino.com
Legends Casino – Toppenish1,400 Slot Machines580 Fort Rd.www.legendscasino.com
Little Creek Casino – Shelton230 Slot Machines91 West State Route 108www.little-creek.com
Lucky Dog Casino – Potlatch175 Slot Machines19330 US-101www.myluckydogcasino.com
Lucky Eagle Casino – Rochester1,300 Slot Machines12888 188th Ave. SWwww.luckyeagle.com
Mill Bay Casino – Manson600 Slot Machines455 Wapato Lake Rd.www.colvillecasinos.com
Mr. Z’s Casino – PullmanOnly Table Games (8)780 SE Bishop Blvd.www.zeppoz.com
Muckleshoot Casino – Auburn3,100 Slot Machines2402 Auburn Way S.www.muckleshootcasino.com
New Phoenix Casino – La CenterOnly Table Games (29)225 W. 4th St.www.thenewphoenixcasino.com
Nisqually Red Wind Casino – Yelm1,475 Slot Machines12819 Yelm Hwy SEwww.redwindcasino.com
Nob Hill Casino – YakimaOnly Table Games (7)3807 W. Nob Hill Blvd.www.thenobhillcasino.com
Nooksack Northwind Casino – Lynden380 Slot Machines9750 Northwood Rd.www.northwoodcasino.com
Northern Lights Casino – Anacortes830 Slot Machines12885 Casino Dr.www.swinomishcasinoandlodge.com
Northern Quest Casino – Airway Heights1,650 Slot Machines100 N. Hayford Rd.www.northernquest.com
Okanogan Casino – Okanagan330 Slot Machines41 Applewaywww.colvillecasinos.com
Quinault Beach Casino – Ocean Shores500 Slot Machines78 WA-115www.quinaultbeachresort.com
Red Dragon Casino – Mountlake TerraceOnly Table Games (10)21917 WA-99www.red-dragon-casino-mountlake.com
Roxy’s Casino – SeattleOnly Table Games (12)2823 SW Roxbury St.
Royal Casino – EverettOnly Table Games (15)13010 WA-99www.royalcasinoeverett.com
Shoalwater Bay Casino – Tokeland268 Slot Machines4112 WA-105www.shoalwaterbaycasino.com
Silver Dollar Casino – Mill CreekOnly Table Games (14)17917 Bothell Everett Hwywww.millcreekcasino.com
Silver Dollar Casino – RentonOnly Table Games (15)3100 E. Valley Rd.www.rentoncasino.com
Silver Dollar Casino – SeaTacOnly Table Games (15)19222 International Blvd.www.seataccasino.com
Silver Reef Casino – Ferndale1,200 Slot Machines4876 Haxton Waywww.silverreefcasino.com
Skagit Valley Casino – Bow900 Slot Machines5984 Darrk Ln.www.theskagit.com
The Point Casino – Kingston700 Slot Machines7989 NE Salish Ln.www.the-point-casino.com
Tulalip Resort Casino – Tulalip2,200 Slot Machines10200 Quil Ceda Blvd.www.tulalipresortcasino.com
Two Rivers Casino – Davenport150 Slot Machines6828 B WA-25www.two-rivers-casino.com
Wild Goose Casino – EllensburgOnly Table Games (7)1600 Currier St.www.wildgoosecasino.com
Wizards Casino – BurienOnly Table Games (16)15739 Ambaum Blvd. SWwww.facebook.com/WizardsCasino

In addition to these casinos and card clubs, there are other places to gamble. There are four racetracks that offer live horse racing. Emerald Downs is the only track that offers a major live racing schedule. Dayton, Sun Downs, Waitsburg, and Walla Walla offer state fair racing for a handful of days each year. There are also bingo halls and lottery retailers.

Gambling

History of Washington Gambling

America Gambling Age

Horse racing first started in Washington before it ever became a state. It was the first form of legalized gambling, not just in Washington, but in the entire region. Racing stood as the only form of regulated gaming until 1963 when voters affirmed a constitutional amendment that created charity gaming. Municipalities are given the right to regulate this type of gaming. Most permit it while others do not.

The state lottery was approved by Washington voters in November 1981. The structure of it passed the state legislature in 1982.

Native American Washington casinos were first approved in 1992. The first gaming compact was executed that year with the Tulalip tribe. This allowed for the first legal slots and video poker machines in the state. Card clubs had a $40 bet limit for years. After lobbying for more than 10 years, the limit was raised to $100 in 2013 for poker games not banked for the house. The bet limit for house-banked card games was raised to $300 in 2008. The clubs hoped to get that raised to $500 but have not been successful. This limit does not apply to reservations.

In 2006, the state legislature banned all forms of online gambling. The state made it a felony to play these games. It was done to protect the state’s card clubs and tribal casinos. In 2010, Margarita Prentice, sponsor of the bill at the time, told Gary Wise of ESPN,

“I just think some of these arguments are utter nonsense. You mean you’re going to move so you can play poker? Gee, lots of luck in your life.” Prentice continued, “I have nothing against card playing. That’s fine. If you want to do that, but I’m sure not going to worry about someone.” Then she hit online poker players in Washington with an offensive comment that was never forgotten. “Let them go pump gas,” Prentice said.

The online poker bill stands to this day. There was a court challenge in 2008. The Washington Supreme Court declared the bill constitutional. There were attempts to repeal the law and regulated online poker in 2015 and 2016. Both attempts failed.

Washington Gambling FAQ

Is Washington online gambling legal?

No. State law makes any form of online gambling a felony to play or operate. This includes online poker, casino games, sports betting, and daily fantasy sports.

Gambling age in america

The minimum Washington gambling age is 18 years. Washington casinos and card clubs that sell alcohol have a minimum gambling age of 21 years.

What type of games are legal in Washington card clubs?

Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, blackjack, Three Card Poker, baccarat, Pai Gow Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold’em are among the legal games in Washington card clubs.

What types of games are legal in Washington tribal casinos?

Slots, video poker, electronic table games, blackjack, baccarat, craps, roulette, Three Card Poker, Four Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em and other house-banked card games are among the action available to Washington Native American casino patrons.

Are daily fantasy sports sites legal in Washington?

No. Daily fantasy sports contests are illegal in the state.

Yes. There are live races and off-track betting. This includes over the Internet and on mobile apps.

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