Chad Brown-trained favorites won the United Nations Stakes in 2021 and 2022. Winners of the other six renewals during the last eight years came home between 9-1 and 23-1.
The morning line pegs the Brown-trained Redistricting as the 7-2 favorite in this year’s Grade 2, $600,000 United Nations, a 1 3/8-mile grass race around three turns. Could be. Limited Liability is set at 4-1, Rebel Red 9-2, and seven of 12 entrants listed at 10-1 or lower – the kind of race where nobody knows anything.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Book’em Danno, Mullikin, and Nakatomi, the winners of three of the four Grade 1 sprint stakes decided here a year ago and currently ranked third, fifth, and ninth, respectively, in DRF’s divisional ratings, have returned to Saratoga to square off for the second time this season in Saturday’s $400,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Stakes.
Mila Candy, a 4-year-old filly trained by Ilkay Kantarmaci, will make her highly anticipated turf debut in the $125,000 Brookmeade Stakes on Saturday at Colonial Downs. Her trainer always intended on switching to the turf, but her success on dirt delayed those plans by several months.
“We knew that she was turf, but we just ran on the dirt because there was no turf [in New York] at that time,” Kantarmaci said.
Based on her pedigree alone, it made sense when Mila Candy went off as a 36-1 longshot in her April debut, an $80,000 maiden special weight on dirt at Aqueduct.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – If a better draw can lead to a smoother trip, then Future Is Now could reverse the result of last month’s Grade 2 Intercontinental Stakes when she squares off again with Pipsy in Saturday’s Grade 3, $175,000 Caress Stakes for fillies and mares going 5 1/2 furlongs over Saratoga’s Mellon turf course.
If graded stakes winner Endlessly becomes a top older turf horse, which is still a big “if,” he will show signs of it Saturday when he drops in class for his third start following a long layoff. But the $100,000 Wickerr Stakes is no easy spot for horses in murky form. Endlessly starts from post 11 in the turf mile, facing legit rivals that include stakes winners Bran and Air Force Red, class-drop closer Almendares, improving front-runner Final Boss, comebacker Nineeleventurbo, and Grade 1 winner Beyond Brilliant, making in his first start since 2022.
Two more sportsbooks have responded to Illinois’ sports betting tax increases.
BetMGM and Hard Rock Bet are implementing wager minimums, effective immediately. BetMGM’s new policy requires customers to stake at least $2.50 on a wager, while Hard Rock Bet set a $2 minimum.
In a different crop, one that didn’t include a colt named Sovereignty, Journalism might have swept the Triple Crown. Second to Sovereignty as the Derby favorite, Journalism averted disaster, terrible traffic trouble, and won the Preakness. Sovereignty rolled past him in the Belmont, but Journalism held form, getting back to an excellent 105 Beyer Speed Figure, finishing 3 1/2 lengths clear of third.
Circa Sports is joining FanDuel and DraftKings in pursuit of an untethered sports betting license in Missouri.
The problem? There are only two of these licenses up for grabs ahead of the state’s market launch on Dec. 1.
Untethered licenses do not require sportsbooks to be associated with a casino or professional sports team. Which means operators don’t have to split their revenue or resources with land-based partners.
Burnham Square nearly got the call in the continent’s main event, the Haskell. He’ll give Journalism a run, but if Journalism can avoid a tough trip (no sure thing!) Burnham Square can’t contain him. On Monmouth turf, Segesta in the Matchmaker and Rebel Red in the United Nations just missed this week’s cut.
Molly Pitcher
Washington sports betting is legal and currently available. However, all wagers — whether placed online or in person — must be made on tribal lands. More than 15 casinos across the state offer in-person sports betting.
(Looking for Washington, D.C. sports betting?)
Several casinos have partnered with major sportsbook operators, allowing bettors to access those apps while on-site. That said, all legal mobile sports betting in Washington requires the bettor to be physically located at a participating casino.
Continue reading below for more details and important information about sports betting in Washington.
Disclaimer: For those outside of Washington, you may face restrictions on the offers you see on this page.
Yes. Sports betting is legal in Washington, but it is limited to the reservation lands of federally recognized Native American tribes. Betting is available in both retail and online formats, although most wagering in the state currently takes place in person at tribal casinos.
Several casinos have partnered with major operators such as DraftKings and Caesars, allowing patrons to use those sportsbook promo apps while physically on-site. Other casinos operate their own branded sportsbook platforms, enabling bettors to browse odds or build wagers before finalizing them at a kiosk or betting window inside the casino.
Because Washington law strictly limits where bets can be placed, most tribes offer sports betting exclusively at their retail casino locations.
Many casinos now provide access to their sportsbook partner’s mobile app for use on casino property. In some cases, bettors can build their wagers from home or elsewhere in the state, but the bet must be physically placed at a casino kiosk or betting cage to comply with state law.
Below is a list of current sportsbook operators in Washington and their casino partners:
Betfred Sportsbook: Silver Reef Casino Resort
BetMGM Bonus code Sportsbook: Emerald Queen Casino (Tacoma and Fife)
Caesars Sportsbook promo code: Chewelah Casino, Muckleshoot Casino, Spokane Tribe Casino
DraftKings promo code : Quil Ceda Creek Casino, Tulalip Resort Casino
FanDuel promo code: Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort
Unibet Sportsbook: Swinomish Casino & Lodge
Sports betting became legal in Washington through the passage of HB 2638. The bill passed both chambers of the Washington Legislature and was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee on March 25, 2020.
The first legal sports bet in the state was placed at Snoqualmie Casino, marking the culmination of approximately 18 months of regulatory preparation.
Under the law, each federally recognized Native American tribe in Washington is eligible to offer sports betting on its reservation lands after amending its tribal gaming compact. However, the state’s sports betting framework has faced legal challenges. Maverick Gaming filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of tribal compacts that grant exclusivity to tribes. After losing in District Court, Maverick appealed the decision. The outcome of that case could potentially affect who is allowed to offer sports betting in Washington in the future.
Washington law permits both retail and online sports betting, but all wagering activity must occur on tribal lands. This geographic restriction effectively creates a predominantly retail market.
Sportsbooks in Washington may offer wagering on:
Professional sports
College sports
Esports
However, the law prohibits betting on:
Minor league sporting events
Of the two states bordering Washington, Oregon offers legal sports betting, while Idaho does not. Here’s how Washington compares to its southern neighbor.
Both Washington and Oregon allow retail and online sports betting. However, the structure of each market is very different.
In Washington, only federally recognized Native American tribes may legally offer sports betting, and wagering must take place on tribal lands. The market is tribal-operated and geographically restricted.
In Oregon, sports betting is primarily run through the Oregon Lottery, making it much more of a state-operated system. While tribes in Oregon can offer sports betting at their casinos under their compacts, the majority of online betting in the state flows through the lottery platform.
Oregon offers statewide mobile sports betting through a single app. The original platform, Scoreboard (powered by SBTech), was rebranded and transferred to DraftKings in 2022. Today, DraftKings operates as the only legal statewide sportsbook app in Oregon.
In contrast, Washington technically permits online betting, but all wagers must be placed while the bettor is physically located on tribal lands. This restriction effectively prevents statewide mobile betting.
Neither state’s sportsbooks pay traditional commercial gaming taxes.
In Washington, tribes are not required to pay upfront licensing fees or taxes. Instead, participating tribes share regulatory costs associated with operating sports betting.
In Oregon, because sports betting is operated by the Oregon Lottery, the state does not tax itself. Revenue flows directly through the lottery system.
Retail availability also differs significantly between the two states.
Washington limits retail sports betting strictly to tribal casinos.
Oregon takes a broader approach. In addition to tribal casino sportsbooks, the state allows sports betting kiosks at approved lottery retailer locations, expanding access beyond casino properties.
Washington is home to nearly 8 million residents, creating strong and loyal fanbases across the state. Unsurprisingly, most of the major professional teams are based in Seattle, the state’s largest city and metropolitan area.
Football is the most popular sport in the United States, and NFL games consistently attract the highest betting volume nationwide - including in Washington.
The state is home to one NFL team:
Seattle Seahawks - Lumen Field
The Seahawks have a partnership with Snoqualmie Casino, allowing the casino to feature official team branding in promotions and advertising.
Washington previously had an NBA franchise, the Seattle SuperSonics, but the team relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008. Since then, Seattle and Washington basketball fans have not had a hometown NBA team to support or bet on.
Major League Baseball maintains strong local support in many of its cities, and Seattle is no exception. The state’s MLB team also draws interest from neighboring states without their own franchises, such as Oregon and Idaho.
Seattle Mariners - T-Mobile Park
Hockey has grown significantly in popularity in Washington in recent years. The NHL awarded Seattle an expansion franchise, giving the state a new team to rally behind.
Seattle Kraken - Climate Pledge Arena
Additionally, the proximity of the Vancouver Canucks, located just across the U.S.-Canada border, likely contributes to a strong regional hockey presence in the Seattle area.
Sports betting is not the only form of legal gambling available in Washington. Below is an overview of other gambling options in the state.
Before exploring legal options, it’s important to understand what is not permitted.
Washington law makes online gambling a felony. According to the Washington State Gambling Commission, “it is a class C felony to knowingly transmit or receive gambling information by telephone, internet, or any other similar means.”
A Class C felony in Washington is punishable by:
Up to five years in prison
A fine of up to $10,000
The law defines “gambling information” broadly, including wagers, details about wagers, betting odds, and changes in betting odds. The Commission further clarifies that each individual bet may constitute a separate offense, meaning multiple wagers could result in multiple violations.
Because of these strict regulations, Washington does not permit traditional online casino gambling or statewide mobile sportsbooks.
The most common places to gamble legally in Washington are tribal and cardroom casinos. In addition to retail sportsbooks at participating locations, many casinos offer:
Slot machines
Table games
Poker rooms
According to the Washington State Gambling Commission, casino gaming options may include blackjack, red dog, craps, roulette, baccarat (mini, midi, and full size), pai gow poker, Sic-Bo, Big 6, chuck-a-luck, keno, and electronic tribal lottery terminals.
If you’re looking for alternatives to sports betting, the following casinos operate in Washington:
12 Tribes Coulee Dam Casino - Coulee Dam
12 Tribes Lake Chelan Casino - Manson
12 Tribes Omak Casino Hotel - Omak
7 Cedars Casino - Sequim
Angel of the Winds Casino - Arlington
Chewelah Casino - Chewelah
Emerald Queen Casino at I-5 -Tacoma
EQC at Fife - Fife
Ilani Casino Resort - Ridgefield
Kalispel Casino - Cusick
Legends Casino - Toppenish
Little Creek Casino Resort - Shelton
Lucky Dog Casino - Shelton
Lucky Eagle Casino - Rochester
Muckleshoot Casino - Auburn
Northern Quest Casino - Airway Heights
Northwood Casino - Lynden
Quil Ceda Creek Casino - Tulalip
Quinault Beach Resort & Casino - Ocean Shores
Red Wind Casino - Olympia
Silver Reef Casino - Ferndale
Skagit Valley Casino - Bow
Snoqualmie Casino - Snoqualmie
Spokane Tribe Casino - Airway Heights
Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort - Suquamish
Swinomish Casino & Lodge - Anacortes
The Point Casino - Kingston
Tulalip Resort Casino - Tulalip
Game availability can vary by location, so it’s a good idea to visit the casino’s website or call ahead if you’re looking for a specific game.
Public card rooms are another legal gambling option in Washington. Interestingly, state law permits licensed standalone card rooms while prohibiting social card games.
Whether card rooms are allowed is determined at the local level, and approximately 70 jurisdictions across Washington have chosen to ban them. Even so, several legal card rooms operate throughout the state.
By law, card rooms:
May operate no more than 15 tables
Are subject to a $400 wagering limit
In addition to poker, these venues typically offer house-banked card games such as:
Blackjack
Ultimate Texas Hold’em
Three Card Poker
Four Card Poker
Pai Gow Poker
As with casinos, game availability varies by location. It’s best to check the card room’s website or call ahead if you’re looking for a specific game.
On July 20, 2023, the Washington State Gambling Commission voted 3–2 to approve an increase in the wagering limit to $400.
Washington has two live horse racing tracks and roughly a dozen off-track betting (OTB) locations. Some OTB facilities are located within casinos or card rooms, while others operate inside local bars and restaurants.
All licensed locations allow wagering on simulcast races from across the country, including races held at Washington’s two tracks:
Emerald Downs
Sun Downs
Despite the state’s strict stance on online gambling, Washington does allow wagering through licensed online horse racing platforms. Services such as TVG operate legally in the state and provide race broadcasts along with betting options.
There are currently no active daily fantasy sports (DFS) operators in Washington.
The state considers DFS to be a game of chance, meaning it falls under the same prohibitions as other forms of online gambling. As a result, participating in DFS contests could expose individuals to the same criminal penalties applied to unlawful online wagering.
Even informal activities such as office pools or March Madness bracket contests are technically illegal under Washington law.
Washington maintains one of the strictest regulatory approaches to online gambling in the country, especially when compared to the wide range of legal in-person gambling options available within the state.
Current Sportsbooks
14Licenses Allowed
30Chewelah Casino: 2555 Smith Rd, Chewelah, WA 99109
Muckleshoot Casino: 2402 Auburn Way S, Auburn, WA 98002
Spokane Tribe Casino: 14300 US-2, Airway Heights, WA 99001
Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort: 15347 Suquamish Way NE, Suquamish, WA 98392
Quil Ceda Creek Casino: 6221 31st Ave NE, Tulalip, WA 98271
Tulalip Casino: 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd, Tulalip, WA 98271
Emerald Queen Casino: 2920 East R St, Tacoma, WA 98404
Swinomish Casino & Lodge: 12885 Casino Dr, Anacortes, WA 98221
March 25, 2021
Governor Jay Inslee signs HB 2638 into law, thus legalizing sports betting at tribal casinos.
November 9, 2021
The Snoqualmie Tribe opens the first retail sportsbook in Washington, with former Seattle Supersonics star Shawn Kemp placing the ceremonial first legal wager.
December 29, 2021
The Snoqualmies launch a mobile sports wagering app. However, use of the app is restricted to the grounds of the tribe's physical casino-resort east of Seattle. In essence, a more accurate description of this app would be "onsite mobile."
January 10, 2022
A state senate bill is introduced in hopes of expanding legal sports wagering to horse racetracks and commercial card rooms in the state. This bill, as well as several that would follow, never sees the light of day, offering ample evidence of the tribes' tremendous legislative sway.
January 11, 2022
Maverick Gaming, which operates several card rooms in the state, files suit in federal court, claiming that the state's compact with Indian tribes illegally grants them a monopoly on sports wagering.
February 21, 2023
A federal court rules against Maverick, thus reaffirming the tribes' exclusive ability to offer sports wagering in Washington. Maverick, which pledged to appeal the case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, would file for bankruptcy in 2025.
March 30, 2026
Governor Bob Ferguson signs a law lifting the prohibition on betting on in-state colleges, meaning Washingtonians can now bet on sporting events involving the University of Washington and Washington State University, among other schools.
Sports betting is legal in Washington, but only if a bettor is present on a tribal casino property with a retail sportsbook. A few of these properties have mobile apps, but their geofencing prevents wagering off the property itself. Hence, in Washington, mobile wagering equates to onsite mobile.
Anyone who is at least 21 years of age can bet on sports in the Evergreen State.
The Washington State Gambling Commission regulates sports betting in Washington.
Washingtonians are blessed with a plethora of sports on which to bet, including: Australian Rules Football, badminton, bandy, baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, bowling, boxing, chess, cornhole, cricket, curling, cycling, darts, disc golf, floorball, football, futsal, Gaelic Sports, golf, handball, field hockey, ice hockey, jai alai, lacrosse, MMA, motorsports, lacrosse, NCAA wrestling, Olympic Games, pesapallo, pickleball, pool, pro mini golf, rowing, rugby, sailing, SlapFight, snooker, soccer, softball, surfing, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, water polo, winter sports, and Sumo wrestling.
For several years, there was no wagering on in-state colleges, but that prohibition was lifted in 2026.
Fantasy sports and, in turn, DFS are expressly illegal in Washington.
It is legal to bet on horse racing in a variety of ways in Washington. While there's only one racetrack, Emerald Downs in the Seattle-Tacoma area, that still plays host to live racing, bettors can wager on simulcast races around the world there, as well as at a dozen off-track betting parlors throughout the state. Washington horseplayers can also bet on races online through account wagering.
Have other Questions? Email cservice2@drf.com
21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
