Washington state, historically one of the most regulated for sports betting, saw a significant shift when Gov. Jay Inslee enacted an emergency clause on House Bill 2638 in March 2021, legalizing sports betting exclusively at tribal casinos. The Snoqualmie Tribe opened the state’s first retail sportsbook in September 2021, marking the beginning of a growing industry projected to reach $94 million within five years. Since then, multiple tribal casinos, including the Spokane Tribe, Muckleshoot, and Suquamish Clearwater, have launched retail sportsbooks, with mobile betting apps also introduced at some locations. Major operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars have partnered with tribes to expand offerings.
Efforts to broaden sports betting beyond tribal casinos have been ongoing, with lawmakers repeatedly introducing bills to allow retail and online betting at card rooms and racetracks, though legal challenges remain. Maverick Gaming has contested the tribal exclusivity in court but faced setbacks. Recent developments include the acceptance of mobile bets at Muckleshoot Casino in 2024 and continued legislative interest in expanding legal sports betting options. Additionally, the NBA is considering Seattle as a candidate city for league expansion, reflecting the region’s growing sports and betting market.
