Maverick Gaming Challenging Washington State’s Tribal Exclusivity for Sports Betting
These are the latest stories involving the sports betting industry in Washington State.
Regulated WA Sports Betting Sites
Washington State does not currently regulate mobile or online sports betting sites. Alternatives include BetOnline, which currently takes bets from Washington State residents and those visiting age 18 and up.
Gambling911.com State Rating
NA
The state only allows sports betting in designated tribal casinos. You can bet online while on the casino property only.
There are currently 14 retail sportsbooks spread across the state.
Restrictions and Tax
No online sports betting. Washington does not collect a gambling tax. Players can expect to pay a withholding tax of 25% to 28% when placing sports bets at a tribal casino.
Washington Sports Betting News
(July 7, 2023) - Maverick Gaming filed an appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals regarding its challenge to Washington’s tribal exclusivity for sports betting and casino gambling on July 7.
A lower court dismissed the case on the grounds that the Showalter Bay Tribe cannot be named in the case because it has tribal immunity.
It was also determined that the federal government’s interests were not in alignment with the tribes.
The new filing challenges Judge David Estudillo conclusions on several fronts.
The filing claims that Estudillo's stance would render all APA challenges related to tribes unreviewable.
“This stunning ruling that tribes must be joined as parties in all APA challenges to the Secretary’s approvals of tribal-state gaming compacts—and that those challenges must then be dismissed based on tribal immunity—would render such APA claims entirely unreviewable, a result at odds with common sense, fundamental principles of judicial review of agency actions, and the consistent practice of federal courts,” the brief stated.
The group filed for an extension the first week in July. The response brief is due on Sept. 1.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com