Online prediction-market wagering is prohibited throughout the state, according to a formal statement from the Washington State Gambling Commission.
The regulator released guidelines clarifying that, in accordance with current Washington law, offering event-based contracts or taking part in these prediction markets is illegal gambling.
The Commission noted in its notice that there is increasing interest in platforms that offer contracts on future events, such as political and sporting contests.
It made clear that these services are not authorised or licensed in Washington, and as a result, prediction market companies are not allowed to operate or take clients from the state.
The agency also mentioned that there are currently legal disputes over the wider legality of prediction markets at the federal and state levels.
It stated that it will keep an eye on these court cases and revise its stance if higher courts offer new guidance.
Legal Options Limited to Tribal Sportsbooks
Residents of Washington still have access to regulated sports betting even though prediction markets are prohibited.
The Commission reaffirmed that only in-person sports betting is permitted at tribal casinos that have been granted permission by tribal-state gaming compacts to provide sportsbooks.
The Commission’s website maintains a list of tribal casino locations and which of them run retail sportsbooks.
Washington’s position is in line with its long-standing, stringent policies regarding online gambling, which make it a class C felony to knowingly send or receive gambling-related information online.
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