Home Poker Washington Poker – Compare the Best Real Money Poker Sites in WA
Alan Kendall

Welcome to our ultimate guide to online poker in Washington state. Here you’ll find everything there is to know about playing poker in WA, including the latest legal updates, top sites, reviews and awesome bonuses for Washingtonians.

Although there are no WA based online poker rooms, Washington residents have plenty of choice at offshore poker sites. These sites provide licensed and regulated poker games to play for real money. Read our honest poker reviews to help you compare and play with confidence.

Best Washington Online Poker Sites

The Latest Washington Poker News

Despite the formation of The Washington State Gambling Commission in 1973, progress towards online poker has been slow to say the least. Many WA residents with an appetite for online poker have been left frustrated in their search for a locally based operator. In the timeline below, we highlight the most recent legal events in The Evergreen State for online gambling.

  • January 2022 – Sports betting authorized at cardrooms and racetracks.
  • May 2021 – Legalization of sports betting on Indian reservations.
  • March 2021 – Sports betting pre-licensing investigation rules passed.
  • December 2020 – Sports betting pre-licensing drafted.
  • July 2020 – Unanimous vote by Commissioners to introduce sports betting.

List of the Best WA Poker Sites

We spend hours researching the best online poker rooms for you to play here in Washington. Below, we’ve made a shortlist of the best five poker sites that provide top poker action and the best poker tournaments and games including Hold’em.

  1. BetOnline – Top overall poker site in Washington
  2. Bovada – Best online poker game selection
  3. SportsBetting.ag – Top poker tournaments and freerolls
  4. Ignition – One of the fastest poker sites in WA for payouts
  5. Everygame – Top online poker bonuses for Washington residents

Reviews of the Best Washington Poker Sites

We live and breathe online poker, which is why we spend countless hours researching top sites in detail. In the section below, we have taken a closer look at each offshore international poker room accepting WA players. We show you exactly what you get as a customer and the advantages and disadvantages of each brand.

1. BetOnline – Top overall poker site in Washington

BetOnline Poker Lobby

When rating and ranking online poker sites, we concluded that BetOnline came out on top for the overall poker experience offered to players. The site has a professional and sophisticated feel with a theme that is classy and exciting, making it the go-to Washington State online poker site players can rely on.

BetOnline customers can enjoy online poker in Washington on a variety of devices including online or mobile, thanks to the handy app available on iOS, PC and Android. All of which provide an abundance of poker games and tournaments like the Sunday Majors, Nightly Monsters, $1 Million Windfall and Windfall Sit ‘n Go’s.

What’s more, the operator site is filled with plenty of features that will not only give you an enjoyable poker experience, but enhance your overall gameplay. Get the latest software improvements, use the poker odds calculator and benefit from unique poker variants such as Six Plus Hold’em that promises a ‘truckload more action’ than games elsewhere.

Pros:

  • Poker software optimized for online and mobile
  • Live chat customer support
  • Plenty of poker promotions for new and existing players
  • Variety of poker tournaments
  • Huge Bad Beat Jackpots

Cons:

  • Welcome bonus released in stages

2. Bovada – Best online poker game selection

Bovada Poker Lobby

Bovada has been one of the best sites for real money online poker in Washington since 2004. The brand has been consistent with the service it provides to players looking for casual poker action and its website is clean with an easy to navigate interface. This means you can spend less time searching for games and more time playing poker.

As a feature-rich poker room, you are able to tap into a host of tournaments offering some big prizes. Tournaments on offer include Monthly Milly, Knockouts, Jackpot Sit and Go’s, Turbo Tournaments and guaranteed prize pool tournaments on a weekly basis with $1.5m up for grabs.

The great news is that Bovada is home to some of the best online poker Washington has to offer thanks to its Anonymous Tables – a feature that creates equal gameplay for everyone with complete anonymity.

Additionally, for the bonus hunters out there, this brand could offer a little more. But what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality with some excellent value welcome bonuses. Furthermore, your deposited cash and bonus funds can be used to play awesome poker games such as Hold’em, Omaha and Three Card Stud to name a few.

Pros:

  • Big welcome bonus for new players
  • Dedicated app for online and mobile poker
  • Very active poker network
  • Exclusive poker game variants

Cons:

  • Some competitors offer more poker promotions

3. SportsBetting.ag – Top poker tournaments and freerolls

SportsBetting AG Poker Lobby

It’s easy to see why SportsBetting.ag is the number one choice for many WA online poker players due to its flexible platform that offers a high quality experience with excellent traffic.

As part of the Chico Poker Network, the brand attracts many players from Washington and beyond that are looking for a modern poker environment, which is available on both desktop and mobile devices.

This hybrid operator is popular as a sportsbook but perfectly combines its poker product, which provides an equally as appealing service with plenty of entertainment.

As a customer, you will be able to benefit from a wide range of tournaments with guaranteed prize pools, jackpots and daily leaderboard rewards.

What’s more, if you’re a fan of consistent poker schedules with plenty of games on offer throughout the week, then SportsBetting.ag might just be the site for you. Not only does it have a packed schedule of tables, you can also take part in casual sit ‘n go’s with high value prize pots and big money tournaments offering millions of dollars.

Pros:

  • Big welcome bonuses for new players
  • Dedicated mobile poker app
  • Large traffic throughout the day
  • Fast withdrawal times
  • Established in 1999

Cons:

  • Lack of poker resources for beginners

4. Ignition – One of the fastest paying poker sites in WA

Ignition Casino Poker Lobby

When it comes to paying out your winnings, Ignition is one poker brand that has satisfied the needs of its customers for many years. Since 2016, the operator has been providing plenty of opportunities to win against poker players of all levels of ability and experience.

As part of the PaiWangLuo (PWL) Network, the site has a great selection of games and tournaments with high traffic at peak times, including Re-Entries, Knockouts, Satellites, Turbos and Sit-and-Gos.

What’s more, for players that love poker action around the clock, Ignition offers tournaments 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With a packed schedule, the site is ideal for both new and experienced poker players alike.

All of this makes for a solid poker offering in WA, especially due to the operator’s exclusive Poker Strategy guide with videos and tips for beginners, advanced players and more specifically for tournaments.

Pros:

  • Busy poker network
  • Generous promotions for new and existing players
  • Extensive poker strategy guide
  • Games available 24/7
  • Crypto-friendly poker room

Cons:

  • Would benefit from more payment methods

5. Everygame – Top online poker bonuses for Washington residents

Everygame Poker Lobby

Everygame is a relatively new Washington State online poker site that has made a big impact in a short period of time. When you land on the site you are immediately presented with a slick interface that is simple and functional. Here you can decide whether you want to play poker instantly with no download required or install the free poker software on your device.

One of the stand-out features of Everygame is that the operator is big on rewarding existing players as well as new ones. As part of their membership, you are able to enjoy a whole host of perks and benefits including Frequent Player Points and FPP Race prizes, Gold Chips, 36% Rakeback and a tiered loyalty program known as Loyalty Levels.

In addition, WA online poker players that sign up for the first time can take advantage of a very generous welcome bonus that will give your bankroll a serious boost. You can deposit and withdraw at Everygame using a variety of payment methods such as Visa, MasterCard, Neteller, Skrill, and Bitcoin.

Pros:

  • Cryptocurrency friendly
  • Lots of bonuses for new and existing players
  • Generous reward program
  • Flexible payments including e-wallets

Cons:

  • First deposit bonus awarded in stages

Frequently Asked Questions about Poker in Washington

Is online poker legal in Washington?

Can I legally play poker online in WA?

What is the most legit online poker site for Washington?

What is the best online poker site for beginners in WA?

Comparing Poker Sites in Washington

If you live in Washington State, online poker is not easy to grasp when it comes to the legalities and where to play. Our experts have put together the following table that lets you easily compare your options and outlines what each poker site offers.

Poker Room Poker Bonus Freerolls Casino Poker Qualifiers Live Poker
BetOnline 100% up to $1,000 6+
Bovada 100% up to $500 8+
SportsBetting.ag 100% up to $1,000 5+
Ignition 100% up to $1,000 6+
Everygame 200% up to $1,000 6+

Is Online Poker Legal in WA?

Washington state has one of the most stringent laws in America for online gambling including poker. Despite online poker being legal in the past, it was outlawed in 2006, which means that you are unable to find a locally-based operator that provides access to poker rooms online. What’s more, progress towards legalizing online poker in Washington has been very slow.

With that said, residents are able to play real money online poker in Washington thanks to fully licensed and regulated international casinos. These operators are based offshore and accept players from WA, capitalizing on the legal gray area of not having a presence on US soil.

Washington Poker Laws

The laws surrounding permitted poker games in Washington purely relate to the brick and mortar game. Any form of online or mobile poker is banned as of 2006, a law that has since been challenged and upheld. However, you can play poker legally in Washington at some local casinos in The Evergreen State, whose premises are all situated on Indian reservations. There are also some card rooms that offer poker games with low stakes.

  • Washington State online poker is illegal.
  • Playing poker online or mobile in WA carries a Class C felony.
  • You can play poker offline in person at tribal casinos in WA.
  • Card rooms offer low stakes poker games legally.

Can I Play at an Offshore Poker Room from WA?

Residents of WA can play at offshore poker rooms thanks to the gray area of international operators not being physically located in the US. You can legally access offshore poker sites via desktop and mobile devices with or without the use of a VPN. Although some players choose to use VPN technology to add a layer of safety and anonymity to their transactions.

Legal Poker Sites vs Offshore Poker Sites

In the section below, our team has outlined a series of points that takes you through the credentials and attributes of a legal poker site and an offshore provider.

How can I tell the Difference between a Legal and Offshore Poker Site?

The primary differences between legal poker sites and offshore poker sites in Washington are the state legalities and location of the operator. In WA, online poker operators are not permitted, therefore no local licensing or regulations exist for online play.

Any poker sites that you access from WA are all international offshore casinos and are licensed and regulated by their respective bodies in jurisdictions such as Curacao.

Online Poker Safety & Fairness – Who Regulates Legal Poker Sites in Washington

The Washington State Gambling Commission is the agency of government that oversees all gambling laws and regulations within WA. Established in 1973, the law-enforcement agency is an accredited body that focuses on protecting the public and ensuring that state gambling is legal and honest.

However, there is no legal framework for operators to legally operate online from within WA. A law introduced in 2006 banned online poker in all forms. Offshore poker sites that have access to the WA market and accept players from the state are licensed and regulated within their individual operating jurisdiction.

Offshore Poker Sites in Washington – Are Offshore Poker Sites Safe for WA Players?

Due to the absence of online poker operators in Washington, offshore poker sites provide a swathe of entertainment to residents that live in The Evergreen State.

These international casinos tap into the market to accept players from WA that are looking to play games such as Hold’em and Omaha among others. They are completely safe, licensed and regulated in their respective countries.

With online poker being illegal in Washington and a class C felony, there are currently no poker rooms operating online from within the state’s borders. In light of this, some players choose to use a virtual private network (VPN) that is secure and encrypted.

Will WA be Ring-Fenced or Shared Player Pool?

Offshore online poker sites in WA offer shared player pools that are not restricted by borders or ring-fenced. This provides unrivaled prize winning opportunities with varying buy-ins that are reasonably priced due to the high volume of eligible players on the poker networks.

Perks of Ring-Fencing Player Pools

Ring-Fenced player pools provide a multitude of perks and benefits. Operators are transparent, so you know exactly what you are getting and who you are likely to be competing with when you sign up to play poker.

Additionally, state player protections remain stringent for the protection and welfare of residents. Therefore, the poker network can feel safer compared with shared player pools that often span globally. Furthermore, operators and players alike completely understand the tax laws and commitments of a ring-fenced network without hidden fees or charges.

Drawbacks of Ring-Fencing Player Pools

Players at online poker sites that are ring-fenced sometimes feel isolated due to the restrictive network of competitors. Sites may also offer smaller prize pools, many of which are not guaranteed, due to the smaller pool of players.

What’s more, with less players on the network, not only can competition seem fierce at times depending on the site you use, but many games and tournaments have larger buy-ins. In turn this can stifle gameplay and discourage newer players from getting on the poker ladder.

How to Play Online Poker in Washington

It’s quick and easy to get started with online poker in Washington when you use our handy guide. Below we’ve outlined the core steps you can take to get playing at any of the recommended WA online poker sites within minutes.

1. Create an account and verify

BetOnline Poker Registration

Head over to your preferred poker site. In this example, we are using BetOnline to show you the registration process. Once you’re there, click on the Play Now button.

2. Login

BetOnline Poker Login

After you have completed the registration form and verified your account using your email address and other credentials, visit the site again and login.

3. Deposit funds

BetOnline Poker Cashier

Once you have logged in, visit the cashier and make a deposit to add funds to your account. There are a number of different payment methods you can use and welcome bonus offers you can take advantage of during this step.

4. Play poker

BetOnline Play Poker

The only thing left for you to do is find some poker action and get playing. Take a look at the available games and tournaments that suit your budget and style and join the table.

Making Deposits & Withdrawals at WA Poker Sites

You can make deposits and withdraw funds from WA poker sites using a variety of methods including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and ecoPayz for secure international payments. Be sure to read the small print to fully understand any minimum and maximum limits.

Crypto at Poker Sites

Using cryptocurrency at online poker sites is not unheard of. In fact it’s widely used at many offshore poker rooms due to its flexibility and speed of use. Although Bitcoin is the dominant cryptocurrency, others are available including Ethereum, Litecoin and Ripple among others.

One of the core highlights of using cryptocurrency to play poker is the low to no fees involved when moving your money to and from your chosen poker site.

eWallets at Poker Sites

If you’re the type of player that likes to air on the side of caution, then you can rest assured that when it comes to eWallets you have plenty of options available.

Although there tends to be a lack of support for PayPal, other eWallets such as Neteller and Skrill are readily available, which provide an added layer of security and anonymity to your payments.

Traditional Payment Methods

Traditional payment methods are without a doubt the most popular at Washington State online poker sites. Visa and MasterCard top the list for being the most widely used above all other methods. Some poker sites also allow you to make direct transfers to and from your bank account depending on who you bank with.

Poker Site Bonuses available for WA Players

Poker Site Bonuses

When you play poker online, it’s commonplace to be offered a welcome bonus by the site you are joining. After all, this is part of the appeal of joining a new site for the first time.

With that said, there are plenty of poker bonuses available to WA players that are extremely generous, awesome value for money and come with realistic wagering requirements.

Match Deposit Bonuses

Poker match deposit bonuses are the most common bonus type offered by the majority of online poker sites. You can get your first deposit matched by a percentage of the amount.

When you visit poker sites like Bovada, you have the opportunity to get 100% of your deposit matched up to $1000. Giving you $2000 to play when you claim the maximum bonus on offer. Bonuses like this are released in stages, so the more you play the more you will unlock.

No Deposit Bonuses

No deposit bonuses give you free funds to play with at no risk to your finances. Although no deposit bonuses are rare in poker, some operators do run promotions from time to time.

You can get a completely free bonus without making a deposit. Simply sign up for a new account and claim your bonus to get a free boost to your bankroll.

Free Roll Tickets

Free roll tickets is a bonus type that is exclusive to online poker. Tournaments that cost no cash to enter are known as free rolls, but they often require loyalty points or membership to take part.

You can get free roll tickets at top poker sites and enter big cash tournaments without fees and keep what you win.

Playing on Washington Poker Apps & Mobile Sites

Washington Poker Apps

With the rise of mobile poker, many sites are opting to develop a platform that looks after mobile players first. In modern poker gaming, you have plenty of choice when it comes to the device you use and gameplay is not compromised or limited.

Mobile Poker Apps – Advantages & Disadvantages

Mobile poker apps are perfect for players that enjoy playing poker on the move. You can be in any location, traveling to work or relaxing at home while enjoying your favorite poker games and tournaments.

Apps are fast and convenient, but they require storage space to be available on your mobile to install and process data such as updates.

When compared to playing on a desktop, some players find the experience tedious due to the small screen and interface, particularly when carrying out actions such as raise, check and call.

How to Download Poker Apps or Software

In the list below, we outline the basic steps you need to take to download poker apps or software at BetOnline – the top-rated site for online poker in Washington.

  1. Visit BetOnline.
  2. Click on Poker.
  3. Under ‘Download Free Software’ select your device operating system – Apple or Microsoft.
  4. Click on the downloaded app to install.
  5. Sign up or login to play poker via the app.

Tips for Playing Online Poker for Real Money in WA

When playing for real money, it’s beneficial to improve your game to enhance your experience and maximize your winning potential. In the list below we’ve highlighted five of the best tips from our poker experts.

  • Poker Tip 1: Claim a poker bonus to boost your bankroll and available funds. You can use the additional credits to increase your stakes or prolong your gameplay.
  • Poker Tip 2: Manage your bankroll so that you play games and tournaments that are within your budget. Don’t chase any losses and play at tables you are comfortable with.
  • Poker Tip 3: Know that you will lose. You can’t win every poker game you play. It is inevitable that you will lose at some point during your time playing. Prepare yourself and react in the right way to avoid frustration and being disheartened.
  • Poker Tip 4: Push yourself as your game improves. The more experience you get, the better your game will be. As you develop your game and win, push yourself up a level to capitalize on winning more cash more often.
  • Poker Tip 5: Use a VPN to give yourself extra peace of mind and security when playing poker online in WA. Knowing your connection is private and secure will help you feel more comfortable and relaxed when playing.

Playing Online Poker vs Poker Live in Washington

Playing online poker in Washington can sometimes be difficult due to strict gambling laws and lack of operators. Whereas there are plenty of casinos on Indian land and cardrooms that offer poker games and tournaments to play conveniently.

However, with offshore poker sites, you can benefit from the perks of playing online such as better access to more poker games and tournaments, play at a slower pace with less pressure and keep your own cheat-sheets nearby. Although on the flip-side, reading opposition poker players’ game and style can be difficult compared with playing live.

If we were to choose between playing poker online and live in Washington, we’d say that online play gets the edge. It’s difficult for offline poker rooms and casinos to compete with the amount of prizes available, free poker bonuses, game variants and convenience of jumping from one game to another in a short space of time.

Live Poker in WA – Casinos With Poker Rooms

In the section below, we highlight five of the best land casinos with poker in Washington.

Muckleshoot Casino Resort

Address: 2402 Auburn Way S, Auburn, WA 98002, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours

Muckleshoot Casino was established in 1995 and is owned and operated by the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. The casino offers five card WPT Heads Up Hold’em games against the dealer.

All Star Lanes & Casino

Address: 10710 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale, WA 98383, United States

Opening hours: 9am-11pm

All Star Lanes & Casino is a family owned and operated casino led by Tom Myers, Jr. The casino has five poker tables offering Texas Hold’em and daily games and freeroll tournaments.

Nisqually Red Wind Casino

Address: 12819 Yelm Hwy SE, Olympia, WA 98513, United States

Opening hours: 8am-3am

Nisqually Red Wind Casino is owned and operated by the Nisqually Indian Tribe. The casino has a high roller room offering games such as Emperor’s Challenge Pai Gow Poker along with High Card Flush and Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em.

Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort

Address: 15347 Suquamish Way NE, Suquamish, WA 98392, United States

Opening hours: 10am-3am Sun-Thurs / 24 hours Sat, Sun

Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort is owned by Port Madison Enterprises of the Suquamish tribe and has a dedicated poker room. Players can enjoy three card poker and high card flush games among others.

Little Creek Casino Resort

Address: 91 WA-108, Shelton, WA 98584, United States

Opening hours: 9am-3am

Little Creek Casino Resort is owned and operated by the Squaxin Island Tribe and has a dedicated poker room with regular promotions and tournaments, including No Limit Hold’em with buy-ins from $60.

Famous Washington Poker Players

There are a number of famous poker players from WA that have made some big money finishes and reached the final tables on numerous occasions.

Ali Imsirovic: A Bosnian-American professional poker player from Vancouver that has reportedly made over $11m in live tournament winnings.

Phil Ivey: An American professional poker player who has won ten World Series of Poker bracelets and one World Poker Tour title with an estimated live tournament winnings figure of $26m+.

The Best Poker Site in Washington

BetOnline Poker Lobby

Our top choice poker site in Washington is BetOnline due to the high quality experience it offers overall. The site is accessible and its platform is easy to navigate, allowing you to find the right games at the right price.

Players that join this established online poker room will not be disappointed as it provides the ideal environment for all types of poker player in terms of style and experience. What’s more, there are some generous promotions running that will give your bankroll a serious boost.

Alan Kendall

Alan Kendall

Alan Kendall joined Augusta Free Press in June, 2022. He has been sharing his knowledge and expertise with the online sports betting community for more than fifteen years - creating compelling content across a variety of topics and markets, including pre-game betting, live betting and SGP. Alan has written for many publications including Business 2 Community and specializes in betting strategies and guides to help players improve their decision-making.