Washington Horse Racing Betting
Those looking to bet on horse racing in the state of Washington are in luck. It’s a completely legal practice in the Evergreen State, and there are clear cut rules and regulations on the books. There are two spots to visit and enjoy live racing, as well as several off-track betting parlors.
The Washington Horse Racing Commission is the overseeing body. The commission maintains a website which lists out all of the spots that folks can legally place wagers. That includes online, as a number of the top operators in the industry welcome Washington residents.
Legal Washington Horse Racing Betting Sites
Online Horse Racing Betting in WA
Horse racing in the state is overseen by the Washington Horse Racing Commission. The commission’s website is chock full of information, including where wagers can be legally placed in the state.
On the link labeled ‘rules of racing,’ there’s a detailed explanation of the commission’s responsibilities and direct links to the laws on the books.
The horse racing commission, composed of three members appointed by the governor, is responsible for licensing, regulating and supervising all horse racing meets in the state where the parimutuel system is used. The commission also approves and regulates satellite locations and simulcasting, and licenses and regulates advance deposit wagering. The commission functions through periodic public meetings and where required, conducts hearings in accordance with this chapter. The Rules of Racing can be found in Title 260 WAC. The Laws of Racing, Chapter 67.16 RCW, can be accessed by clicking on the button at the top of this page.
Since 2001 the state of Washington has been a member of the Live Horse Racing Compact, Chapter 67.17 RCW. The National Racing Compact is an effort of member states to establish uniform requirements for the licensing of participants in live horse racing with parimutuel wagering.
Participants receiving National Racing Compact licenses must meet a uniform minimum standard of honest and integrity.
In some states, it can be challenging to find clear interpretations of the state’s stance on online horse betting. That’s not the case in Washington, as everything is spelled out nice and neat.
Licensed Washington Racetracks
Washington is home to two operating race tracks, one of which has a pretty packed seasonal calendar, while the other only operates on select days.
2300 Emerald Downs Drive
Auburn, WA 98001
Emerald Downs first opened its doors in 1996. Thoroughbred racing is run at the venue from April through September, and simulcast wagering is offered year-round.
South Tenth and Oak
Kennewick, WA 99336
Located in the southern section of Washington, Sun Downs only features racing on a handful of days in the spring.
Off-Track Betting in Washington
Washington is currently home to 13 OTB facilities. A full listing of authorized locations can be found on the WHRC website.
2402 Auburn Way South
Auburn, Washington 98002
Visitors will find dining and entertainment options, table games and slot machines, as well as a viewing lounge with several self-service kiosks to place wagers.
8318 Quinault Drive NE
Lacey, Washington 98516
The off-track betting section is staffed Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm, but self-service kiosks are available for use every day.
3249 Perry Avenue NE
Bremerton, Washington 98310
A restaurant and pub which features a beer garden and offers OTB.
270756 Hwy 101
Sequim, Washington 98382
A casino and hotel with a golf course located on site, 7 Cedars also offers OTB.
1660 South Burlington Blvd
Burlington, Washington 98233
A pub and grill with full menu and off-track betting.
16716 Aurora Ave N
Shoreline, Washington 98133
Located inside the casino is The Sports Book, which features OTB seven days per week.
1326 Harrison Ave
Centralia, Washington 98531
A sports bar and grill which offers OTB.
100 North Hayford Road
Airway Heights, Washington 99001
In addition to OTB, visitors will find a hotel, spa, and dining options at this casino.
1611 Everett Ave
Everett, Washington 98201
A dance and night club which also has OTB on site.
6718 NE Fourth Plain Blvd
Vancouver, Washington 98661
A bar with a full food menu which also has live entertainment and OTB.
6 South Cascade
Kennewick, Washington 99336
A sports bar atmosphere with dining and OTB.
Casino Caribbean
1901 Boggess Lane
Yakima, Washington 98901
Casino Caribbean
12526 NE 144th St
Kirkland, Washington 98034
The two Casino Caribbean locations offer dining, poker, and OTB, among other amenities.
Washington Horse Racing Betting Laws
It’s completely legal to bet on horse racing in Washington. The WHRC website provides direct access to The Laws of Racing, which is referenced as Chapter 67.16 RCW.
Section 67.16.260 deals specifically with advance deposit wagering.
(1) The horse racing commission may authorize advance deposit wagering to be conducted by:
(a) A licensed class 1 racing association operating a live horse racing facility; or
(b) The operator of an advance deposit wagering system accepting wagers pursuant to an agreement with a licensed class 1 racing association. The agreement between the operator and the class 1 racing association must be approved by the commission.
(2) An entity authorized to conduct advance deposit wagering under subsection (1) of this section:
(a) May accept advance deposit wagering for races conducted in this state under a class 1 license or races not conducted within this state on a schedule approved by the class 1 licensee. A system of advance deposit wagering located outside or within this state may not accept wagers from residents or other individuals located within this state, and residents or other individuals located within this state are prohibited from placing wagers through advance deposit wagering systems, except with an entity authorized to conduct advance deposit wagering under subsection (1) of this section;
(b) May not accept an account wager in an amount in excess of the funds on deposit in the advance deposit wagering account of the individual placing the wager;
(c) May not allow individuals under the age of twenty-one to open, own, or have access to an advance deposit wagering account;
(d) Must include a statement in all forms of advertising for advance deposit wagering that individuals under the age of twenty-one are not allowed to open, own, or have access to an advance deposit wagering account; and
(e) Must verify the identification, residence, and age of the advance deposit wagering account holder using methods and technologies approved by the commission.
Major Horse Racing Events in Washington
Sun Downs only races on select days each year, but there are a couple of big events which are hosted over at Emerald Downs.
Longacres Mile: This is an 8-furlong Grade III race for three-year-olds and up held annually at Emerald.
Gottstein Futurity: Run annually at Emerald, this is an 8.5-furlong race open to all two-year-olds.