The public policy of the state of Washington on gambling is to keep the criminal element out of gambling and to promote the social welfare of the people by limiting the nature and scope of gambling activities and by strict regulation and control.
It is hereby declared to be the policy of the legislature, recognizing the close relationship between professional gambling and organized crime, to restrain all persons from seeking profit from professional gambling activities in this state; to restrain all persons from patronizing such professional gambling activities; to safeguard the public against the evils induced by common gamblers and common gambling houses engaged in professional gambling; and at the same time, both to preserve the freedom of the press and to avoid restricting participation by individuals in activities and social pastimes, which activities and social pastimes are more for amusement rather than for profit, do not maliciously affect the public, and do not breach the peace.
The legislature further declares that the raising of funds for the promotion of bona fide charitable or nonprofit organizations is in the public interest as is participation in such activities and social pastimes as are hereinafter in this chapter authorized.
The legislature further declares that the conducting of bingo, raffles, and amusement games and the operation of punchboards, pull-tabs, card games and other social pastimes, when conducted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, are hereby authorized, as are only such lotteries for which no valuable consideration has been paid or agreed to be paid as hereinafter in this chapter provided.
The legislature further declares that fishing derbies shall not constitute any form of gambling and shall not be considered as a lottery, a raffle, or an amusement game and shall not be subject to the provisions of this chapter or any rules and regulations adopted hereunder.
The legislature further declares that raffles authorized by the fish and wildlife commission involving hunting big game animals or wild turkeys shall not be subject to the provisions of this chapter or any rules and regulations adopted hereunder, with the exception of this section and RCW 9.46.400.
All factors incident to the activities authorized in this chapter shall be closely controlled, and the provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed to achieve such end.
[ 1996 c 101 § 2; 1994 c 218 § 2; 1975 1st ex.s. c 259 § 1; 1974 ex.s. c 155 § 1; 1974 ex.s. c 135 § 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 218 § 1; ]
"Amusement game," as used in this chapter, means a game played for entertainment in which:
The contestant actively participates;
The outcome depends in a material degree upon the skill of the contestant;
Only merchandise prizes are awarded;
The outcome is not in the control of the operator;
The wagers are placed, the winners are determined, and a distribution of prizes or property is made in the presence of all persons placing wagers at such game; and
Said game is conducted or operated by any agricultural fair, person, association, or organization in such manner and at such locations as may be authorized by rules and regulations adopted by the commission pursuant to this chapter as now or hereafter amended.
Cake walks as commonly known and fish ponds as commonly known shall be treated as amusement games for all purposes under this chapter.
[ 1987 c 4 § 2; ]
"Bingo," as used in this chapter, means a game conducted only in the county within which the organization is principally located in which prizes are awarded on the basis of designated numbers or symbols on a card conforming to numbers or symbols selected at random and in which no cards are sold except at the time and place of said game, when said game is conducted by a bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization, or if an agricultural fair authorized under chapters 15.76 and 36.37 RCW, which does not conduct bingo on more than twelve consecutive days in any calendar year, and except in the case of any agricultural fair as authorized under chapters 15.76 and 36.37 RCW, no person other than a bona fide member or an employee of said organization takes any part in the management or operation of said game, and no person who takes any part in the management or operation of said game takes any part in the management or operation of any game conducted by any other organization or any other branch of the same organization, unless approved by the commission, and no part of the proceeds thereof inure to the benefit of any person other than the organization conducting said game. For the purposes of this section, the organization shall be deemed to be principally located in the county within which it has its primary business office. If the organization has no business office, the organization shall be deemed to be located in the county of principal residence of its chief executive officer: PROVIDED, That any organization which is conducting any licensed and established bingo game in any locale as of January 1, 1981, shall be exempt from the requirement that such game be conducted in the county in which the organization is principally located.
[ 2002 c 369 § 1; 1987 c 4 § 3; ]
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"Bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization," as used in this chapter, means:
Any organization duly existing under the provisions of chapter 24.12, 24.20, or 24.28 RCW, any agricultural fair authorized under the provisions of chapter 15.76 or 36.37 RCW, or any nonprofit corporation duly existing under the provisions of chapter 19.09 or 24.03A RCW for charitable, benevolent, eleemosynary, educational, civic, patriotic, political, religious, scientific, social, fraternal, athletic, or agricultural purposes only, or any nonprofit organization, whether incorporated or otherwise, when found by the commission to be organized and operating for one or more of the aforesaid purposes only, all of which in the opinion of the commission have been organized and are operated primarily for purposes other than the operation of gambling activities authorized under this chapter; or
Any corporation which has been incorporated under Title 36 U.S.C. and whose principal purposes are to furnish volunteer aid to members of the armed forces of the United States and also to carry on a system of national and international relief and to apply the same in mitigating the sufferings caused by pestilence, famine, fire, floods, and other national calamities and to devise and carry on measures for preventing the same.
An organization defined under (a) of this subsection must:
Have been organized and continuously operating for at least twelve calendar months immediately preceding making application for any license to operate a gambling activity, or the operation of any gambling activity authorized by this chapter for which no license is required; and
Demonstrate to the commission that it has made significant progress toward the accomplishment of the purposes of the organization during the twelve consecutive month period preceding the date of application for a license or license renewal. The fact that contributions to an organization do not qualify for charitable contribution deduction purposes or that the organization is not otherwise exempt from payment of federal income taxes pursuant to the internal revenue code of 1954, as amended, shall constitute prima facie evidence that the organization is not a bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization for the purposes of this section.
Any person, association or organization which pays its employees, including members, compensation other than is reasonable therefor under the local prevailing wage scale shall be deemed paying compensation based in part or whole upon receipts relating to gambling activities authorized under this chapter and shall not be a bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization for the purposes of this chapter.
For the purposes of RCW 9.46.0315 and 9.46.110, a bona fide nonprofit organization can be licensed by the commission and includes:
A credit union organized and operating under state or federal law. All revenue less prizes and expenses received from raffles conducted by credit unions must be devoted to purposes authorized under this section for charitable and nonprofit organizations; and
A group of executive branch state employees that:
Has requested and received revocable approval from the agency's chief executive official, or such official's designee, to conduct one or more raffles in compliance with this section;
Conducts a raffle solely to raise funds for either the state combined fund drive, created under RCW 41.04.033; an entity approved to receive funds from the state combined fund drive; or a charitable or benevolent entity, including but not limited to a person or family in need, as determined by a majority vote of the approved group of employees. No person or other entity may receive compensation in any form from the group for services rendered in support of this purpose;
Promptly provides such information about the group's receipts, expenditures, and other activities as the agency's chief executive official or designee may periodically require, and otherwise complies with this section and RCW 9.46.0315; and
Limits the participation in the raffle such that raffle tickets are sold only to, and winners are determined only from, the employees of the agency.
For the purposes of RCW 9.46.0277, a bona fide nonprofit organization also includes a county, city, or town, provided that all revenue less prizes and expenses from raffles conducted by the county, city, or town must be used for community activities or tourism promotion activities.
[ 2021 c 176 § 5202; 2020 c 150 § 1; 2017 c 133 § 1; 2009 c 137 § 1; 2007 c 452 § 1; 2000 c 233 § 1; 1987 c 4 § 4; ]
"Bookmaking," as used in this chapter, means accepting bets, upon the outcome of future contingent events, as a business or in which the bettor is charged a fee or "vigorish" for the opportunity to place a bet.
[ 1991 c 261 § 1; 1987 c 4 § 5; ]
"Commercial stimulant," as used in this chapter, means an activity is operated as a commercial stimulant, for the purposes of this chapter, only when it is an activity operated in connection with an established business, with the purpose of increasing the volume of sales of food or drink for consumption on that business premises. The commission may by rule establish guidelines and criteria for applying this definition to its applicants and licensees for gambling activities authorized by this chapter as commercial stimulants.
[ 1994 c 120 § 1; 1987 c 4 § 6; ]
"Commission," as used in this chapter, means the Washington state gambling commission created in RCW 9.46.040.
[ 1987 c 4 § 7; ]
"Contest of chance," as used in this chapter, means any contest, game, gaming scheme, or gaming device in which the outcome depends in a material degree upon an element of chance, notwithstanding that skill of the contestants may also be a factor therein.
[ 1987 c 4 § 8; ]
"Fishing derby," as used in this chapter, means a fishing contest, with or without the payment or giving of an entry fee or other consideration by some or all of the contestants, wherein prizes are awarded for the species, size, weight, or quality of fish caught in a bona fide fishing or recreational event.
[ 1987 c 4 § 9; ]
"Fund-raising event," as used in this chapter, means a fund-raising event conducted during any seventy-two consecutive hours but exceeding twenty-four consecutive hours and not more than once in any calendar year or a fund-raising event conducted not more than twice each calendar year for not more than twenty-four consecutive hours each time by a bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization as defined in RCW 9.46.0209 other than any agricultural fair referred to thereunder, upon authorization therefor by the commission, which the legislature hereby authorizes to issue a license therefor, with or without fee, permitting the following activities, or any of them, during such event: Bingo, amusement games, contests of chance, lotteries, and raffles. However: (a) Gross wagers and bets or revenue generated from participants under subsection (2) of this section received by the organization less the amount of money paid by the organization as winnings, or as payment for services or equipment rental under subsection (2) of this section, and for the purchase cost of prizes given as winnings do not exceed ten thousand dollars during the total calendar days of such fund-raising event in the calendar year; (b) such activities shall not include any mechanical gambling or lottery device activated by the insertion of a coin or by the insertion of any object purchased by any person taking a chance by gambling in respect to the device; (c) only bona fide members of the organization who are not paid for such service or persons licensed or approved by the commission under subsection (2) of this section shall participate in the management or operation of the activities, and all income therefrom, after deducting the cost of prizes and other expenses, shall be devoted solely to the lawful purposes of the organization; and (d) such organization shall notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency of the time and place where such activities shall be conducted. The commission shall require an annual information report setting forth in detail the expenses incurred and the revenue received relative to the activities permitted.
Bona fide charitable or nonprofit organizations may hire a person or vendor, who is licensed or approved by the commission, to organize and conduct a fund-raising event on behalf of the sponsoring organization subject to the following restrictions:
The person or vendor may not provide the facility for the event;
The person or vendor may use paid personnel and may be compensated by a fixed fee determined prior to the event, but may not share in the proceeds of the event;
All wagers must be made with scrip or chips having no cash value. At the end of the event, participants may be given the opportunity to purchase or otherwise redeem their scrip or chips for merchandise prizes;
The value of all purchased prizes must not exceed ten percent of the gross revenue from the event; and
Only members and guests of the sponsoring organization may participate in the event.
Bona fide charitable or nonprofit organizations holding a license to conduct a fund-raising event may join together to jointly conduct a fund-raising event if:
Approval to do so is received from the commission; and
The method of dividing the income and expenditures and the method of recording and handling of funds are disclosed to the commission in the application for approval of the joint fund-raising event and are approved by the commission.
The gross wagers and bets or revenue generated from participants under subsection (2) of this section received by the organizations less the amount of money paid by the organizations as winnings, or as payment for services or equipment rental under subsection (2) of this section, and for the purchase costs of prizes given as winnings may not exceed ten thousand dollars during the total calendar days of such event. The net receipts each organization receives shall count against the organization's annual limit stated in this subsection.
A joint fund-raising event shall count against only the lead organization or organizations receiving fifty percent or more of the net receipts for the purposes of the number of such events an organization may conduct each year.
The commission may issue a joint license for a joint fund-raising event and charge a license fee for such license according to a schedule of fees adopted by the commission which reflects the added cost to the commission of licensing more than one licensee for the event.
[ 2000 c 178 § 1; 1987 c 4 § 24; ]
"Gambling," as used in this chapter, means staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under the person's control or influence, upon an agreement or understanding that the person or someone else will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome. Gambling does not include fishing derbies as defined by this chapter, parimutuel betting and handicapping contests as authorized by chapter 67.16 RCW, bona fide business transactions valid under the law of contracts, including, but not limited to, contracts for the purchase or sale at a future date of securities or commodities, and agreements to compensate for loss caused by the happening of chance, including, but not limited to, contracts of indemnity or guarantee and life, health, or accident insurance. In addition, a contest of chance which is specifically excluded from the definition of lottery under this chapter shall not constitute gambling.
[ 2005 c 351 § 1; 1987 c 4 § 10; ]
"Gambling device," as used in this chapter, means: (1) Any device or mechanism the operation of which a right to money, credits, deposits or other things of value may be created, in return for a consideration, as the result of the operation of an element of chance, including, but not limited to slot machines, video pull-tabs, video poker, and other electronic games of chance; (2) any device or mechanism which, when operated for a consideration, does not return the same value or thing of value for the same consideration upon each operation thereof; (3) any device, mechanism, furniture, fixture, construction or installation designed primarily for use in connection with professional gambling; and (4) any subassembly or essential part designed or intended for use in connection with any such device, mechanism, furniture, fixture, construction or installation. In the application of this definition, a pinball machine or similar mechanical amusement device which confers only an immediate and unrecorded right of replay on players thereof, which does not contain any mechanism which varies the chance of winning free games or the number of free games which may be won or a mechanism or a chute for dispensing coins or a facsimile thereof, and which prohibits multiple winnings depending upon the number of coins inserted and requires the playing of five balls individually upon the insertion of a nickel or dime, as the case may be, to complete any one operation thereof, shall not be deemed a gambling device: PROVIDED, That owning, possessing, buying, selling, renting, leasing, financing, holding a security interest in, storing, repairing and transporting such pinball machines or similar mechanical amusement devices shall not be deemed engaging in professional gambling for the purposes of this chapter and shall not be a violation of this chapter: PROVIDED FURTHER, That any fee for the purchase or rental of any such pinball machines or similar amusement devices shall have no relation to the use to which such machines are put but be based only upon the market value of any such machine, regardless of the location of or type of premises where used, and any fee for the storing, repairing and transporting thereof shall have no relation to the use to which such machines are put, but be commensurate with the cost of labor and other expenses incurred in any such storing, repairing and transporting.
[ 1994 c 218 § 8; 1987 c 4 § 11; ]
"Gambling information," as used in this chapter, means any wager made in the course of and any information intended to be used for professional gambling. In the application of this definition, information as to wagers, betting odds and changes in betting odds shall be presumed to be intended for use in professional gambling. This section shall not apply to newspapers of general circulation or commercial radio and television stations licensed by the federal communications commission.
[ 1987 c 4 § 12; ]
"Gambling premises," as used in this chapter, means any building, room, enclosure, vehicle, vessel or other place used or intended to be used for professional gambling. In the application of this definition, any place where a gambling device is found shall be presumed to be intended to be used for professional gambling.
[ 1987 c 4 § 13; ]
"Gambling record," as used in this chapter, means any record, receipt, ticket, certificate, token, slip or notation given, made, used or intended to be used in connection with professional gambling.
[ 1987 c 4 § 14; ]
"Lottery," as used in this chapter, means a scheme for the distribution of money or property by chance, among persons who have paid or agreed to pay a valuable consideration for the chance.
[ 1987 c 4 § 15; ]
"Member" and "bona fide member," as used in this chapter, mean a person accepted for membership in an organization eligible to be licensed by the commission under this chapter upon application, with such action being recorded in the official minutes of a regular meeting or who has held full and regular membership status in the organization for a period of not less than twelve consecutive months prior to participating in the management or operation of any gambling activity. Such membership must in no way be dependent upon, or in any way related to, the payment of consideration to participate in any gambling activity.
Member or bona fide member shall include only members of an organization's specific chapter or unit licensed by the commission or otherwise actively conducting the gambling activity: PROVIDED, That:
Members of chapters or local units of a state, regional or national organization may be considered members of the parent organization for the purpose of a gambling activity conducted by the parent organization, if the rules of the parent organization so permit;
Members of a bona fide auxiliary to a principal organization may be considered members of the principal organization for the purpose of a gambling activity conducted by the principal organization. Members of the principal organization may also be considered members of its auxiliary for the purpose of a gambling activity conducted by the auxiliary; and
Members of any chapter or local unit within the jurisdiction of the next higher level of the parent organization, and members of a bona fide auxiliary to that chapter or unit, may assist any other chapter or local unit of that same organization licensed by the commission in the conduct of gambling activities.
No person shall be a member of any organization if that person's primary purpose for membership is to become, or continue to be, a participant in, or an operator or manager of, any gambling activity or activities.
[ 1987 c 4 § 16; ]
"Player," as used in this chapter, means a natural person who engages, on equal terms with the other participants, and solely as a contestant or bettor, in any form of gambling in which no person may receive or become entitled to receive any profit therefrom other than personal gambling winnings, and without otherwise rendering any material assistance to the establishment, conduct or operation of a particular gambling activity. A natural person who gambles at a social game of chance on equal terms with the other participants shall not be considered as rendering material assistance to the establishment, conduct or operation of the social game merely by performing, without fee or remuneration, acts directed toward the arrangement or facilitation of the game, such as inviting persons to play, permitting the use of premises for the game, or supplying cards or other equipment to be used in the games. A person who engages in "bookmaking" as defined in this chapter is not a "player." A person who pays a fee or "vigorish" enabling him or her to place a wager with a bookmaker, or pays a fee other than as authorized by this chapter to participate in a card game, contest of chance, lottery, or gambling activity, is not a player.
[ 1997 c 118 § 2; 1991 c 261 § 2; 1987 c 4 § 17; ]
A person is engaged in "professional gambling" for the purposes of this chapter when:
Acting other than as a player or in the manner authorized by this chapter, the person knowingly engages in conduct which materially aids any form of gambling activity; or
Acting other than in a manner authorized by this chapter, the person pays a fee to participate in a card game, contest of chance, lottery, or other gambling activity; or
Acting other than as a player or in the manner authorized by this chapter, the person knowingly accepts or receives money or other property pursuant to an agreement or understanding with any other person whereby he or she participates or is to participate in the proceeds of gambling activity; or
The person engages in bookmaking; or
The person conducts a lottery; or
The person violates RCW 9.46.039.
Conduct under subsection (1)(a) of this section, except as exempted under this chapter, includes but is not limited to conduct directed toward the creation or establishment of the particular game, contest, scheme, device or activity involved, toward the acquisition or maintenance of premises, paraphernalia, equipment or apparatus therefor, toward the solicitation or inducement of persons to participate therein, toward the actual conduct of the playing phases thereof, toward the arrangement of any of its financial or recording phases, or toward any other phase of its operation. If a person having substantial proprietary or other authoritative control over any premises shall permit the premises to be used with the person's knowledge for the purpose of conducting gambling activity other than gambling activities authorized by this chapter, and acting other than as a player, and the person permits such to occur or continue or makes no effort to prevent its occurrence or continuation, the person shall be considered as being engaged in professional gambling: PROVIDED, That the proprietor of a bowling establishment who awards prizes obtained from player contributions, to players successfully knocking down pins upon the contingency of identifiable pins being placed in a specified position or combination of positions, as designated by the posted rules of the bowling establishment, where the proprietor does not participate in the proceeds of the "prize fund" shall not be construed to be engaging in "professional gambling" within the meaning of this chapter: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the books and records of the games shall be open to public inspection.
[ 1997 c 78 § 1; 1996 c 252 § 2; 1987 c 4 § 18; ]
"Punchboards" and "pull-tabs," as used in this chapter, shall be given their usual and ordinary meaning as of July 16, 1973, except that such definition may be revised by the commission pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter.
[ 1987 c 4 § 19; ]
"Raffle," as used in this chapter, means a game in which tickets bearing an individual number are sold for not more than one hundred dollars each and in which a prize or prizes are awarded on the basis of a drawing from the tickets by the person or persons conducting the game, when the game is conducted by a bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization, no person other than a bona fide member of the organization takes any part in the management or operation of the game, and no part of the proceeds thereof inure to the benefit of any person other than the organization conducting the game.
[ 2009 c 133 § 1; 1995 2nd sp.s. c 4 § 1; 1987 c 4 § 20; ]
"Social card game" as used in this chapter means a card game that constitutes gambling and is authorized by the commission under RCW 9.46.070. Authorized card games may include a house-banked or a player-funded banked card game. No one may participate in the card game or have an interest in the proceeds of the card game who is not a player or a person licensed by the commission to participate in social card games. There shall be two or more participants in the card game who are players or persons licensed by the commission. The card game must be played in accordance with the rules adopted by the commission under RCW 9.46.070, which shall include but not be limited to rules for the collection of fees, limitation of wagers, and management of player funds. The number of tables authorized shall be set by the commission but shall not exceed a total of fifteen separate tables per establishment.
[ 1997 c 118 § 1; ]
"Thing of value," as used in this chapter, means any money or property, any token, object or article exchangeable for money or property, or any form of credit or promise, directly or indirectly, contemplating transfer of money or property or of any interest therein, or involving extension of a service, entertainment or a privilege of playing at a game or scheme without charge.
[ 1987 c 4 § 22; ]
"Whoever" and "person," as used in this chapter, include natural persons, corporations and partnerships and associations of persons; and when any corporate officer, director or stockholder or any partner authorizes, participates in, or knowingly accepts benefits from any violation of this chapter committed by his or her corporation or partnership, he or she shall be punishable for such violation as if it had been directly committed by him or her.
[ 1987 c 4 § 23; ]
The legislature hereby authorizes the wagering on the outcome of the roll of dice or the flipping of or matching of coins on the premises of an establishment engaged in the business of selling food or beverages for consumption on the premises to determine which of the participants will pay for coin-operated music on the premises or certain items of food or beverages served or sold by such establishment and therein consumed. Such establishments are hereby authorized to possess dice and dice cups on their premises, but only for use in such limited wagering. Persons engaged in such limited form of wagering shall not be subject to the criminal or civil penalties otherwise provided for in this chapter.
[ 2009 c 357 § 1; 1987 c 4 § 25; ]
The legislature hereby authorizes bona fide charitable or nonprofit organizations to conduct bingo games, raffles, amusement games, and fund-raising events, and to utilize punchboards and pull-tabs and to allow their premises and facilities to be used by only members, their guests, and members of a chapter or unit organized under the same state, regional, or national charter or constitution, to play social card games authorized by the commission, when licensed, conducted or operated pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
[ 1987 c 4 § 26; ]
Bona fide charitable or bona fide nonprofit organizations organized primarily for purposes other than the conduct of raffles, are hereby authorized to conduct raffles without obtaining a license to do so from the commission when such raffles are held in accordance with all other requirements of this chapter, other applicable laws, and rules of the commission; when gross revenues from all such raffles held by the organization during the calendar year do not exceed five thousand dollars; and when tickets to such raffles are sold only to, and winners are determined only from among, the regular members of the organization conducting the raffle. The organization may provide unopened containers of beverages containing alcohol as raffle prizes if the appropriate permit has been obtained from the *liquor control board: PROVIDED, That raffles that exceed five thousand dollars may also be conducted pursuant to the provisions of this section if the organization obtains a license from the commission: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the term members for this purpose shall mean only those persons who have become members prior to the commencement of the raffle and whose qualification for membership was not dependent upon, or in any way related to, the purchase of a ticket, or tickets, for such raffles.
[ 2012 c 131 § 1; 1991 c 192 § 4; 1987 c 4 § 27; ]
Bona fide charitable or bona fide nonprofit organizations organized primarily for purposes other than the conduct of such activities are hereby authorized to conduct bingo, raffles, and amusement games, without obtaining a license to do so from the commission but only when:
Such activities are held in accordance with all other requirements of this chapter, other applicable laws, and rules of the commission;
Said activities are, alone or in any combination, conducted no more than twice each calendar year and over a period of no more than twelve consecutive days each time, notwithstanding the limitations of RCW 9.46.0205: PROVIDED, That a raffle conducted under this subsection may be conducted for a period longer than twelve days;
Only bona fide members of that organization, who are not paid for such services, participate in the management or operation of the activities;
Gross revenues to the organization from all the activities together do not exceed five thousand dollars during any calendar year;
All revenue therefrom, after deducting the cost of prizes and other expenses of the activity, is devoted solely to the purposes for which the organization qualifies as a bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization;
The organization gives notice at least five days in advance of the conduct of any of the activities to the local police agency of the jurisdiction within which the activities are to be conducted of the organization's intent to conduct the activities, the location of the activities, and the date or dates they will be conducted; and
The organization conducting the activities maintains records for a period of one year from the date of the event which accurately show at a minimum the gross revenue from each activity, details of the expenses of conducting the activities, and details of the uses to which the gross revenue therefrom is put.
[ 1987 c 4 § 28; ]
A bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization, as defined in RCW 9.46.0209, whose primary purpose is serving individuals with intellectual disabilities may conduct enhanced raffles if licensed by the commission.
The commission has the authority to approve two enhanced raffles per calendar year for western Washington and two enhanced raffles per calendar year for eastern Washington. Whether the enhanced raffle occurs in western Washington or eastern Washington will be determined by the location where the grand prize winning ticket is to be drawn as stated on the organization's application to the commission. An enhanced raffle is considered approved when voted on by the commission.
The commission has the authority to approve enhanced raffles under the following conditions:
The value of the grand prize must not exceed $10,000,000.
Sales may be made in person, by mail, by fax, or by telephone only. Raffle ticket order forms may be printed from the bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization's website. Obtaining the form in this manner does not constitute a sale.
Tickets purchased as part of a multiple ticket package may be purchased at a discount.
Multiple smaller prizes are authorized during the course of an enhanced raffle for a grand prize including, but not limited to, early bird, refer a friend, and multiple ticket drawings.
A purchase contract is not necessary for smaller noncash prizes, but the bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization must be able to demonstrate that such a prize is available and sufficient funds are held in reserve in the event that the winner chooses a noncash prize.
All enhanced raffles and associated smaller raffles must be independently audited, as defined by the commission during rule making. The audit results must be reported to the commission.
Call centers, when licensed by the commission, are authorized. The bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization may contract with a call center vendor to receive enhanced raffle ticket sales. The vendor may not solicit sales. The vendor may be located outside the state, but the bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization must have a contractual relationship with the vendor stating that the vendor must comply with all applicable Washington state laws and rules.
The bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization must be the primary recipient of the funds raised.
Sales data may be transmitted electronically from the vendor to the bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization. Credit cards, issued by a state regulated or federally regulated financial institution, may be used for payment to participate in enhanced raffles.
Receipts including ticket confirmation numbers may be sent to ticket purchasers either by mail or by email.
In the event the bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization determines ticket sales are insufficient to qualify for a complete enhanced raffle to move forward, the enhanced raffle winner must receive fifty percent of the net proceeds in excess of expenses as the grand prize. The enhanced raffle winner will receive a choice between an annuity value equal to fifty percent of the net proceeds in excess of expenses paid by annuity over twenty years, or a one-time cash payment of seventy percent of the annuity value.
A bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization is authorized to hire a consultant licensed by the commission to run an enhanced raffle; in addition, the bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization must have a dedicated employee who is responsible for oversight of enhanced raffle operations. The bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization is ultimately responsible for ensuring that an enhanced raffle is conducted in accordance with all applicable state laws and rules.
The commission has the authority to set fees for bona fide charitable or nonprofit organizations, call center vendors, and consultants conducting enhanced raffles authorized under this section.
The commission has the authority to adopt rules governing the licensing and operation of enhanced raffles.
Except as specifically authorized in this section, enhanced raffles must be held in accordance with all other requirements of this chapter, other applicable laws, and rules of the commission.
For the purposes of this section:
"Enhanced raffle" means a game in which tickets bearing an individual number are sold for not more than two hundred fifty dollars each and in which a grand prize and smaller prizes are awarded on the basis of drawings from the tickets by the person or persons conducting the game. An enhanced raffle may include additional related entries and drawings, such as early bird, refer a friend, and multiple ticket drawings when the bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization establishes the eligibility standards for such entries and drawings before any enhanced raffle tickets are sold. No drawing may occur by using a random number generator or similar means.
"Early bird drawing" means a separate drawing for a separate prize held prior to the grand prize drawing. All tickets entered into the early bird drawing, including all early bird winning tickets, are entered into subsequent early bird drawings, and also entered into the drawing for the grand prize.
"Refer a friend drawing" means a completely separate drawing, using tickets distinct from those for the enhanced raffle, for a separate prize held at the conclusion of the enhanced raffle for all enhanced raffle ticket purchasers, known as the referring friend, who refer other persons to the enhanced raffle when the other person ultimately purchases an enhanced raffle ticket. The referring friend will receive one ticket for each friend referred specifically for the refer a friend drawing. In addition, each friend referred could also become a referring friend and receive his or her own additional ticket for the refer a friend drawing.
"Multiple ticket drawing" means a completely separate drawing, using tickets distinct from those for the enhanced raffle, for a separate prize held at the conclusion of the enhanced raffle for all enhanced raffle ticket purchasers who purchase a specified number of enhanced raffle tickets. For example, a multiple ticket drawing could include persons who purchase three or more enhanced raffle tickets in the same order, using the same payment information, with tickets in the same person's name. For each eligible enhanced raffle ticket purchased, the purchaser also receives a ticket for the multiple ticket drawing prize.
"Western Washington" includes those counties west of the Cascade mountains, including Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum, and Whatcom.
"Eastern Washington" includes those counties east of the Cascade mountains that are not listed in (e) of this subsection.
The commission's reporting obligations under RCW 9.46.090 must address enhanced raffles. The report must include results of the raffles, revenue generated by the raffles, and identify any state or federal regulatory actions taken in relation to enhanced raffles in Washington. The report must also make recommendations, if any, for policy changes to the enhanced raffle authority.
[ 2021 c 81 § 1; 2016 c 116 § 1; 2013 c 310 § 1; ]
The legislature hereby authorizes any person, association or organization operating an established business primarily engaged in the selling of food or drink for consumption on the premises to conduct social card games and to utilize punchboards and pull-tabs as a commercial stimulant to such business when licensed and utilized or operated pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
[ 1987 c 4 § 29; ]
The legislature hereby authorizes any person to conduct or operate amusement games when licensed and operated pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and rules and regulations adopted by the commission at such locations as the commission may authorize. The rules shall provide for at least the following:
Persons other than bona fide charitable or bona fide nonprofit organizations shall conduct amusement games only after obtaining a special amusement game license from the commission.
Amusement games may be conducted under such a license only as a part of, and upon the site of:
Any agricultural fair as authorized under chapter 15.76 or 36.37 RCW; or
A civic center of a county, city, or town; or
A world's fair or similar exposition that is approved by the bureau of international expositions at Paris, France; or
A community-wide civic festival held not more than once annually and sponsored or approved by the city, town, or county in which it is held; or
A commercial exposition organized and sponsored by an organization or association representing the retail sales and service operators conducting business in a shopping center or other commercial area developed and operated for retail sales and service, but only upon a parking lot or similar area located in said shopping center or commercial area for a period of no more than seventeen consecutive days by any licensee during any calendar year; or
An amusement park. An amusement park is a group of activities, at a permanent location, to which people go to be entertained through a combination of various mechanical or aquatic rides, theatrical productions, motion picture, and/or slide show presentations with food and drink service. The amusement park must include at least five different mechanical, or aquatic rides, three additional activities, and the gross receipts must be primarily from these amusement activities; or
Within a regional shopping center. A regional shopping center is a shopping center developed and operated for retail sales and service by retail sales and service operators and consisting of more than six hundred thousand gross square feet not including parking areas. Amusement games conducted as a part of, and upon the site of, a regional shopping center shall not be subject to the prohibition on revenue sharing set forth in RCW 9.46.120(2); or
A location that possesses a valid license from the Washington *state liquor control board and prohibits minors on their premises; or
Movie theaters, bowling alleys, miniature golf course facilities, and amusement centers. For the purposes of this section an amusement center shall be defined as a permanent location whose primary source of income is from the operation of ten or more amusement devices; or
Any business whose primary activity is to provide food service for on-premises consumption and who offers family entertainment which includes at least three of the following activities: Amusement devices; theatrical productions; mechanical rides; motion pictures; and slide show presentations; or
Other locations as the commission may authorize.
No amusement games may be conducted in any location except in conformance with local zoning, fire, health, and similar regulations. In no event may the licensee conduct any amusement games at any of the locations set out in subsection (2) of this section without first having obtained the written permission to do so from the person or organization owning the premises or an authorized agent thereof, and from the persons sponsoring the fair, exhibition, commercial exhibition, or festival, or from the city or town operating the civic center, in connection with which the games are to be operated.
In no event may a licensee conduct any amusement games at the location described in subsection (2)(g) of this section, without, at the location of such games, providing adult supervision during all hours the licensee is open for business at such location, prohibiting school-age minors from entry during school hours, maintaining full-time personnel whose responsibilities include maintaining security and daily machine maintenance, and providing for hours for the close of business at such location that are no later than 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and on all other days that are the same as those of the regional shopping center in which the licensee is located.
In no event may a licensee conduct any amusement game at a location described in subsection (2)(i) or (j) of this section, without, at the location of such games, providing adult supervision during all hours the licensee is open for business at such location, prohibiting school-age minors from playing licensed amusement games during school hours, maintaining full-time personnel whose responsibilities include maintaining security and daily machine maintenance, and prohibiting minors from playing the amusement games after 10:00 p.m. on any day.
[ 2009 c 78 § 1; 1991 c 287 § 1; 1987 c 4 § 30; ]
The legislature hereby authorizes any person, association, or organization to conduct sports pools without a license to do so from the commission but only when the outcome of which is dependent upon the score, or scores, of a certain athletic contest and which is conducted only in the following manner:
A board or piece of paper is divided into one hundred equal squares, each of which constitutes a chance to win in the sports pool and each of which is offered directly to prospective contestants at one dollar or less;
The purchaser of each chance or square signs his or her name on the face of each square or chance he or she purchases; and
At some time not later than prior to the start of the subject athletic contest the pool is closed and no further chances in the pool are sold;
After the pool is closed a prospective score is assigned by random drawing to each square;
All money paid by entrants to enter the pool less taxes is paid out as the prize or prizes to those persons holding squares assigned the winning score or scores from the subject athletic contest;
The sports pool board is available for inspection by any person purchasing a chance thereon, the commission, or by any law enforcement agency upon demand at all times prior to the payment of the prize;
The person or organization conducting the pool is conducting no other sports pool on the same athletic event; and
The sports pool conforms to any rules and regulations of the commission applicable thereto.
[ 1987 c 4 § 31; ]
The legislature hereby authorizes bona fide charitable or nonprofit organizations to conduct, without the necessity of obtaining a permit or license to do so from the commission, golfing sweepstakes permitting wagers of money, and the same shall not constitute such gambling or lottery as otherwise prohibited in this chapter, or be subject to civil or criminal penalties thereunder, but this only when the outcome of such golfing sweepstakes is dependent upon the score, or scores, or the playing ability, or abilities, of a golfing contest between individual players or teams of such players, conducted in the following manner:
Wagers are placed by buying tickets on any players in a golfing contest to "win," "place," or "show" and those holding tickets on the three winners may receive a payoff similar to the system of betting identified as parimutuel, such moneys placed as wagers to be used primarily as winners' proceeds, except moneys used to defray the expenses of such golfing sweepstakes or otherwise used to carry out the purposes of such organization; or
Participants in any golfing contest(s) pay a like sum of money into a common fund on the basis of attaining a stated number of points ascertainable from the score of such participants, and those participants attaining such stated number of points share equally in the moneys in the common fund, without any percentage of such moneys going to the sponsoring organization; or
An auction is held in which persons may bid on the players or teams of players in the golfing contest, and the person placing the highest bid on the player or team that wins the golfing contest receives the proceeds of the auction, except moneys used to defray the expenses of the golfing sweepstakes or otherwise used to carry out the purposes of the organizations; and
Participation is limited to members of the sponsoring organization and their bona fide guests.
[ 1997 c 38 § 1; 1987 c 4 § 32; ]
The legislature hereby authorizes bowling establishments to conduct, without the necessity of obtaining a permit or license to do so, as a commercial stimulant, a bowling activity which permits bowlers to purchase tickets from the establishment for a predetermined and posted amount of money, which tickets are then selected by the luck of the draw and the holder of the matching ticket so drawn has an opportunity to bowl a strike and if successful receives a predetermined and posted monetary prize: PROVIDED, That all sums collected by the establishment from the sale of tickets shall be returned to purchasers of tickets and no part of the proceeds shall inure to any person other than the participants winning in the game or a recognized charity. The tickets shall be sold, and accounted for, separately from all other sales of the establishment. The price of any single ticket shall not exceed one dollar. Accounting records shall be available for inspection during business hours by any person purchasing a chance thereon, by the commission or its representatives, or by any law enforcement agency.
[ 1987 c 4 § 33; ]
The legislature hereby authorizes any bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization which is licensed pursuant to RCW 66.24.400, and its officers and employees, to allow the use of the premises, furnishings, and other facilities not gambling devices of such organization by members of the organization, and members of a chapter or unit organized under the same state, regional, or national charter or constitution, who engage as players in the following types of gambling activities only:
Social card games; and
Social dice games, which shall be limited to contests of chance, the outcome of which are determined by one or more rolls of dice.
Bona fide charitable or nonprofit organizations shall not be required to be licensed by the commission in order to allow use of their premises in accordance with this section. However, the following conditions must be met:
No organization, corporation, or person shall collect or obtain or charge any percentage of or shall collect or obtain any portion of the money or thing of value wagered or won by any of the players: PROVIDED, That a player may collect his or her winnings; and
No organization, corporation, or person shall collect or obtain any money or thing of value from, or charge or impose any fee upon, any person which either enables him or her to play or results in or from his or her playing: PROVIDED, That this subsection shall not preclude collection of a membership fee which is unrelated to participation in gambling activities authorized under this section.
[ 1999 c 143 § 5; 1987 c 4 § 34; ]
The legislature authorizes:
A business to conduct a promotional contest of chance as defined in this section, in this state, or partially in this state, whereby the elements of prize and chance are present but in which the element of consideration is not present;
A financial institution, as defined in *RCW 30.22.040, to conduct a promotional contest of chance under this section in which: (i) A drawing for an annual prize is held that includes as eligible prize recipients only those persons who deposited funds at the financial institution in a savings account, certificate of deposit, or any other savings program and retained those funds for at least twelve months in the savings account, certificate of deposit, or other savings program; and (ii) drawings for other prizes are held from time to time that include as eligible prize recipients only those persons who deposited funds at the financial institution in a savings account, certificate of deposit, or other savings program. No such contest may be conducted, either wholly or partially, by means of the internet.
Promotional contests of chance under this section are not gambling as defined in RCW 9.46.0237.
Promotional contests of chance shall be conducted as advertising and promotional undertakings solely for the purpose of advertising or promoting the services, goods, wares, and merchandise of a business.
No person eligible to receive a prize in a promotional contest of chance under subsection (1)(a) of this section may be required to:
Pay any consideration to the promoter or operator of the business in order to participate in the contest; or
Purchase any service, goods, wares, merchandise, or anything of value from the business, however, for other than contests entered through a direct mail solicitation, the promoter or sponsor may give additional entries or chances upon purchase of service, goods, wares, or merchandise if the promoter or sponsor provides an alternate method of entry requiring no consideration.
No person eligible to receive a prize in a promotional contest of chance under subsection (1)(b) of this section may be required to pay any consideration other than the deposit of funds, or purchase any service, goods, wares, merchandise, or anything of value from the financial institution.
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As used in this section, "consideration" means anything of pecuniary value required to be paid to the promoter or sponsor in order to participate in a promotional contest. Such things as visiting a business location, placing or answering a telephone call, completing an entry form or customer survey, or furnishing a stamped, self-addressed envelope do not constitute consideration.
Coupons or entry blanks obtained by purchase of a bona fide newspaper or magazine or in a program sold in conjunction with a regularly scheduled sporting event are not consideration.
Unless authorized by the commission, equipment or devices made for use in a gambling activity are prohibited from use in a promotional contest.
This section shall not be construed to permit noncompliance with chapter 19.170 RCW, promotional advertising of prizes, and chapter 19.86 RCW, unfair business practices.
[ 2011 c 303 § 2; 2000 c 228 § 1; ]
The legislature hereby authorizes bona fide charitable or nonprofit organizations to conduct, without the necessity of obtaining a permit or license to do so from the commission, turkey shoots permitting wagers of money. Such contests shall not constitute such gambling or lottery as otherwise prohibited in this chapter, or be subject to civil or criminal penalties. Such organizations must be organized for purposes other than the conduct of turkey shoots.
Such turkey shoots shall be held in accordance with all other requirements of this chapter, other applicable laws, and rules that may be adopted by the commission. Gross revenues from all such turkey shoots held by the organization during the calendar year shall not exceed five thousand dollars. Turkey shoots conducted under this section shall meet the following requirements:
The target shall be divided into one hundred or fewer equal sections, with each section constituting a chance to win. Each chance shall be offered directly to a prospective contestant for one dollar or less;
The purchaser of each chance shall sign his or her name on the face of the section he or she purchases;
The person shooting at the target shall not be a participant in the contest, but shall be a member of the organization conducting the contest;
Participation in the contest shall be limited to members of the organization which is conducting the contest and their guests;
The target shall contain the following information:
Distance from the shooting position to the target;
The gauge of the shotgun;
The type of choke on the barrel;
The size of shot that will be used; and
The prize or prizes that are to be awarded in the contest;
The targets, shotgun, and ammunition shall be available for inspection by any person purchasing a chance thereon, the commission, or by any law enforcement agency upon demand, at all times before the prizes are awarded;
The turkey shoot shall award the prizes based upon the greatest number of shots striking a section;
No turkey shoot may offer as a prize the right to advance or continue on to another turkey shoot or turkey shoot target; and
Only bona fide members of the organization who are not paid for such service may participate in the management or operation of the turkey shoot, and all income therefrom, after deducting the cost of prizes and other expenses, shall be devoted solely to the lawful purposes of the organization.
[ 1987 c 4 § 36; ]
Upon the request of a federally recognized Indian tribe or tribes in the state of Washington, the tribe's class III gaming compact may be amended pursuant to the Indian gaming regulatory act, 25 U.S.C. Sec. 2701 et seq., and RCW 9.46.360 to authorize the tribe to conduct and operate sports wagering on its Indian lands, provided the amendment addresses: Licensing; fees associated with the gambling commission's regulation of sports wagering; how sports wagering will be conducted, operated, and regulated; issues related to criminal enforcement, including money laundering, sport integrity, and information sharing between the commission and the tribe related to such enforcement; and responsible and problem gambling. Sports wagering conducted pursuant to the gaming compact is a gambling activity authorized by this chapter.
Sports wagering conducted pursuant to the provisions of a class III gaming compact entered into by a tribe and the state pursuant to RCW 9.46.360 is authorized bookmaking and is not subject to civil or criminal penalties pursuant to RCW 9.46.225.
[ 2020 c 127 § 2; ]
The transmission of gambling information over the internet for any sports wagering conducted and operated under this section and RCW 9.46.0364 is authorized, provided that the wager may be placed and accepted at a tribe's gaming facility only while the customer placing the wager is physically present on the premises of that tribe's gaming facility.
[ 2020 c 127 § 9; ]
No person shall offer, promise, give, or attempt to give any thing of value to any person for the purpose of influencing the outcome of a sporting event, athletic event, or competition upon which a wager may be made.
No person shall place, increase, or decrease a wager after acquiring knowledge, not available to the general public, that anyone has been offered, promised, or given any thing of value for the purpose of influencing the outcome of a sporting event, athletic event, or competition upon which the wager is placed, increased, or decreased.
No person shall offer, promise, give, or attempt to give any thing of value to obtain confidential or insider information not available to the public with intent to use the information to gain a wagering advantage on a sporting event, athletic event, or competition.
No person shall accept or agree to accept, any thing of value for the purpose of wrongfully influencing his or her play, action, decision making, or conduct in any sporting event, athletic event, or competition upon which a wager may be made.
Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a class C felony subject to the penalty set forth in RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 2020 c 127 § 5; ]
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For purposes of this chapter, "sports wagering" means the business of accepting wagers on any of the following sporting events, athletic events, or competitions by any system or method of wagering:
A professional sport or athletic event;
A collegiate sport or athletic event;
An Olympic or international sports competition or event;
An electronic sports or esports competition or event;
A combination of sporting events, athletic events, or competitions listed in (a)(i) through (iv) of this subsection (1); or
A portion of any sporting event, athletic event, or competition listed in (a)(i) through (iv) of this subsection (1).
Sports wagering does not include the business of accepting wagers on horse racing authorized pursuant to chapter 67.16 RCW.
For purposes of this section:
"Collegiate sport or athletic event" means a sport or athletic event offered or sponsored by, or played in connection with, a public or private institution that offers education services beyond the secondary level, other than such an institution that is located within the state of Washington.
"Electronic or esports event" means a live event or tournament attended or watched by members of the public where games or matches are contested in real time by players and teams and players or teams can win a prize based on their performance in the live event or tournament.
"Professional sport or athletic event" means an event that is not a collegiate sport or athletic event at which two or more persons participate in sports or athletic events and receive compensation in excess of actual expenses for their participation in the event. "Professional sport or athletic event" does not include any minor league sport. Sports wagering may not be conducted on any minor league sport.
[ 2020 c 127 § 11; ]
A person may not hold, conduct, or operate live greyhound racing for public exhibition, parimutuel betting, or special exhibition events, if such activities are conducted for gambling purposes. A person may not transmit or receive intrastate or interstate simulcasting of greyhound racing for commercial, parimutuel, or exhibition purposes, if such activities are conducted for gambling purposes.
A person who violates this section is guilty of a class B felony, under RCW 9.46.220, professional gambling in the first degree, and is subject to the penalty under RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 1996 c 252 § 1; ]
There shall be a commission, known as the "Washington state gambling commission", consisting of five members appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate. The members of the commission shall be appointed within thirty days of July 16, 1973 for terms beginning July 1, 1973, and expiring as follows: One member of the commission for a term expiring July 1, 1975; one member of the commission for a term expiring July 1, 1976; one member of the commission for a term expiring July 1, 1977; one member of the commission for a term expiring July 1, 1978; and one member of the commission for a term expiring July 1, 1979; each as the governor so determines. Their successors, all of whom shall be citizen members appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate, upon being appointed and qualified, shall serve six year terms: PROVIDED, That no member of the commission who has served a full six year term shall be eligible for reappointment. In case of a vacancy, it shall be filled by appointment by the governor for the unexpired portion of the term in which said vacancy occurs. No vacancy in the membership of the commission shall impair the right of the remaining member or members to act, except as in RCW 9.46.050(2) provided.
In addition to the members of the commission there shall be four ex officio members without vote from the legislature consisting of: (1) Two members of the senate, one from the majority political party and one from the minority political party, both to be appointed by the president of the senate; (2) two members of the house of representatives, one from the majority political party and one from the minority political party, both to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; such appointments shall be for the term of two years or for the period in which the appointee serves as a legislator, whichever expires first; members may be reappointed; vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as original appointments are made. Such ex officio members who shall collect data deemed essential to future legislative proposals and exchange information with the board shall be deemed engaged in legislative business while in attendance upon the business of the board and shall be limited to such allowances therefor as otherwise provided in RCW 44.04.120, the same to be paid from the "gambling revolving fund" as being expenses relative to commission business.
[ 1974 ex.s. c 155 § 12; 1974 ex.s. c 135 § 12; 1973 1st ex.s. c 218 § 4; ]
Upon appointment of the initial membership the commission shall meet at a time and place designated by the governor and proceed to organize, electing one of such members as chair of the commission who shall serve until July 1, 1974; thereafter a chair shall be elected annually.
A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum of the commission: PROVIDED, That all actions of the commission relating to the regulation of licensing under this chapter shall require an affirmative vote by three or more members of the commission.
The principal office of the commission shall be at the state capitol, and meetings shall be held at least quarterly and at such other times as may be called by the chair or upon written request to the chair of a majority of the commission.
Members shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.250 and shall receive reimbursement for travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
Before entering upon the duties of his or her office, each of the members of the commission shall enter into a surety bond executed by a surety company authorized to do business in this state, payable to the state of Washington, to be approved by the governor, in the penal sum of fifty thousand dollars, conditioned upon the faithful performance of his or her duties, and shall take and subscribe to the oath of office prescribed for elective state officers, which oath and bond shall be filed with the secretary of state. The premium for said bond shall be paid by the commission.
Any member of the commission may be removed for inefficiency, malfeasance, or misfeasance in office, upon specific written charges filed by the governor, who shall transmit such written charges to the member accused and to the chief justice of the supreme court. The chief justice shall thereupon designate a tribunal composed of three judges of the superior court to hear and adjudicate the charges. Such tribunal shall fix the time of the hearing, which shall be public, and the procedure for the hearing, and the decision of such tribunal shall be final. Removal of any member of the commission by the tribunal shall disqualify such member for reappointment.
[ 2011 c 336 § 302; 1984 c 287 § 9; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34 § 7; 1973 1st ex.s. c 218 § 5; ]
The attorney general shall be general counsel for the state gambling commission and shall assign such assistants as may be necessary in carrying out the purposes and provisions of this chapter, which shall include instituting and prosecuting any actions and proceedings necessary thereto.
The state auditor shall audit the books, records, and affairs of the commission annually. The commission shall pay to the state treasurer for the credit of the state auditor such funds as may be necessary to defray the costs of such audits. The commission may provide for additional audits by certified public accountants. All such audits shall be public records of the state.
The payment for legal services and audits as authorized in this section shall be paid upon authorization of the commission from moneys in the gambling revolving fund.
The commission shall have the following powers and duties:
To authorize and issue licenses for a period not to exceed one year to bona fide charitable or nonprofit organizations approved by the commission meeting the requirements of this chapter and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto permitting said organizations to conduct bingo games, raffles, amusement games, and social card games, to utilize punchboards and pull-tabs in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto and to revoke or suspend said licenses for violation of any provisions of this chapter or any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto: PROVIDED, That the commission shall not deny a license to an otherwise qualified applicant in an effort to limit the number of licenses to be issued: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the commission or director shall not issue, deny, suspend, or revoke any license because of considerations of race, sex, creed, color, or national origin: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That the commission may authorize the director to temporarily issue or suspend licenses subject to final action by the commission;
To authorize and issue licenses for a period not to exceed one year to any person, association, or organization operating a business primarily engaged in the selling of items of food or drink for consumption on the premises, approved by the commission meeting the requirements of this chapter and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto permitting said person, association, or organization to utilize punchboards and pull-tabs and to conduct social card games as a commercial stimulant in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto and to revoke or suspend said licenses for violation of any provisions of this chapter and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto: PROVIDED, That the commission shall not deny a license to an otherwise qualified applicant in an effort to limit the number of licenses to be issued: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the commission may authorize the director to temporarily issue or suspend licenses subject to final action by the commission;
To authorize and issue licenses for a period not to exceed one year to any person, association, or organization approved by the commission meeting the requirements of this chapter and meeting the requirements of any rules and regulations adopted by the commission pursuant to this chapter as now or hereafter amended, permitting said person, association, or organization to conduct or operate amusement games in such manner and at such locations as the commission may determine. The commission may authorize the director to temporarily issue or suspend licenses subject to final action by the commission;
To authorize, require, and issue, for a period not to exceed one year, such licenses as the commission may by rule provide, to any person, association, or organization to engage in the manufacturing, selling, distributing, or otherwise supplying of devices, equipment, software, hardware, or any gambling-related services for use within this state for those activities authorized by this chapter. The commission may authorize the director to temporarily issue or suspend licenses subject to final action by the commission;
To establish a schedule of annual license fees for carrying on specific gambling activities upon the premises, and for such other activities as may be licensed by the commission, which fees shall provide to the commission not less than an amount of money adequate to cover all costs incurred by the commission relative to licensing under this chapter and the enforcement by the commission of the provisions of this chapter and rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto: PROVIDED, That all licensing fees shall be submitted with an application therefor and such portion of said fee as the commission may determine, based upon its cost of processing and investigation, shall be retained by the commission upon the withdrawal or denial of any such license application as its reasonable expense for processing the application and investigation into the granting thereof: PROVIDED FURTHER, That if in a particular case the basic license fee established by the commission for a particular class of license is less than the commission's actual expenses to investigate that particular application, the commission may at any time charge to that applicant such additional fees as are necessary to pay the commission for those costs. The commission may decline to proceed with its investigation and no license shall be issued until the commission has been fully paid therefor by the applicant: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That the commission may establish fees for the furnishing by it to licensees of identification stamps to be affixed to such devices and equipment as required by the commission and for such other special services or programs required or offered by the commission, the amount of each of these fees to be not less than is adequate to offset the cost to the commission of the stamps and of administering their dispersal to licensees or the cost of administering such other special services, requirements or programs;
To prescribe the manner and method of payment of taxes, fees and penalties to be paid to or collected by the commission;
To require that applications for all licenses contain such information as may be required by the commission: PROVIDED, That all persons (a) having a managerial or ownership interest in any gambling activity, or the building in which any gambling activity occurs, or the equipment to be used for any gambling activity, (b) participating as an employee in the operation of any gambling activity, or (c) participating as an employee in the operation, management, or providing of gambling-related services for sports wagering, shall be listed on the application for the license and the applicant shall certify on the application, under oath, that the persons named on the application are all of the persons known to have an interest in any gambling activity, building, or equipment by the person making such application: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the commission shall require fingerprinting and national criminal history background checks on any persons seeking licenses, certifications, or permits under this chapter or of any person holding an interest in any gambling activity, building, or equipment to be used therefor, or of any person participating as an employee in the operation of any gambling activity. All national criminal history background checks shall be conducted using fingerprints submitted to the United States department of justice-federal bureau of investigation. The commission must establish rules to delineate which persons named on the application are subject to national criminal history background checks. In identifying these persons, the commission must take into consideration the nature, character, size, and scope of the gambling activities requested by the persons making such applications;
To require that any license holder maintain records as directed by the commission and submit such reports as the commission may deem necessary;
To require that all income from bingo games, raffles, and amusement games be recorded and reported as established by rule or regulation of the commission to the extent deemed necessary by considering the scope and character of the gambling activity in such a manner that will disclose gross income from any gambling activity, amounts received from each player, the nature and value of prizes, and the fact of distributions of such prizes to the winners thereof;
To regulate and establish maximum limitations on income derived from bingo. In establishing limitations pursuant to this subsection the commission shall take into account (a) the nature, character, and scope of the activities of the licensee; (b) the source of all other income of the licensee; and (c) the percentage or extent to which income derived from bingo is used for charitable, as distinguished from nonprofit, purposes. However, the commission's powers and duties granted by this subsection are discretionary and not mandatory;
To regulate and establish the type and scope of and manner of conducting the gambling activities authorized by this chapter, including but not limited to, the extent of wager, money, or other thing of value which may be wagered or contributed or won by a player in any such activities;
To regulate the collection of and the accounting for the fee which may be imposed by an organization, corporation, or person licensed to conduct a social card game on a person desiring to become a player in a social card game in accordance with RCW 9.46.0282;
To cooperate with and secure the cooperation of county, city, and other local or state agencies in investigating any matter within the scope of its duties and responsibilities;
In accordance with RCW 9.46.080, to adopt such rules and regulations as are deemed necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this chapter. All rules and regulations shall be adopted pursuant to the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW;
To set forth for the perusal of counties, city-counties, cities and towns, model ordinances by which any legislative authority thereof may enter into the taxing of any gambling activity authorized by this chapter;
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To establish and regulate a maximum limit on salaries or wages which may be paid to persons employed in connection with activities conducted by bona fide charitable or nonprofit organizations and authorized by this chapter, where payment of such persons is allowed, and to regulate and establish maximum limits for other expenses in connection with such authorized activities, including but not limited to rent or lease payments. However, the commissioner's powers and duties granted by this subsection are discretionary and not mandatory.
In establishing these maximum limits the commission shall take into account the amount of income received, or expected to be received, from the class of activities to which the limits will apply and the amount of money the games could generate for authorized charitable or nonprofit purposes absent such expenses. The commission may also take into account, in its discretion, other factors, including but not limited to, the local prevailing wage scale and whether charitable purposes are benefited by the activities;
To authorize, require, and issue for a period not to exceed one year such licenses or permits, for which the commission may by rule provide, to any person to work for any operator of any gambling activity authorized by this chapter in connection with that activity, or any manufacturer, supplier, or distributor of devices for those activities in connection with such business. The commission may authorize the director to temporarily issue or suspend licenses subject to final action by the commission. The commission shall not require that persons working solely as volunteers in an authorized activity conducted by a bona fide charitable or bona fide nonprofit organization, who receive no compensation of any kind for any purpose from that organization, and who have no managerial or supervisory responsibility in connection with that activity, be licensed to do such work. The commission may require that licensees employing such unlicensed volunteers submit to the commission periodically a list of the names, addresses, and dates of birth of the volunteers. If any volunteer is not approved by the commission, the commission may require that the licensee not allow that person to work in connection with the licensed activity;
To publish and make available at the office of the commission or elsewhere to anyone requesting it a list of the commission licensees, including the name, address, type of license, and license number of each licensee;
To establish guidelines for determining what constitutes active membership in bona fide nonprofit or charitable organizations for the purposes of this chapter;
To renew the license of every person who applies for renewal within six months after being honorably discharged, removed, or released from active military service in the armed forces of the United States upon payment of the renewal fee applicable to the license period, if there is no cause for denial, suspension, or revocation of the license;
To authorize, require, and issue, for a period not to exceed one year, such licenses as the commission may by rule provide, to any person, association, or organization that engages in any sports wagering-related services for use within this state for sports wagering activities authorized by this chapter. The commission may authorize the director to temporarily issue or suspend licenses subject to final action by the commission;
To issue licenses under subsections (1) through (4) of this section that are valid for a period of up to eighteen months, if it chooses to do so, in order to transition to the use of the business licensing services program through the department of revenue; and
To perform all other matters and things necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this chapter.
[ 2020 c 127 § 3; 2012 c 116 § 1; 2007 c 206 § 1; 2002 c 119 § 1; 1999 c 143 § 6; 1993 c 344 § 1; 1987 c 4 § 38; 1981 c 139 § 3; 1977 ex.s. c 326 § 3; 1977 ex.s. c 76 § 2; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 87 § 4; 1975 1st ex.s. c 259 § 4; 1974 ex.s. c 155 § 4; 1974 ex.s. c 135 § 4; 1973 2nd ex.s. c 41 § 4; 1973 1st ex.s. c 218 § 7; ]
The commission may allow existing licensees under RCW 9.46.070(1) to share facilities at one location.
[ 2002 c 369 § 2; ]
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The legislature recognizes that some individuals in this state have a gambling problem or gambling disorder. Because the state promotes and regulates gambling through the activities of the state lottery commission, the Washington horse racing commission, and the Washington state gambling commission, the state has the responsibility to continue to provide resources for the support of services for problem gambling and gambling disorders.
The Washington state gambling commission, the Washington horse racing commission, and the state lottery commission shall jointly develop problem gambling and gambling disorder informational signs which include a toll-free hotline number for individuals with a gambling problem or gambling disorder. The signs shall be placed in the establishments of gambling licensees, horse racing licensees, and lottery retailers.
The Washington state gambling commission, the Washington horse racing commission, and the state lottery commission may also contract with other qualified entities to provide public awareness, training, and other services to ensure the intent of this section is fulfilled.
Individuals and families impacted by a gambling problem or gambling disorder will benefit from the availability of a uniform self-exclusion program where people may voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling at multiple gambling establishments by submitting one self-exclusion form to the state from one location for all gambling activities. Therefore, the Washington state gambling commission must establish a statewide self-exclusion program for all licensees. The commission has discretion in establishing the scope, process, and requirements of the self-exclusion program, including denying, suspending, or revoking an application, license, or permit. However, the initial program must comply with the following minimum requirements:
The program must allow persons to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling at authorized gambling establishments that offer house-banked social card games;
The program must have a process for federally recognized Indian tribes or tribal enterprises that own gambling operations or facilities with class III gaming compacts to voluntarily participate in the self-exclusion program;
Any individual registered with the self-exclusion program created under this section is prohibited from participating in gambling activities associated with this program and forfeits all moneys and things of value obtained by the individual or owed to the individual by an authorized gambling establishment as a result of prohibited wagers or gambling activities. The commission may adopt rules for the forfeiture of any moneys or things of value, including wagers, obtained by an authorized gambling establishment while an individual is registered with the self-exclusion program created under this section.
Moneys and things of value forfeited under the self-exclusion program must be distributed to the problem gambling account created in RCW 41.05.751 and/or a charitable or nonprofit organization that provides problem gambling services or increases awareness about problem gambling pursuant to rules adopted by the commission; and
iv. The commission must adopt rules establishing the self-exclusion program by June 30, 2021.
An individual who participates in the self-exclusion program does not have a cause of action against the state of Washington, the commission, or any gambling establishment, its employees, or officers for any acts or omissions in processing or enforcing the requirements of the self-exclusion program, including a failure to prevent an individual from gambling at an authorized gambling establishment.
Any personal information collected, stored, or accessed under the self-exclusion program may only be used for the administration of the self-exclusion program and may not be disseminated for any purpose other than the administration of the self-exclusion program.
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During any period in which RCW 82.04.285(2) is in effect, the commission may not increase fees payable by licensees under its jurisdiction for the purpose of funding services for problem gambling and gambling disorder. Any fee imposed or increased by the commission, for the purpose of funding these services, before July 1, 2005, has no force and effect after July 1, 2005.
During any period in which RCW 82.04.285(2) is not in effect:
The commission, the Washington state horse racing commission, and the state lottery commission may contract for services, in addition to those authorized in subsection (1) of this section, to assist in providing for problem gambling and gambling disorder treatment; and
The commission may increase fees payable by licensees under its jurisdiction for the purpose of funding the problem gambling and gambling disorder services authorized in this section.
[ 2019 c 213 § 1; 2005 c 369 § 9; 2003 c 75 § 1; 1994 c 218 § 6; ]
An entity licensed under RCW 9.46.070(1) which conducts or allows its premises to be used for conducting bingo on more than three occasions per week shall include the following statement in any advertising or promotion of gambling activity conducted by the licensee:
"CAUTION: Participation in gambling activity may result in pathological gambling behavior causing emotional and financial harm. For help, call 1-800-547-6133."
For purposes of this section, "advertising" includes print media, point-of-sale advertising, electronic media, billboards, and radio advertising.
[ 2002 c 369 § 3; ]
The commission may deny an application, or suspend or revoke any license or permit issued by it, for any reason or reasons, it deems to be in the public interest. These reasons shall include, but not be limited to, cases wherein the applicant or licensee, or any person with any interest therein:
Has violated, failed or refused to comply with the provisions, requirements, conditions, limitations or duties imposed by chapter 9.46 RCW and any amendments thereto, or any rules adopted by the commission pursuant thereto, or when a violation of any provision of chapter 9.46 RCW, or any commission rule, has occurred upon any premises occupied or operated by any such person or over which he or she has substantial control;
Knowingly causes, aids, abets, or conspires with another to cause, any person to violate any of the laws of this state or the rules of the commission;
Has obtained a license or permit by fraud, misrepresentation, concealment, or through inadvertence or mistake;
Has been convicted of, or forfeited bond upon a charge of, or pleaded guilty to, forgery, larceny, extortion, conspiracy to defraud, wilful failure to make required payments or reports to a governmental agency at any level, or filing false reports therewith, or of any similar offense or offenses, or of bribing or otherwise unlawfully influencing a public official or employee of any state or the United States, or of any crime, whether a felony or misdemeanor involving any gambling activity or physical harm to individuals or involving moral turpitude;
Denies the commission or its authorized representatives, including authorized local law enforcement agencies, access to any place where a licensed activity is conducted or who fails promptly to produce for inspection or audit any book, record, document or item required by law or commission rule;
Shall fail to display its license on the premises where the licensed activity is conducted at all times during the operation of the licensed activity;
Makes a misrepresentation of, or fails to disclose, a material fact to the commission;
Fails to prove, by clear and convincing evidence, that he, she or it is qualified in accordance with the provisions of this chapter;
Is subject to current prosecution or pending charges, or a conviction which is under appeal, for any of the offenses included under subsection (4) of this section: PROVIDED, That at the request of an applicant for an original license, the commission may defer decision upon the application during the pendency of such prosecution or appeal;
Has pursued or is pursuing economic gain in an occupational manner or context which is in violation of the criminal or civil public policy of this state if such pursuit creates probable cause to believe that the participation of such person in gambling or related activities would be inimical to the proper operation of an authorized gambling or related activity in this state. For the purposes of this section, occupational manner or context shall be defined as the systematic planning, administration, management or execution of an activity for financial gain;
Is a career offender or a member of a career offender cartel or an associate of a career offender or career offender cartel in such a manner which creates probable cause to believe that the association is of such a nature as to be inimical to the policy of this chapter or to the proper operation of the authorized gambling or related activities in this state. For the purposes of this section, career offender shall be defined as any person whose behavior is pursued in an occupational manner or context for the purpose of economic gain utilizing such methods as are deemed criminal violations of the public policy of this state. A career offender cartel shall be defined as any group of persons who operate together as career offenders.
For the purpose of reviewing any application for a license and for considering the denial, suspension or revocation of any license the gambling commission may consider any prior criminal conduct of the applicant or licensee and the provisions of RCW 9.95.240 and of chapter 9.96A RCW shall not apply to such cases.
[ 1981 c 139 § 4; 1975 1st ex.s. c 166 § 12; ]
The commission, when suspending any license for a period of thirty days or less, may further provide in the order of suspension that such suspension shall be vacated upon payment to the commission of a monetary penalty in an amount then fixed by the commission.
[ 1981 c 139 § 5; ]
The commission shall employ a full time director, who shall be the administrator for the commission in carrying out its powers and duties and who shall issue rules and regulations adopted by the commission governing the activities authorized hereunder and shall supervise commission employees in carrying out the purposes and provisions of this chapter. In addition, the director shall employ a deputy director, not more than three assistant directors, together with such investigators and enforcement officers and such staff as the commission determines is necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this chapter. The director, the deputy director, the assistant directors, and personnel occupying positions requiring the performing of undercover investigative work shall be exempt from the provisions of chapter 41.06 RCW, as now law or hereafter amended. Neither the director nor any commission employee working therefor shall be an officer or manager of any bona fide charitable or bona fide nonprofit organization, or of any organization which conducts gambling activity in this state.
The director, subject to the approval of the commission, is authorized to enter into agreements on behalf of the commission for mutual assistance and services, based upon actual costs, with any state or federal agency or with any city, town, or county, and such state or local agency is authorized to enter into such an agreement with the commission. If a needed service is not available from another agency of state government within a reasonable time, the director may obtain that service from private industry.
[ 1994 c 218 § 14; 1981 c 139 § 6; 1977 ex.s. c 326 § 4; 1974 ex.s. c 155 § 7; 1974 ex.s. c 135 § 7; 1973 1st ex.s. c 218 § 8; ]
A member or employee of the gambling commission shall not:
Serve as an officer or manager of any corporation or organization which conducts a lottery or gambling activity;
Receive or share in, directly or indirectly, the gross profits of any gambling activity regulated by the commission;
Be beneficially interested in any contract for the manufacture or sale of gambling devices, the conduct of [a] gambling activity, or the provision of independent consultant services in connection with a gambling activity.
[ 1986 c 4 § 1; ]
Subject to RCW 40.07.040, the commission shall, from time to time, make reports to the governor and the legislature covering such matters in connection with this chapter as the governor and the legislature may require. These reports shall be public documents and contain such general information and remarks as the commission deems pertinent thereto and any information requested by either the governor or members of the legislature: PROVIDED, That the commission appointed pursuant to RCW 9.46.040 may conduct a thorough study of the types of gambling activity permitted and the types of gambling activity prohibited by this chapter and may make recommendations to the legislature as to: (1) Gambling activity that ought to be permitted; (2) gambling activity that ought to be prohibited; (3) the types of licenses and permits that ought to be required; (4) the type and amount of tax that ought to be applied to each type of permitted gambling activity; (5) any changes which may be made to the law of this state which further the purposes and policies set forth in RCW 9.46.010 as now law or hereafter amended; and (6) any other matter that the commission may deem appropriate. However, no later than December 1st of the year following any authorization by the legislature of a new gambling activity, any report by the commission to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature must include information on the state of the gambling industry both within the state and nationwide. Members of the commission and its staff may contact the legislature, or any of its members, at any time, to advise it of recommendations of the commission.
[ 2020 c 127 § 12; 1987 c 505 § 3; 1981 c 139 § 7; 1977 c 75 § 4; 1975 1st ex.s. c 166 § 4; 1973 1st ex.s. c 218 § 9; ]
No court of the state of Washington other than the superior court of Thurston county shall have jurisdiction over any action or proceeding against the commission or any member thereof for anything done or omitted to be done in or arising out of the performance of his or her duties under this title: PROVIDED, That an appeal from an adjudicative proceeding involving a final decision of the commission to deny, suspend, or revoke a license shall be governed by chapter 34.05 RCW, the Administrative Procedure Act.
Neither the commission nor any member or members thereof shall be personally liable in any action at law for damages sustained by any person because of any acts performed or done, or omitted to be done, by the commission or any member of the commission, or any employee of the commission, in the performance of his or her duties and in the administration of this title.
[ 1989 c 175 § 41; 1981 c 139 § 17; ]
There is hereby created the gambling revolving fund which shall consist of all moneys receivable for licensing, penalties, forfeitures, and all other moneys, income, or revenue received by the commission. The state treasurer shall be custodian of the fund. All moneys received by the commission or any employee thereof, except for change funds and an amount of petty cash as fixed by rule or regulation of the commission, shall be deposited each day in a depository approved by the state treasurer and transferred to the state treasurer to be credited to the gambling revolving fund. Disbursements from the revolving fund shall be on authorization of the commission or a duly authorized representative thereof. In order to maintain an effective expenditure and revenue control the gambling revolving fund shall be subject in all respects to chapter 43.88 RCW but no appropriation shall be required to permit expenditures and payment of obligations from such fund. All expenses relative to commission business, including but not limited to salaries and expenses of the director and other commission employees shall be paid from the gambling revolving fund.
During the 2003-2005 fiscal biennium, the legislature may transfer from the gambling revolving fund to the problem gambling treatment account, contingent on enactment of chapter ..., Laws of 2004 (*Second Substitute House Bill No. 2776, problem gambling treatment). Also during the 2003-2005 fiscal biennium, the legislature may transfer from the gambling revolving fund to the state general fund such amounts as reflect the excess nontribal fund balance of the fund. The commission shall not increase fees during the 2003-2005 fiscal biennium for the purpose of restoring the excess fund balance transferred under this section.
[ 2004 c 276 § 903; 2002 c 371 § 901; 1991 sp.s. c 16 § 917; 1985 c 405 § 505; 1977 ex.s. c 326 § 5; 1973 1st ex.s. c 218 § 10; ]
The legislative authority of any county, city-county, city, or town, by local law and ordinance, and in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter, may provide for the taxing of any gambling activity authorized by this chapter within its jurisdiction, the tax receipts to go to the county, city-county, city, or town so taxing the activity. Any such tax imposed by a county alone shall not apply to any gambling activity within a city or town located in the county but the tax rate established by a county, if any, shall constitute the tax rate throughout the unincorporated areas of such county.
The operation of punchboards and pull-tabs are subject to the following conditions:
Chances may only be sold to adults;
The price of a single chance may not exceed five dollars;
No punchboard or pull-tab license may award as a prize upon a winning number or symbol being drawn the opportunity of taking a chance upon any other punchboard or pull-tab;
All prizes available to be won must be described on an information flare. All merchandise prizes must be on display within the immediate area of the premises in which any such punchboard or pull-tab is located. Upon a winning number or symbol being drawn, a merchandise prize must be immediately removed from the display and awarded to the winner. All references to cash or merchandise prizes, with a value over twenty dollars, must be removed immediately from the information flare when won, or such omission shall be deemed a fraud for the purposes of this chapter; and
When any person wins money or merchandise from any punchboard or pull-tab over an amount determined by the commission, every licensee shall keep a public record of the award for at least ninety days containing such information as the commission shall deem necessary.
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Taxation of bingo and raffles shall never be in an amount greater than five percent of the gross receipts from a bingo game or raffle less the amount awarded as cash or merchandise prizes.
Taxation of amusement games shall only be in an amount sufficient to pay the actual costs of enforcement of the provisions of this chapter by the county, city or town law enforcement agency and in no event shall such taxation exceed two percent of the gross receipts from the amusement game less the amount awarded as prizes.
No tax shall be imposed under the authority of this chapter on bingo or amusement games when such activities or any combination thereof are conducted by any bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization as defined in this chapter, which organization has no paid operating or management personnel and has gross receipts from bingo or amusement games, or a combination thereof, not exceeding five thousand dollars per year, less the amount awarded as cash or merchandise prizes.
No tax shall be imposed on the first ten thousand dollars of gross receipts less the amount awarded as cash or merchandise prizes from raffles conducted by any bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization as defined in this chapter.
Taxation of punchboards and pull-tabs for bona fide charitable or nonprofit organizations is based on gross receipts from the operation of the games less the amount awarded as cash or merchandise prizes, and shall not exceed a rate of ten percent. At the option of the county, city-county, city, or town, the taxation of punchboards and pull-tabs for commercial stimulant operators may be based on gross receipts from the operation of the games, and may not exceed a rate of five percent, or may be based on gross receipts from the operation of the games less the amount awarded as cash or merchandise prizes, and may not exceed a rate of ten percent.
Taxation of social card games may not exceed twenty percent of the gross revenue from such games.
Taxes imposed under this chapter become a lien upon personal and real property used in the gambling activity in the same manner as provided for under RCW 84.60.010. The lien shall attach on the date the tax becomes due and shall relate back and have priority against real and personal property to the same extent as ad valorem taxes.
[ 2020 c 70 § 1; 1999 c 221 § 1; 1997 c 394 § 4; 1994 c 301 § 2; 1991 c 161 § 1; 1987 c 4 § 39; 1985 c 468 § 2; 1985 c 172 § 1; 1981 c 139 § 8; 1977 ex.s. c 198 § 1; 1974 ex.s. c 155 § 8; 1974 ex.s. c 135 § 8; 1973 1st ex.s. c 218 § 11; ]
Any county, city or town which collects a tax on gambling activities authorized pursuant to RCW 9.46.110 must use the revenue from such tax primarily for the purpose of public safety.
[ 2010 c 127 § 6; 1975 1st ex.s. c 166 § 11; ]
The commission shall charge fees or increased fees on pull-tabs sold over-the-counter and on sales from punchboards and pull-tab devices at levels necessary to assure that the increased revenues are equal or greater to the amount of revenue lost by removing the special tax on coin-operated gambling devices by the 1984 repeal of *RCW 9.46.115.
[ 1985 c 7 § 2; 1984 c 135 § 2; ]
Except in the case of an agricultural fair as authorized under chapters 15.76 and 36.37 RCW, no person other than a member of a bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization (and their employees) or any other person, association or organization (and their employees) approved by the commission, shall take any part in the management or operation of any gambling activity authorized under this chapter unless approved by the commission. No person who takes any part in the management or operation of any such gambling activity shall take any part in the management or operation of any gambling activity conducted by any other organization or any other branch of the same organization unless approved by the commission. No part of the proceeds of the activity shall inure to the benefit of any person other than the organization conducting such gambling activities or if such gambling activities be for the charitable benefit of any specific persons designated in the application for a license, then only for such specific persons as so designated.
No bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization or any other person, association or organization shall conduct any gambling activity authorized under this chapter in any leased premises if rental for such premises is unreasonable or to be paid, wholly or partly, on the basis of a percentage of the receipts or profits derived from such gambling activity.
[ 1997 c 394 § 3; 1987 c 4 § 40; 1973 1st ex.s. c 218 § 12; ]
The premises and paraphernalia, and all the books and records, databases, hardware, software, or any other electronic data storage device of any person, association, or organization conducting gambling activities authorized under this chapter and any person, association, or organization receiving profits therefrom or having any interest therein shall be subject to inspection and audit at any reasonable time, with or without notice, upon demand, by the commission or its designee, the attorney general or his or her designee, the chief of the Washington state patrol or his or her designee or the prosecuting attorney, sheriff, or director of public safety or their designees of the county wherein located, or the chief of police or his or her designee of any city or town in which said organization is located, for the purpose of determining compliance or noncompliance with the provisions of this chapter and any rules or regulations or local ordinances adopted pursuant thereto or any federal or state law. A reasonable time for the purpose of this section shall be: (a) If the items or records to be inspected or audited are located anywhere upon a premises any portion of which is regularly open to the public or members and guests, then at any time when the premises are so open, or at which they are usually open; or (b) if the items or records to be inspected or audited are not located upon a premises set out in (a) of this subsection, then any time between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The commission shall be provided at such reasonable intervals as the commission shall determine with a report, under oath, detailing all receipts and disbursements in connection with such gambling activities together with such other reasonable information as required in order to determine whether such activities comply with the purposes of this chapter or any local ordinances relating thereto.
The commission may require the submission of reports on suspicious activities or irregular betting activities to effectively identify players, wagering information, and suspicious and illegal transactions, including the laundering of illicit funds.
[ 2020 c 127 § 4; 2011 c 336 § 303; 1981 c 139 § 10; 1975 1st ex.s. c 166 § 7; 1973 1st ex.s. c 218 § 13; ]
The commission or its authorized representative may:
Make necessary public or private investigations within or outside of this state to determine whether any person has violated or is about to violate this chapter or any rule or order hereunder, or to aid in the enforcement of this chapter or in the prescribing of rules and forms hereunder; and
Inspect the books, documents, and records of any person lending money to or in any manner financing any license holder or applicant for a license or receiving any income or profits from the use of such license for the purpose of determining compliance or noncompliance with the provisions of this chapter or the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
For the purpose of any investigation or proceeding under this chapter, the commission or an administrative law judge appointed under chapter 34.12 RCW may conduct hearings, administer oaths or affirmations, or upon the commission's or administrative law judge's motion or upon request of any party may subpoena witnesses, compel attendance, take depositions, take evidence, or require the production of any matter which is relevant to the investigation or proceeding, including but not limited to the existence, description, nature, custody, condition, or location of any books, documents, or other tangible things, or the identity or location of persons having knowledge or relevant facts, or any other matter reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of material evidence.
Upon failure to obey a subpoena or to answer questions propounded by the administrative law judge and upon reasonable notice to all persons affected thereby, the director may apply to the superior court for an order compelling compliance.
The administrative law judges appointed under chapter 34.12 RCW may conduct hearings respecting the suspension, revocation, or denial of licenses, who may administer oaths, admit or deny admission of evidence, compel the attendance of witnesses, issue subpoenas, issue orders, and exercise all other powers and perform all other functions set out in RCW 34.05.446, 34.05.449, and 34.05.452.
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, all proceedings under this chapter shall be in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW.
[ 1989 c 175 § 42; 1981 c 67 § 16; 1977 ex.s. c 326 § 7; 1975 1st ex.s. c 166 § 8; 1973 1st ex.s. c 218 § 14; ]
Any activity conducted in violation of any provision of this chapter may be enjoined in an action commenced by the commission through the attorney general or by the prosecuting attorney or legal counsel of any city or town in which the prohibited activity may occur.
When a violation of any provision of this chapter or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant hereto has occurred on any property or premises for which one or more licenses, permits, or certificates issued by this state, or any political subdivision or public agency thereof are in effect, all such licenses, permits and certificates may be voided and no license, permit, or certificate so voided shall be issued or reissued for such property or premises for a period of up to sixty days thereafter.
[ 1973 1st ex.s. c 218 § 15; ]
It shall be the affirmative responsibility of each applicant and licensee to establish by clear and convincing evidence the necessary qualifications for licensure of each person required to be qualified under this chapter, as well as the qualifications of the facility in which the licensed activity will be conducted;
All applicants and licensees shall consent to inspections, searches and seizures and the supplying of handwriting examples as authorized by this chapter and rules adopted hereunder;
All licensees, and persons having any interest in licensees, including but not limited to employees and agents of licensees, and other persons required to be qualified under this chapter or rules of the commission shall have a duty to inform the commission or its staff of any action or omission which they believe would constitute a violation of this chapter or rules adopted pursuant thereto. No person who so informs the commission or the staff shall be discriminated against by an applicant or licensee because of the supplying of such information;
All applicants, licensees, persons who are operators or directors thereof and persons who otherwise have a substantial interest therein shall have the continuing duty to provide any assistance or information required by the commission and to investigations conducted by the commission. If, upon issuance of a formal request to answer or produce information, evidence or testimony, any applicant, licensee or officer or director thereof or person with a substantial interest therein, refuses to comply, the applicant or licensee may be denied or revoked by the commission;
All applicants and licensees shall waive any and all liability as to the state of Washington, its agencies, employees and agents for any damages resulting from any disclosure or publication in any manner, other than a wilfully unlawful disclosure or publication, of any information acquired by the commission during its licensing or other investigations or inquiries or hearings;
Each applicant or licensee may be photographed for investigative and identification purposes in accordance with rules of the commission;
An application to receive a license under this chapter or rules adopted pursuant thereto constitutes a request for determination of the applicant's and those person's with an interest in the applicant, general character, integrity and ability to engage or participate in, or be associated with, gambling or related activities impacting this state. Any written or oral statement made in the course of an official investigation, proceeding or process of the commission by any member, employee or agent thereof or by any witness, testifying under oath, which is relevant to the investigation, proceeding or process, is absolutely privileged and shall not impose any liability for slander, libel or defamation, or constitute any grounds for recovery in any civil action.
[ 1981 c 139 § 14; ]
No applicant or licensee shall give or provide, or offer to give or provide, directly or indirectly, to any public official or employee or agent of this state, or any of its agencies or political subdivisions, any compensation or reward, or share of the money or property paid or received through gambling activities, in consideration for obtaining any license, authorization, permission or privilege to participate in any gaming operations except as authorized by this chapter or rules adopted pursuant thereto.
Violation of this section is a class C felony for which a person, upon conviction, shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than five years or a fine of not more than one hundred thousand dollars, or both.
[ 2003 c 53 § 34; 1981 c 139 § 15; ]
No applicant for a license from, nor licensee of, the commission, nor any operator of any gambling activity, shall, without advance approval of the commission, knowingly permit any person to participate in the management or operation of any activity for which a license from the commission is required or which is otherwise authorized by this chapter if that person:
Has been convicted of, or forfeited bond upon a charge of, or pleaded guilty to, forgery, larceny, extortion, conspiracy to defraud, wilful failure to make required payments or reports to a governmental agency at any level, or filing false reports therewith, or of any similar offense or offenses, or of any crime, whether a felony or misdemeanor involving any gambling activity or physical harm to individuals or involving moral turpitude; or
Has violated, failed, or refused to comply with provisions, requirements, conditions, limitations or duties imposed by this chapter, and any amendments thereto, or any rules adopted by the commission pursuant thereto, or has permitted, aided, abetted, caused, or conspired with another to cause, any person to violate any of the provisions of this chapter or rules of the commission.
[ 1981 c 139 § 18; ]
Any person who conducts any activity for which a license is required by this chapter, or by rule of the commission, without the required license issued by the commission shall be guilty of a class B felony. If any corporation conducts any activity for which a license is required by this chapter, or by rule of the commission, without the required license issued by the commission, it may be punished by forfeiture of its corporate charter, in addition to the other penalties set forth in this section.
[ 1991 c 261 § 3; 1975 1st ex.s. c 166 § 9; 1973 1st ex.s. c 218 § 16; ]
Whoever, in any application for a license or in any book or record required to be maintained by the commission or in any report required to be submitted to the commission, shall make any false or misleading statement, or make any false or misleading entry or wilfully fail to maintain or make any entry required to be maintained or made, or who wilfully refuses to produce for inspection by the commission, or its designee, any book, record, or document required to be maintained or made by federal or state law, shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor subject to the penalty set forth in RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 1991 c 261 § 4; 1973 1st ex.s. c 218 § 17; ]
Any person who knowingly causes, aids, abets, or conspires with another to cause any person to violate any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a class B felony subject to the penalty in RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 1991 c 261 § 5; 1977 ex.s. c 326 § 8; 1973 1st ex.s. c 218 § 18; ]
Any person who knowingly causes, aids, abets, or conspires with another to cause any person to violate any rule or regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor subject to the penalty set forth in RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 1991 c 261 § 6; 1977 ex.s. c 326 § 9; ]
Any person, association, or organization operating any gambling activity may not, directly or indirectly, in the course of such operation:
Employ any device, scheme, or artifice to defraud;
Make any untrue statement of a material fact, or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statement made not misleading, in the light of the circumstances under which said statement is made;
Engage in any act, practice, or course of operation as would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any person;
Alter or misrepresent the outcome of a game or other event on which wagers have been made after the outcome is made sure but before it is revealed to the players;
Place, increase, or decrease a bet or to determine the course of play after acquiring knowledge, not available to all players, of the outcome of the game or any event that affects the outcome of the game or which is the subject of the bet or to aid anyone in acquiring such knowledge for the purpose of placing, increasing, or decreasing a bet or determining the course of play contingent upon that event or outcome;
Knowingly entice or induce another person to go to any place where a gambling activity is being conducted or operated in violation of the provisions of this chapter, with the intent that the other person play or participate in that gambling activity;
Place or increase a bet after acquiring knowledge of the outcome of the game or other event that is the subject of the bet, including past posting and pressing bets; or
Reduce the amount wagered or cancel the bet after acquiring knowledge of the outcome of the game or other event that is the subject of the bet, including pinching bets. Any person, association, or organization that violates this section shall be guilty of a class C felony subject to the penalty set forth in RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 2020 c 127 § 6; 1991 c 261 § 7; 1977 ex.s. c 326 § 10; 1973 1st ex.s. c 218 § 19; ]
Every city or town is authorized to enact as an ordinance of that city or town any or all of the sections of this chapter the violation of which constitutes a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor. The city or town may not modify the language of any section of this chapter in enacting such section except as necessary to put the section in the proper form of an ordinance or to provide for a sentence [to] be served in the appropriate detention facility. The ordinance must provide for the same maximum penalty for its violation as may be imposed under the section in this chapter.
District courts operating under the provisions of chapters 3.30 through 3.74 RCW, except municipal departments of such courts operating under chapter 3.46 RCW and municipal courts operating under chapter 3.50 RCW, shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the superior court to hear, try, and determine misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor violations of this chapter and violations of any ordinance passed under authority of this chapter by any city or town.
Municipal courts operating under chapters 35.20 or 3.50 RCW and municipal departments of the district court operating under chapter 3.46 RCW, shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the superior court to hear, try, and determine violations of any ordinance passed under authority of this chapter by the city or town in which the court is located.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, each of these courts shall have the jurisdiction and power to impose up to the maximum penalties provided for the violation of the ordinances adopted under the authority of this chapter. Review of the judgments of these courts shall be as provided in other criminal actions.
No person shall intentionally obstruct or attempt to obstruct a public servant in the administration or enforcement of this chapter by using or threatening to use physical force or by means of any unlawful act. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
[ 1974 ex.s. c 155 § 11; 1974 ex.s. c 135 § 11; ]
"Cheating," as used in this chapter, means to:
Employ or attempt to employ any device, scheme, or artifice to defraud any other participant or any operator;
Engage in any act, practice, or course of operation as would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any other participant or any operator;
Engage in any act, practice, or course of operation while participating in a gambling activity with the intent of cheating any other participant or the operator to gain an advantage in the game over the other participant or operator; or
Cause, aid, abet, or conspire with another person to cause any other person to violate subsections (1) through (3) of this section.
[ 2002 c 253 § 1; 1991 c 261 § 8; 1977 ex.s. c 326 § 13; ]
A person is guilty of cheating in the first degree if he or she engages in cheating and:
Knowingly causes, aids, abets, or conspires with another to engage in cheating; or
Holds a license or similar permit issued by the state of Washington to conduct, manage, or act as an employee in an authorized gambling activity.
Cheating in the first degree is a class C felony subject to the penalty set forth in RCW 9A.20.021. In addition to any other penalties imposed by law for a conviction of a violation of this section the court may impose an additional penalty of up to twenty thousand dollars on adult offenders.
[ 2015 c 265 § 12; 2002 c 253 § 2; ]
A person is guilty of cheating in the second degree if he or she engages in cheating and his or her conduct does not constitute cheating in the first degree.
Cheating in the second degree is a gross misdemeanor subject to the penalty set forth in RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 2002 c 253 § 3; ]
Any person who works as an employee or agent or in a similar capacity for another person in connection with the operation of an activity for which a license is required under this chapter or by commission rule without having obtained the applicable license required by the commission under RCW 9.46.070(17) shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be punished by up to three hundred sixty-four days in the county jail or a fine of not more than five thousand dollars, or both.
[ 2011 c 96 § 7; 1999 c 143 § 7; 1977 ex.s. c 326 § 14; ]
In addition to any other penalty provided for in this chapter, every person, directly or indirectly controlling the operation of any gambling activity authorized by this chapter, including a director, officer, and/or manager of any association, organization, or corporation conducting the same, whether charitable, nonprofit, or profit, shall be liable, jointly and severally, for money damages suffered by any person because of any violation of this chapter, together with interest on any such amount of money damages at six percent per annum from the date of the loss, and reasonable attorneys' fees: PROVIDED, That if any such director, officer, and/or manager did not know any such violation was taking place and had taken all reasonable care to prevent any such violation from taking place, and if such director, officer, and/or manager shall establish by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she did not have such knowledge and that he or she had exercised all reasonable care to prevent the violations he or she shall not be liable hereunder. Any civil action under this section may be considered a class action.
[ 2011 c 336 § 304; 1987 c 4 § 41; 1974 ex.s. c 155 § 10; 1974 ex.s. c 135 § 10; 1973 1st ex.s. c 218 § 20; ]
It shall be the duty of all peace officers, law enforcement officers, and law enforcement agencies within this state to investigate, enforce, and prosecute all violations of this chapter.
In addition to the authority granted by subsection (1) of this section law enforcement agencies of cities and counties shall investigate and report to the commission all violations of the provisions of this chapter and of the rules of the commission found by them and shall assist the commission in any of its investigations and proceedings respecting any such violations. Such law enforcement agencies shall not be deemed agents of the commission.
In addition to its other powers and duties, the commission shall have the power to enforce the penal provisions of this chapter and as it may be amended, and the penal laws of this state relating to the conduct of or participation in gambling activities, including chapter 9A.83 RCW, and the manufacturing, importation, transportation, distribution, possession, and sale of equipment or paraphernalia used or for use in connection therewith. The director, the deputy director, both assistant directors, and each of the commission's investigators, enforcement officers, and inspectors shall have the power, under the supervision of the commission, to enforce the penal provisions of this chapter and as it may be amended, and the penal laws of this state relating to the conduct of or participation in gambling activities, including chapter 9A.83 RCW, and the manufacturing, importation, transportation, distribution, possession, and sale of equipment or paraphernalia used or for use in connection therewith. They shall have the power and authority to apply for and execute all warrants and serve process of law issued by the courts in enforcing the penal provisions of this chapter and as it may be amended, and the penal laws of this state relating to the conduct of or participation in gambling activities and the manufacturing, importation, transportation, distribution, possession, and sale of equipment or paraphernalia used or for use in connection therewith. They shall have the power to arrest without a warrant, any person or persons found in the act of violating any of the penal provisions of this chapter and as it may be amended, and the penal laws of this state relating to the conduct of or participation in gambling activities and the manufacturing, importation, transportation, distribution, possession, and sale of equipment or paraphernalia used or for use in connection therewith. To the extent set forth above, the commission shall be a law enforcement agency of this state with the power to investigate for violations of and to enforce the provisions of this chapter, as now law or hereafter amended, and to obtain information from and provide information to all other law enforcement agencies.
Criminal history record information that includes nonconviction data, as defined in RCW 10.97.030, may be disseminated by a criminal justice agency to the Washington state gambling commission for any purpose associated with the investigation for suitability for involvement in gambling activities authorized under this chapter. The Washington state gambling commission shall only disseminate nonconviction data obtained under this section to criminal justice agencies.
In addition to its other powers and duties, the commission may ensure sport integrity and prevent and detect competition manipulation through education and enforcement of the penal provisions of this chapter or chapter 67.04 or 67.24 RCW, or any other state penal laws related to the integrity of sporting events, athletic events, or competitions within the state.
In addition to its other powers and duties, the commission may track and monitor gambling-related transactions occurring within the state to aid in its enforcement of the penal provisions of this chapter or chapter 9A.83 RCW, or any other state penal laws related to suspicious or illegal wagering activities, including the use of funds derived from illegal activity, wagers to conceal or launder funds derived from illegal activity, use of agents to place wagers, or use of false identification by a player.
[ 2020 c 127 § 7; 2000 c 46 § 1; 1981 c 139 § 11; 1977 ex.s. c 326 § 15; 1975 1st ex.s. c 166 § 10; 1974 ex.s. c 155 § 9; 1974 ex.s. c 135 § 9; 1973 1st ex.s. c 218 § 21; ]
When physical injury to a person or substantial damage to property occurs, or is about to occur, within the presence of an officer of the commission designated with police powers pursuant to RCW 9.46.210, the designated officer is authorized to take such action as is reasonably necessary to prevent physical injury to a person or substantial damage to property or prevent further injury to a person or further substantial damage to property. A designated officer shall be immune from civil liability for damages arising out of the action of the designated officer to prevent physical injury to a person or substantial damage to property or prevent further injury to a person or further substantial damage to property, unless it is shown that the designated officer acted with gross negligence or bad faith.
[ 2017 c 111 § 1; ]
Whoever knowingly owns, manufactures, possesses, buys, sells, rents, leases, finances, holds a security interest in, stores, repairs, or transports any gambling device or offers or solicits any interest therein, whether through an agent or employee or otherwise, is guilty of a class C felony and shall be fined not more than one hundred thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years or both.
This section does not apply to persons licensed by the commission, or who are otherwise authorized by this chapter, or by commission rule, to conduct gambling activities without a license, respecting devices that are to be used, or are being used, solely in that activity for which the license was issued, or for which the person has been otherwise authorized if:
The person is acting in conformance with this chapter and the rules adopted under this chapter; and
The devices are a type and kind traditionally and usually employed in connection with the particular activity.
This section also does not apply to any act or acts by the persons in furtherance of the activity for which the license was issued, or for which the person is authorized, when the activity is conducted in compliance with this chapter and in accordance with the rules adopted under this chapter.
In the enforcement of this section direct possession of any such a gambling device is presumed to be knowing possession thereof.
[ 2003 c 53 § 35; 1994 c 218 § 9; ]
Whoever knowingly prints, makes, possesses, stores, or transports any gambling record, or buys, sells, offers, or solicits any interest therein, whether through an agent or employee or otherwise, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. However, this section does not apply to records relating to and kept for activities authorized by this chapter when the records are of the type and kind traditionally and usually employed in connection with the particular activity. This section also does not apply to any act or acts in furtherance of the activities when conducted in compliance with this chapter and in accordance with the rules adopted under this chapter. In the enforcement of this section direct possession of any such a gambling record is presumed to be knowing possession thereof.
[ 1994 c 218 § 10; ]
A person is guilty of professional gambling in the first degree if he or she engages in, or knowingly causes, aids, abets, or conspires with another to engage in professional gambling as defined in this chapter, and:
Acts in concert with or conspires with five or more people;
Personally accepts wagers exceeding five thousand dollars during any thirty-day period on future contingent events;
The operation for whom the person works, or with which the person is involved, accepts wagers exceeding five thousand dollars during any thirty-day period on future contingent events;
Operates, manages, or profits from the operation of a premises or location where persons are charged a fee to participate in card games, lotteries, or other gambling activities that are not authorized by this chapter or licensed by the commission; or
Engages in bookmaking as defined in RCW 9.46.0213.
However, this section shall not apply to those activities enumerated in RCW 9.46.0305 through 9.46.0361 or to any act or acts in furtherance of such activities when conducted in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and in accordance with the rules adopted pursuant to this chapter.
Professional gambling in the first degree is a class B felony subject to the penalty set forth in RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 2020 c 127 § 8; 1997 c 78 § 2; 1994 c 218 § 11; 1991 c 261 § 10; 1987 c 4 § 42; 1973 1st ex.s. c 218 § 22; ]
A person is guilty of professional gambling in the second degree if he or she engages in or knowingly causes, aids, abets, or conspires with another to engage in professional gambling as defined in this chapter, and:
Acts in concert with or conspires with less than five people; or
Accepts wagers exceeding two thousand dollars during any thirty-day period on future contingent events; or
The operation for whom the person works, or with which the person is involved, accepts wagers exceeding two thousand dollars during any thirty-day period on future contingent events; or
Maintains a "gambling premises" as defined in this chapter; or
Maintains gambling records as defined in RCW 9.46.0253.
However, this section shall not apply to those activities enumerated in RCW 9.46.0305 through 9.46.0361 or to any act or acts in furtherance of such activities when conducted in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and in accordance with the rules adopted pursuant to this chapter.
Professional gambling in the second degree is a class C felony subject to the penalty set forth in RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 1997 c 78 § 3; 1994 c 218 § 12; 1991 c 261 § 11; ]
A person is guilty of professional gambling in the third degree if he or she engages in, or knowingly causes, aids, abets, or conspires with another to engage in professional gambling as defined in this chapter, and:
His or her conduct does not constitute first or second degree professional gambling;
He or she operates any of the unlicensed gambling activities authorized by this chapter in a manner other than as prescribed by this chapter; or
He or she is directly employed in but not managing or directing any gambling operation.
This section shall not apply to those activities enumerated in RCW 9.46.0305 through 9.46.0361 or to any acts in furtherance of such activities when conducted in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and the rules adopted pursuant to this chapter.
Professional gambling in the third degree is a gross misdemeanor subject to the penalty established in RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 1994 c 218 § 13; 1991 c 261 § 12; ]
The penalties provided for professional gambling in this chapter shall not apply to the activities authorized by this chapter when conducted in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the commission.
[ 1987 c 4 § 37; ]
It is unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen to play in authorized gambling activities including, but not limited to, punchboards, pull-tabs, or card games, or to participate in fund-raising events. Persons under the age of eighteen may play bingo, raffles, and amusement game activities only as provided in commission rules.
A person under the age of eighteen who violates subsection (1) of this section by engaging in, or attempting to engage in, prohibited gambling activities commits a class 2 civil infraction under chapter 7.80 RCW and is subject to a fine set out in chapter 7.80 RCW, up to four hours of community restitution, and any court imposed costs.
The juvenile court divisions in superior courts within the state have jurisdiction for enforcement of this section.
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An employer may conduct an in-house controlled purchase program authorized for the purposes of employee training and employer self-compliance checks.
The civil infraction provisions of this section do not apply to a person under the age of eighteen who is participating in an in-house controlled purchase program authorized by the commission under rules adopted by the commission. Violations occurring under an in-house controlled purchase program authorized by the commission may not be used for criminal or administrative prosecution.
An employer who conducts an in-house controlled purchase program authorized under this section shall provide his or her employees a written description of the employer's in-house controlled purchase program. The written description must include notice of actions an employer may take as a consequence of an employee's failure to comply with company policies regarding unauthorized persons engaging in gambling activities during a controlled purchase program authorized under this section.
A person under the age of eighteen who violates subsection (1) of this section shall not collect any winnings or recover any losses arising as a result of unlawfully participating in any gambling activity. Additionally, any money or anything of value which has been obtained by, or is owed to, any person under the age of eighteen as a result of such participation shall be forfeited to the department of social and health services division of alcohol and substance abuse or its successor and used for a program related to youth problem gambling awareness, prevention, and/or education. Any person claiming any money or things of value subject to forfeiture under this subsection will receive notice and an opportunity for a hearing under RCW 9.46.231.
[ 2009 c 357 § 2; ]
The following are subject to seizure and forfeiture and no property right exists in them:
All gambling devices as defined in this chapter;
All furnishings, fixtures, equipment, and stock, including without limitation furnishings and fixtures adaptable to nongambling uses and equipment and stock for printing, recording, computing, transporting, or safekeeping, used in connection with professional gambling or maintaining a gambling premises;
All conveyances, including aircraft, vehicles, or vessels, that are used, or intended for use, in any manner to facilitate the sale, delivery, receipt, or operation of any gambling device, or the promotion or operation of a professional gambling activity, except that:
A conveyance used by any person as a common carrier in the transaction of business as a common carrier is not subject to forfeiture under this section unless it appears that the owner or other person in charge of the conveyance is a consenting party or privy to a violation of this chapter;
A conveyance is not subject to forfeiture under this section by reason of any act or omission established by the owner thereof to have been committed or omitted without the owner's knowledge or consent;
A forfeiture of a conveyance encumbered by a bona fide security interest is subject to the interest of the secured party if the secured party neither had knowledge of nor consented to the act or omission; and
If the owner of a conveyance has been arrested under this chapter the conveyance in which the person is arrested may not be subject to forfeiture unless it is seized or process is issued for its seizure within ten days of the owner's arrest;
All books, records, and research products and materials, including formulas, microfilm, tapes, and electronic data that are used, or intended for use, in violation of this chapter;
All moneys, negotiable instruments, securities, or other tangible or intangible property of value at stake or displayed in or in connection with professional gambling activity or furnished or intended to be furnished by any person to facilitate the promotion or operation of a professional gambling activity;
All tangible or intangible personal property, proceeds, or assets acquired in whole or in part with proceeds traceable to professional gambling activity and all moneys, negotiable instruments, and securities used or intended to be used to facilitate any violation of this chapter. A forfeiture of money, negotiable instruments, securities, or other tangible or intangible property encumbered by a bona fide security interest is subject to the interest of the secured party if, at the time the security interest was created, the secured party neither had knowledge of nor consented to the act or omission. Personal property may not be forfeited under this subsection (1)(f), to the extent of the interest of an owner, by reason of any act or omission that that owner establishes was committed or omitted without the owner's knowledge or consent; and
All real property, including any right, title, and interest in the whole of any lot or tract of land, and any appurtenances or improvements that:
Have been used with the knowledge of the owner for the manufacturing, processing, delivery, importing, or exporting of any illegal gambling equipment, or operation of a professional gambling activity that would constitute a felony violation of this chapter; or
Have been acquired in whole or in part with proceeds traceable to a professional gambling activity, if the activity is not less than a class C felony.
Real property forfeited under this chapter that is encumbered by a bona fide security interest remains subject to the interest of the secured party if the secured party, at the time the security interest was created, neither had knowledge of nor consented to the act or omission. Property may not be forfeited under this subsection, to the extent of the interest of an owner, by reason of any act or omission committed or omitted without the owner's knowledge or consent.
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A law enforcement officer of this state may seize real or personal property subject to forfeiture under this chapter upon process issued by any superior court having jurisdiction over the property. Seizure of real property includes the filing of a lis pendens by the seizing agency. Real property seized under this section may not be transferred or otherwise conveyed until ninety days after seizure or until a judgment of forfeiture is entered, whichever is later, but real property seized under this section may be transferred or conveyed to any person or entity who acquires title by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure of a bona fide security interest.
Seizure of personal property without process may be made if:
The seizure is incident to an arrest or a search under a search warrant or an inspection under an administrative inspection warrant;
The property subject to seizure has been the subject of a prior judgment in favor of the state in a criminal injunction or forfeiture proceeding based upon this chapter;
A law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that the property is directly or indirectly dangerous to health or safety; or
The law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that the property was used or is intended to be used in violation of this chapter.
In the event of seizure under subsection (2) of this section, proceedings for forfeiture are deemed commenced by the seizure. The law enforcement agency under whose authority the seizure was made shall cause notice to be served within fifteen days following the seizure on the owner of the property seized and the person in charge thereof and any person having any known right or interest therein, including any community property interest, of the seizure and intended forfeiture of the seized property. Service of notice of seizure of real property must be made according to the rules of civil procedure. However, the state may not obtain a default judgment with respect to real property against a party who is served by substituted service absent an affidavit stating that a good faith effort has been made to ascertain if the defaulted party is incarcerated within the state, and that there is no present basis to believe that the party is incarcerated within the state. Notice of seizure in the case of property subject to a security interest that has been perfected by filing a financing statement in accordance with chapter 62A.9A RCW, or a certificate of title, must be made by service upon the secured party or the secured party's assignee at the address shown on the financing statement or the certificate of title. The notice of seizure in other cases may be served by any method authorized by law or court rule including but not limited to service by certified mail with return receipt requested. Service by mail is deemed complete upon mailing within the fifteen-day period following the seizure.
If no person notifies the seizing law enforcement agency in writing of the person's claim of ownership or right to possession of items specified in subsection (1) of this section within forty-five days of the seizure in the case of personal property and ninety days in the case of real property, the item seized is deemed forfeited. The community property interest in real property of a person whose spouse or domestic partner committed a violation giving rise to seizure of the real property may not be forfeited if the person did not participate in the violation.
If any person notifies the seizing law enforcement agency in writing of the person's claim of ownership or right to possession of items specified in subsection (1) of this section within forty-five days of the seizure in the case of personal property and ninety days in the case of real property, the person or persons must be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard as to the claim or right. The hearing must be before the chief law enforcement officer of the seizing agency or the chief law enforcement officer's designee, except if the seizing agency is a state agency as defined in RCW 34.12.020(4), the hearing must be before the chief law enforcement officer of the seizing agency or an administrative law judge appointed under chapter 34.12 RCW, except that any person asserting a claim or right may remove the matter to a court of competent jurisdiction. Removal of any matter involving personal property may only be accomplished according to the rules of civil procedure. The person seeking removal of the matter must serve process against the state, county, political subdivision, or municipality that operates the seizing agency, and any other party of interest, in accordance with RCW 4.28.080 or 4.92.020, within forty-five days after the person seeking removal has notified the seizing law enforcement agency of the person's claim of ownership or right to possession. The court to which the matter is to be removed must be the district court if the aggregate value of personal property is within the jurisdictional limit set forth in RCW 3.66.020. A hearing before the seizing agency and any appeal therefrom must be under Title 34 RCW. In a court hearing between two or more claimants to the article or articles involved, the prevailing party is entitled to a judgment for costs and reasonable attorneys' fees. In cases involving personal property, the burden of producing evidence is upon the person claiming to be the lawful owner or the person claiming to have the lawful right to possession of the property. In cases involving property seized under subsection (1)(a) of this section, the only issues to be determined by the tribunal are whether the item seized is a gambling device, and whether the device is an antique device as defined by RCW 9.46.235. In cases involving real property, the burden of producing evidence is upon the law enforcement agency. The burden of proof that the seized real property is subject to forfeiture is upon the law enforcement agency. The seizing law enforcement agency shall promptly return the article or articles to the claimant upon a final determination by the administrative law judge or court that the claimant is the present lawful owner or is lawfully entitled to possession thereof of items specified in subsection (1) of this section.
If property is forfeited under this chapter the seizing law enforcement agency may:
Retain it for official use or upon application by any law enforcement agency of this state release the property to the agency for training or use in enforcing this chapter;
Sell that which is not required to be destroyed by law and which is not harmful to the public; or
Destroy any articles that may not be lawfully possessed within the state of Washington, or that have a fair market value of less than one hundred dollars.
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If property is forfeited, the seizing agency shall keep a record indicating the identity of the prior owner, if known, a description of the property, the disposition of the property, the value of the property at the time of seizure, and the amount of proceeds realized from disposition of the property. The net proceeds of forfeited property is the value of the forfeitable interest in the property after deducting the cost of satisfying any bona fide security interest to which the property is subject at the time of seizure, and in the case of sold property, after deducting the cost of sale, including reasonable fees or commissions paid to independent selling agents.
Each seizing agency shall retain records of forfeited property for at least seven years.
The seizing law enforcement agency shall retain forfeited property and net proceeds exclusively for the expansion and improvement of gambling-related law enforcement activity. Money retained under this section may not be used to supplant preexisting funding sources.
Gambling devices that are possessed, transferred, sold, or offered for sale in violation of this chapter are contraband and must be seized and summarily forfeited to the state. Gambling equipment that is seized or comes into the possession of a law enforcement agency, the owners of which are unknown, are contraband and must be summarily forfeited to the state.
Upon the entry of an order of forfeiture of real property, the court shall forward a copy of the order to the assessor of the county in which the property is located. The superior court shall enter orders for the forfeiture of real property, subject to court rules. The seizing agency shall file such an order in the county auditor's records in the county in which the real property is located.
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A landlord may assert a claim against proceeds from the sale of assets seized and forfeited under subsection (6)(b) of this section, only if:
A law enforcement officer, while acting in his or her official capacity, directly caused damage to the complaining landlord's property while executing a search of a tenant's residence; and
The landlord has applied any funds remaining in the tenant's deposit, to which the landlord has a right under chapter 59.18 RCW, to cover the damage directly caused by a law enforcement officer before asserting a claim under this section.
Only if the funds applied under (a)(ii) of this subsection are insufficient to satisfy the damage directly caused by a law enforcement officer, may the landlord seek compensation for the damage by filing a claim against the governmental entity under whose authority the law enforcement agency operates within thirty days after the search; and
Only if the governmental entity denies or fails to respond to the landlord's claim within sixty days of the date of filing, may the landlord collect damages under this subsection by filing within thirty days of denial or the expiration of the sixty-day period, whichever occurs first, a claim with the seizing law enforcement agency. The seizing law enforcement agency shall notify the landlord of the status of the claim by the end of the thirty-day period. This section does not require the claim to be paid by the end of the sixty-day or thirty-day period.
For any claim filed under (a)(ii) of this subsection, the law enforcement agency shall pay the claim unless the agency provides substantial proof that the landlord either:
Knew or consented to actions of the tenant in violation of this chapter; or
Failed to respond to a notification of the illegal activity, provided by a law enforcement agency within seven days of receipt of notification of the illegal activity.
The landlord's claim for damages under subsection (11) of this section may not include a claim for loss of business and is limited to:
Damage to tangible property and clean-up costs;
The lesser of the cost of repair or fair market value of the damage directly caused by a law enforcement officer;
The proceeds from the sale of the specific tenant's property seized and forfeited under subsection (6)(b) of this section; and
The proceeds available after the seizing law enforcement agency satisfies any bona fide security interest in the tenant's property and costs related to sale of the tenant's property as provided by subsection (7)(a) of this section.
Subsections (11) and (12) of this section do not limit any other rights a landlord may have against a tenant to collect for damages. However, if a law enforcement agency satisfies a landlord's claim under subsection (11) of this section, the rights the landlord has against the tenant for damages directly caused by a law enforcement officer under the terms of the landlord and tenant's contract are subrogated to the law enforcement agency.
Liability is not imposed by this section upon any authorized state, county, or municipal officer, including a commission special agent, in the lawful performance of his or her duties.
[ 2008 c 6 § 629; 1997 c 128 § 1; 1994 c 218 § 7; ]
For purposes of a prosecution under RCW 9.46.215 or a seizure, confiscation, or destruction order under RCW 9.46.231, it shall be a defense that the gambling device involved is an antique slot machine and that the antique slot machine was not operated for gambling purposes while in the owner's or defendant's possession. Operation of an antique slot machine shall be only by free play or with coins provided at no cost by the owner. No slot machine, having been seized under this chapter, may be altered, destroyed, or disposed of without affording the owner thereof an opportunity to present a defense under this section. If the defense is applicable, the antique slot machine shall be returned to the owner or defendant, as the court may direct.
RCW 9.46.231 shall have no application to any antique slot machine that has not been operated for gambling purposes while in the owner's possession.
For the purposes of this section, a slot machine shall be conclusively presumed to be an antique slot machine if it is at least twenty-five years old.
RCW 9.46.231 and 9.46.215 do not apply to gambling devices on board a passenger cruise ship which has been registered and bonded with the federal maritime commission, if the gambling devices are not operated for gambling purposes within the state.
[ 1994 c 218 § 15; 1987 c 191 § 1; 1977 ex.s. c 165 § 1; ]
Whoever knowingly transmits or receives gambling information by telephone, telegraph, radio, semaphore, the internet, a telecommunications transmission system, or similar means, or knowingly installs or maintains equipment for the transmission or receipt of gambling information shall be guilty of a class C felony subject to the penalty set forth in RCW 9A.20.021.
This section shall not apply to such information transmitted or received or equipment or devices installed or maintained relating to activities authorized by this chapter including, but not limited to, sports wagering authorized under RCW 9.46.0364 and 9.46.0368, or to any act or acts in furtherance thereof when conducted in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and in accordance with the rules adopted under this chapter and conducted in accordance with tribal-state compacts.
[ 2020 c 127 § 10; 2006 c 290 § 2; 1991 c 261 § 9; 1987 c 4 § 44; 1973 1st ex.s. c 218 § 24; ]
All gambling premises are common nuisances and shall be subject to abatement by injunction or as otherwise provided by law. The plaintiff in any action brought under this subsection against any gambling premises, need not show special injury and may, in the discretion of the court, be relieved of all requirements as to giving security.
When any property or premise held under a mortgage, contract, or leasehold is determined by a court having jurisdiction to be a gambling premises, all rights and interests of the holder therein shall terminate and the owner shall be entitled to immediate possession at his or her election: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That this subsection shall not apply to those premises in which activities authorized by this chapter or any act or acts in furtherance thereof are carried on when conducted in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and in accordance with the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
When any property or premises for which one or more licenses issued by the commission are in effect, is determined by a court having jurisdiction to be a gambling premise, all such licenses may be voided and no longer in effect, and no license so voided shall be issued or reissued for such property or premises for a period of up to sixty days thereafter. Enforcement of this subsection shall be the duty of all peace officers and all taxing and licensing officials of this state and its political subdivisions and other public agencies. This subsection shall not apply to property or premises in which activities authorized by this chapter, or any act or acts in furtherance thereof, are carried on when conducted in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and in accordance with the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
[ 2011 c 336 § 305; 1987 c 4 § 45; 1973 1st ex.s. c 218 § 25; ]
Proof of possession of any device used for professional gambling or any record relating to professional gambling specified in RCW 9.46.215 is prima facie evidence of possession thereof with knowledge of its character or contents.
[ 1994 c 218 § 16; 1973 1st ex.s. c 218 § 26; ]
This chapter shall constitute the exclusive legislative authority for the taxing by any city, town, city-county or county of any gambling activity and its application shall be strictly construed to those activities herein permitted and to those persons, associations or organizations herein permitted to engage therein.
[ 1973 1st ex.s. c 218 § 27; ]
This chapter constitutes the exclusive legislative authority for the licensing and regulation of any gambling activity and the state preempts such licensing and regulatory functions, except as to the powers and duties of any city, town, city-county, or county which are specifically set forth in this chapter. Any ordinance, resolution, or other legislative act by any city, town, city-county, or county relating to gambling in existence on September 27, 1973 shall be as of that date null and void and of no effect. Any such city, town, city-county, or county may thereafter enact only such local law as is consistent with the powers and duties expressly granted to and imposed upon it by chapter 9.46 RCW and which is not in conflict with that chapter or with the rules of the commission.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the conducting, operating, participating, or selling or purchasing of tickets or shares in the "lottery" or "state lottery" as defined in RCW 67.70.010 when such conducting, operating, participating, or selling or purchasing is in conformity to the provisions of chapter 67.70 RCW and to the rules adopted thereunder.
Any fishing derby, defined under RCW 9.46.0229, shall not be subject to any other provisions of this chapter or to any rules or regulations of the commission.
[ 1989 c 8 § 1; 1975 1st ex.s. c 166 § 13; ]
Any license to engage in any of the gambling activities authorized by this chapter as now exists or as hereafter amended, and issued under the authority thereof shall be legal authority to engage in the gambling activities for which issued throughout the incorporated and unincorporated area of any county, except that a city located therein with respect to that city, or a county with respect to all areas within that county except for such cities, may absolutely prohibit, but may not change the scope of license, any or all of the gambling activities for which the license was issued.
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A city or town with a prohibition on house-banked social card game licenses that annexes an area that is within a city, town, or county that permits house-banked social card games may allow a house-banked social card game business that was licensed by the commission as of July 26, 2009, to continue operating if the city or town is authorized to impose a tax under RCW 82.14.415 and can demonstrate that the continuation of the house-banked social card game business will reduce the credit against the state sales and use tax as provided in RCW 82.14.415(7).
A city or town that allowed a house-banked social card game business in an annexed area to continue operating under (a) of this subsection before July 15, 2010, shall allow all social card game businesses in the annexed area that were operating and licensed by the commission as of January 1, 2011, to continue operating.
A city or town that allows a social card game business in an annexed area to continue operating is not required to allow additional social card game businesses.
[ 2011 c 134 § 1; 2009 c 550 § 2; 1974 ex.s. c 155 § 6; 1974 ex.s. c 135 § 6; ]
All applications for licenses made to the commission, with the exception of any portions of the applications describing the arrest or conviction record of any person, and all reports required by the commission to be filed by its licensees on a periodic basis concerning the operation of the licensed activity or concerning any organization, association, or business in connection with which a licensed activity is operated, in the commission files, shall be open to public inspection at the commission's offices upon a prior written request of the commission. The staff of the commission may decline to allow an inspection until such time as the inspection will not unduly interfere with the other duties of the staff. The commission may charge the person making a request for an inspection an amount necessary to offset the costs to the commission of providing the inspection and copies of any requested documents.
No person shall manufacture, and no person shall sell, distribute, furnish or supply to any other person, any gambling device, including but not limited to punchboards and pull-tabs, in this state, or for use within this state, without first obtaining a license to do so from the commission under the provisions of this chapter.
Such licenses shall not be issued by the commission except respecting devices which are designed and permitted for use in connection with activities authorized under this chapter: PROVIDED, That this requirement for licensure shall apply only insofar as the commission has adopted, or may adopt, rules implementing it as to particular categories of gambling devices and related equipment.
[ 1981 c 139 § 13; ]
At any time within five years after any amount of fees, interest, penalties, or tax which is imposed pursuant to this chapter, or rules adopted pursuant thereto, shall become due and payable, the attorney general, on behalf of the commission, may bring a civil action in the courts of this state, or any other state, or of the United States, to collect the amount delinquent, together with penalties and interest: PROVIDED, That where the tax is one imposed by a county, city or town under RCW 9.46.110, any such action shall be brought by that county, city or town on its own behalf. An action may be brought whether or not the person owing the amount is at such time a licensee pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
If such an action is brought in the courts of this state, a writ of attachment may be issued and no bond or affidavit prior to the issuance thereof shall be required. In all actions in this state, the records of the commission, or the appropriate county, city or town, shall be prima facie evidence of the determination of the tax due or the amount of the delinquency.
[ 1981 c 139 § 16; ]
The negotiation process for compacts with federally recognized Indian tribes for conducting class III gaming, as defined in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C. Sec. 2701 et seq., on federal Indian lands is governed by this section.
The gambling commission through the director or the director's designee shall negotiate compacts for class III gaming on behalf of the state with federally recognized Indian tribes in the state of Washington.
When a tentative agreement with an Indian tribe on a proposed compact is reached, the director shall immediately transmit a copy of the proposed compact to all voting and ex officio members of the gambling commission and to the standing committees designated pursuant to subsection (5) of this section.
Notwithstanding RCW 9.46.040, the four ex officio members of the gambling commission shall be deemed voting members of the gambling commission for the sole purpose of voting on proposed compacts submitted under this section.
Within thirty days after receiving a proposed compact from the director, one standing committee from each house of the legislature shall hold a public hearing on the proposed compact and forward its respective comments to the gambling commission. The president of the senate shall designate the senate standing committee that is to carry out the duties of this section, and the speaker of the house of representatives shall designate the house standing committee that is to carry out the duties of this section. The designated committees shall continue to perform under this section until the president of the senate or the speaker of the house of representatives, as the case may be, designates a different standing committee.
The gambling commission may hold public hearings on the proposed compact any time after receiving a copy of the compact from the director. Within forty-five days after receiving the proposed compact from the director, the gambling commission, including the four ex officio members, shall vote on whether to return the proposed compact to the director with instructions for further negotiation or to forward the proposed compact to the governor for review and final execution.
Notwithstanding provisions in this section to the contrary, if the director forwards a proposed compact to the gambling commission and the designated standing committees within ten days before the beginning of a regular session of the legislature, or during a regular or special session of the legislature, the thirty-day time limit set forth in subsection (5) of this section and the forty-five day limit set forth in subsection (6) of this section are each forty-five days and sixty days, respectively.
Funding for the negotiation process under this section must come from the gambling revolving fund.
In addition to the powers granted under this chapter, the commission, consistent with the terms of any compact, is authorized and empowered to enforce the provisions of any compact between a federally recognized Indian tribe and the state of Washington.
[ 1992 c 172 § 2; ]
The state consents to the jurisdiction of the federal courts in actions brought by a tribe pursuant to the Indian gaming regulatory act of 1988 or seeking enforcement of a state/tribal compact adopted under the Indian gaming regulatory act, conditioned upon the tribe entering into such a compact and providing similar consent. This limited waiver of sovereign immunity shall not extend to actions other than those expressly set forth herein.
[ 2007 c 321 § 1; 2001 c 236 § 1; ]
Any raffle authorized by the fish and wildlife commission involving hunting big game animals or wild turkeys shall not be subject to any provisions of this chapter other than RCW 9.46.010 and this section or to any rules or regulations of the gambling commission.
[ 1996 c 101 § 3; ]
Any licensee authorized under this chapter is prohibited from allowing the use of public assistance electronic benefit cards for the purpose of participating in any of the activities authorized under this chapter.
Any licensee authorized under this chapter shall report to the department of social and health services any known violations of RCW 74.08.580.
Any licensee authorized under this chapter is required to comply with RCW 74.08.580(2). If the licensee fails to comply with RCW 74.08.580(2), its license shall be immediately suspended until it complies with RCW 74.08.580(2). If the licensee remains otherwise eligible to be licensed, the commission may reinstate the license once the licensee has complied with RCW 74.08.580(2).
[ 2011 1st sp.s. c 42 § 19; 2002 c 252 § 2; ]
The commission shall consider the provisions of RCW 9.46.410 as elements to be negotiated with federally recognized Indian tribes as provided in RCW 9.46.360.
[ 2002 c 252 § 3; ]
The separation of definitions and authorized activities provisions of the state's gambling statutes into shorter sections is intended to improve the readability and facilitate the future amendment of these sections. This separation shall not change the meaning of any of the provisions involved.
[ 1987 c 4 § 1; ]
This act shall not be construed as affecting any existing right acquired or liability or obligation incurred under the sections amended or repealed in this act or under any rule, regulation, or order adopted under those sections, nor as affecting any proceeding instituted under those sections.
[ 1987 c 4 § 48; ]
The legislature intends with chapter 218, Laws of 1994 to clarify the state's public policy on gambling regarding the frequency of state lottery drawings, the means of addressing problem and compulsive gambling, and the enforcement of the state's gambling laws. Chapter 218, Laws of 1994 is intended to clarify the specific types of games prohibited in chapter 9.46 RCW and is not intended to add to existing law regarding prohibited activities. The legislature recognizes that slot machines, video pull-tabs, video poker, and other electronic games of chance have been considered to be gambling devices before April 1, 1994.
[ 1994 c 218 § 1; ]