All of the above Washington State online poker site bonuses are subject to change at any time, should any of them be of interest to you please visit the respective Poker sites website for full terms and conditions of any bonus listed.
Online Seattle Poker Rooms in WA
Get the inside scoop on online poker in Seattle. Learn how to play legally and safely, and discover the best online poker sites and tournaments.
The poker scene in Seattle is quite vibrant, with 19 card rooms operating in and around the city. Licensees are regulated by the Revised Code of Washington 9.46.240 and overseen by the Washington State Gambling Commission, making them legal and safe.
Depending on the poker room, you may find Texas Hold’em and Omaha, as well as niche variants like Seven-Card Stud.
As for online poker play, things are far from perfect. Namely, Washington is one of the few US states whose statutes expressly forbid online gambling.
Furthermore, federal laws like the UIGEA are used as legal grounds against offshore gambling sites, so online poker players from WA are out of luck.
Want to know the deal with online poker in Seattle? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. This guide breaks down the legalities and gives you the info you need to pick a safe, legit online poker site.
Best Online Poker Sites in Seattle, WA
The scope of Chapter 9.46 RCW, the principal legislation governing gambling in Washington, is subject to debate. One could argue that offshore poker sites are not covered by the statutes since they are not mentioned in the state’s criminal code.
This is why Seattle residents flock to offshore poker to whet their appetites for the game. However, you should keep in mind that the state does not regulate these offshore rooms, so you have to be extra cautious when choosing one.
Rather than analyzing dozens of offshore poker sites and determining if they’re safe, it is prudent to pick one from this list. The brands listed here have already undergone a thorough vetting process and are deemed trustworthy.
My list of the best poker sites which I consider to be the best rooms to play in 2025:- 100% Legal & Licensed
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- Must be 18+ to participate.
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Is Online Poker Legal in Seattle, WA
The legality of online poker in Seattle is a tricky subject. While there are no specific laws that criminalize online poker play, the state of Washington has a law that makes illegal (online) gambling a Class C felony under amendment RCW 9.46.240. Here’s an excerpt from the law:
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.
Governor Christine Gregoire signed this amendment in 2006, criminalizing any form of gambling not explicitly permitted by state laws. There is no mention of online poker in state law as being legal, so it logically fits the category of illicit activities.
Even though playing online poker in Seattle is technically illegal, the state has not actively prosecuted individual players. As an aside, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) bans offshore gambling sites as well as the use of US-based financial institutions for online gambling transactions. It is, therefore, more difficult for players to deposit and access offshore online poker sites.
Laws & Regulations In Washington
When it comes to online poker in Seattle, here are the relevant laws:
Selecting a Good Online Poker Room
Finding the perfect online poker room in Seattle can be challenging with so many options available. But don’t worry; we’ve got your back! To help you make an informed choice, we will provide you with all the factors you need to consider when picking a poker site.
Licensing and Security
Licensing and regulation are crucial when choosing an online poker room. As the state of Washington does not regulate online gambling, players can play on offshore sites licensed and regulated by reputable bodies such as the Malta Gaming Authority, Curacao, or the Panamanian Gaming Control Board.
These regulatory bodies ensure that the site operates legally and ethically and that players’ personal and financial information is protected. When evaluating a site, check that it has a valid license and is in good standing with its affiliated regulatory body.
You should also pay attention to the security measures in place on the site. Poker sites handle sensitive personal and financial information, so they must maintain robust security protocols. Secure websites use advanced encryption technologies, such as SSL or TLS, to protect your information. Lastly, you should check if the site has been independently audited for security and if it has any certifications from reputable security organizations.
Games and Tournaments
The variety of games offered by an online poker site is also a significant assessment criterion.
Look for sites that offer a wide range of games, such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud and more. Some online poker rooms also offer unique games or variations, like fast-fold poker, which can add a new level of excitement to your online poker experience.
If you are interested in participating in tournaments, it is crucial to find a site with various options. Choose an online poker room that offers a variety of tournament types, such as sit-and-go, multi-table and freeroll. In addition, pay attention to the site’s tournament schedule and prize pool size.
Rake and Player Traffic
Traffic is among the critical aspects of choosing an online poker site. You want a platform with a healthy player base, making it easy to find games.
Low-traffic sites may offer a limited variety of games or tournaments, and you may have to wait a long time for a seat. Check the site’s traffic statistics, and look for those with many active users.
Bonuses and Promotions
Poker sites provide bonuses to entice new players, making them an integral factor to consider.
Look for casinos with generous bonuses and promotions, such as loyalty programs, freerolls, and deposit bonuses. You should, however, read the terms and conditions of any promotional offer before accepting it, as there may be restrictions or requirements that need to be met.
Banking Options
When it comes to banking options, look for sites that offer a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, such as credit cards, e-wallets and wire transfers.
Additionally, check the processing times and fees, and select sites with fast, low-cost transactions.
Device Compatibility
The user experience (UX) of an online poker site is another critical factor you should check up on.
Look for poker sites with a clean, easy-to-navigate layout that offer features such as hand history replay, player notes, and table statistics. Additionally, consider the software, and look for smooth, stable, and responsive platforms.
Benefits of Playing Online Poker
For those who still need convincing, here are some reasons to play online poker instead of going to a land-based poker room:
- Poker sites offer various games and stakes to choose from, making it easier to find a game that fits your skill level and budget.
- Online poker rooms are open 24/7, so you can play whenever you have free time, whereas land-based cardrooms in Seattle typically have specific hours of operation.
- Internet poker rooms often offer larger bonuses and promotions to players, providing an opportunity to earn massive prizes.
- Online poker players can play at multiple tables simultaneously, which increases the potential to win more money in the same amount of time.
- If you opt for online poker, you can enjoy it from home and avoid the distractions and noise of a land-based cardroom.
- Online poker is also available anonymously, benefiting players who want to remain under the radar.
- Online poker sites give you access to a wide range of tools and software that can help improve your game, such as hand tracking and analysis utilities.
- There is a larger pool of players in online poker rooms, which increases your chances of finding a good game.
- In addition to saving time and money, online poker players can avoid the hassle of traveling to a land-based cardroom.
Famous Poker Players From Seattle, WA
Many talented professional poker players, including Scott Clements (pictured), have come out of Seattle. Clements won multiple World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets and other major tournaments during his illustrious career. Known as one of the top tournament players from Seattle, he’s also a regular at high-stakes cash games.
Brandon Cantu is another prominent Seattle player who has won a WSOP bracelet and had strong performances in other major tournaments. An experienced pro, he has built a successful career in the poker world.
Last but not least, Lee Markholt is another notable player from Seattle. He is best known for winning a WSOP bracelet in a Pot Limit Omaha event and making deep runs in other major tournaments.
Land-Based Casinos With Live Poker
Here’s a list of retail poker rooms in the Seattle area, along with their respective addresses and game offerings:
Name | Address | No. Poker Tables | Tournaments |
---|---|---|---|
Ace’s Poker Lakewood | 10117 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98499 | 15 | Yes |
Ace’s Poker Mountlake Terrace | 7004 220th St SW, Mountlake Terrace, WA 9804 | 15 | Yes |
Buzz Inn Steakhouse Eastmont | 9504 19th Ave SE, Everett, WA 98208 | 8 | Yes |
Buzz Inn Steakhouse Evergreen Way | 9910 Evergreen Way, Everett, WA 98204 | 8 | Yes |
Buzz Inn Steakhouse Granite Falls | 109 S Granite Avenue, Granite Falls, WA 98252 | 8 | Yes |
Buzz Inn Steakhouse Lake Stevens | 1801 Main St., Lake Stevens, WA 98258 | 8 | Yes |
Buzz Inn Steakhouse Arlington | 5200 172nd St NE, Arlington, WA 98223 | 8 | Yes |
Buzz Inn Steakhouse Snohomish | 9900 Airport Way, Snohomish, WA 98296 | 8 | Yes |
Casino Caribbean Kirkland | 12526 NE 144th St, Kirkland, WA 98034 | 15 | Yes |
Fortune Poker Room | 3650 E Valley Rd, Renton, WA 98057 | 15 | Yes |
Jamestown Saloon | 19711 Smokey Point Blvd, Arlington, WA 98223 | 5 | Yes |
Roxbury Lanes Casino | 2823 SW Roxbury St, Seattle, WA 98126 | 3 | Yes |
Silver Dollar Casino Renton | 3100 E Valley Rd, Renton, WA 98057 | 6 | Yes |
FAQs
Is online poker legal in Seattle?
No, online poker is not legal in Seattle. The state of Washington has a law that makes illegal gambling a Class C felony under the amendment RCW 9.46.240. Online poker is not explicitly mentioned in state law as legal, so it falls under unlawful gambling.
Are there any live poker rooms in Seattle?
Yes, Seattle and the surrounding area have a wide range of poker rooms.
Are there any offshore poker rooms that accept players from Seattle?
Yes, several offshore poker rooms accept players from Seattle. The state does not regulate these offshore poker rooms, but they do offer a wider variety of games and stakes for players to choose from.
Is it safe to play at offshore poker sites?
While offshore poker sites are not regulated by the state and are technically illegal, they are still a good option for players looking for a wider variety of games and stakes. However, choosing reputable and trustworthy sites to play at and checking the laws and regulations before signing up is essential.
Can I play online poker in Seattle on my mobile device?
Yes, most offshore poker sites that accept players from Seattle are mobile-friendly.