Gambling Laws

State Laws concerning gambling can be found under RCW Chapter 9.46.

Gambling Rules

State rules concerning gambling can be found under WAC Title 230.

Request a Rule Change

Agency staff review all proposed rule changes before they are discussed by the commissioners. Staff prepares a rule summary, which includes a history of the rule, previous changes made to the rule, and resource/regulatory impacts the change could have.

Want to request a rule change? Use our online request a rule change form. 

Comment on Proposed Rules

The Commission occasionally seeks public comments on various topics, including proposed rule changes.

Visit our 'Request for Public Comment' page to view current topics and submit your comments.

Recent Rule Revisions

Effective August 15, 2019 Petition for Change from Public Card shuffling devices connecting to a secure cellular network for billing purposes Concise Explanatory Statement	WAC 230-16-152
Effective August 15, 2019 Petition for Change from Public Licensed distributors providing training and licensing assistance to new and existing punch board and/or pull-tab operators Concise Explanatory Statement	WAC 230-03-190, WAC 230-03-210
Effective June 10, 2019 Petition for Change from Staff Transporting, displaying, and selling gambling equipment at trade shows Concise Explanatory Statement	WAC 230-16-005, WAC 230-06-050
Effective January 1, 2019 Petition for Change from Public Soft Count Rules for Card Rooms Concise Explanatory Statement	WAC 230-15-610, WAC 230-15-615
Effective June 10, 2018 Petition for Change from Public Pre-Shuffled Cards for Baccarat Concise Explanatory Statement	WAC 230-06-053, WAC 230-16-158, WAC 230-15-115
Effective June 10, 2018 Petition for Change from Staff Fee Simplification Package 5 Concise Explanatory Statement	WAC 230-05-125, WAC 230-05-170
Effective July 1, 2018 Petition for Change from Staff Fee Simplification Packages 3 and 4 Concise Explanatory Statement	WAC 230-05-175, WAC 230-05-102, WAC 230-07-155, WAC 230-07-160, WAC 230-09-056, WAC 230-10-040, WAC 230-10-180, WAC 230-10-457, WAC 230-13-169, WAC 230-16-160, WAC 230-16-165, WAC 230-16-175, WAC 230-16-180
Effective July 1, 2018 Petition for Change from Staff Fee Simplification Package 2 Concise Explanatory Statement	WAC 230-06-176, WAC 230-06-081, WAC 230-06-082, WAC 230-17-151, WAC 230-17-152, WAC 230-03-085, WAC 230-17-150, WAC 230-17-155, WAC 230-09-115, WAC 230-09-125, WAC 230-10-045, WAC 230-10-055, WAC 230-10-065, WAC 230-10-070, WAC 230-10-075, WAC 230-10-085, WAC 230-10-090, WAC 230-10-120, WAC 230-10-125, WAC 230-10-275, WAC 230-10-330, WAC 230-10-331, WAC 230-10-350, WAC 230-10-385, WAC 230-10-395, WAC 230-10-240, WAC 230-10-425, WAC 230-10-435, WAC 230-10-451, WAC 230-13-075, WAC 230-13-152, WAC 230-13-155, WAC 230-13-160, WAC 230-14-250, WAC 230-14-280, WAC 230-14-284, WAC 230-15-005, WAC 230-15-080, WAC 230-15-100, WAC 230-15-110, WAC 230-15-115, WAC 230-15-120, WAC 230-15-135, WAC 230-15-200, WAC 230-15-205, WAC 230-16-130, WAC 230-16-220, WAC 230-06-170, WAC 230-06-046, WAC 230-06-083, WAC 230-06-100, WAC 230-06-110, WAC 230-06-112, WAC 230-06-124, WAC 230-06-150, WAC 230-07-090, WAC 230-07-125, WAC 230-07-140, WAC 230-11-095, WAC 230-11-100
Effective May 1, 2018 Petition for Rule Change from Staff Fee Simplification Package 1 Concise Explanatory Statement	WAC 230-03-161, WAC 230-03-162, WAC 230-03-163, WAC 230-03-164, WAC 230-03-177, WAC 230-03-178, WAC 230-03-179, WAC 230-03-192, WAC 230-05-016, WAC 230-05-017, WAC 230-05-018, WAC 230-05-101, WAC 230-05-104, WAC 230-05-106, WAC 230-05-108, WAC 230-05-110, WAC 230-05-112, WAC 230-05-114, WAC 230-05-116, WAC 230-05-120, WAC 230-05-122, WAC 230-05-124, WAC 230-05-126, WAC 230-05-128, WAC 230-05-132, WAC 230-05-134, WAC 230-05-136, WAC 230-05-138, WAC 230-05-140, WAC 230-05-142, WAC 230-05-160, WAC 230-05-165, WAC 230-03-015, WAC 230-03-035, WAC 230-03-060, WAC 230-03-185, WAC 230-03-190, WAC 230-03-235, WAC 230-03-265, WAC 230-03-285, WAC 230-03-330
Effective February 24, 2018 Petition for Rule Change from Staff Electronic or Mechanical Gambling Equipment Concise Explanatory Statement	WAC 230-17-192
Effective December 22, 2017 Petition for Rule Change from Public Pricing Plans for Members Only Raffles Concise Explanatory Statement	WAC 230-11-087
Effective February 19, 2017 Petition for Rule Change from Public Match Play Coupons Concise Explanatory Statement	WAC 230-15-353, WAC 230-15-453
Effective February 19, 2017 Petition for Rule Change from Public Gambling Promotions Concise Explanatory Statement	WAC 230-06-030, WAC 230-06-031

 

Rulemaking Process

When we officially announce a rule, we do so through permanent rulemaking, expedited rulemaking or emergency rulemaking.

The permanent rulemaking process

Stage 1

A Preproposal Statement of Inquiry (CR-101 form) is filed with the Code Reviser's Office.

Stage 2

A Proposed Rulemaking (CR-102 form) and the proposed rule language are filed with the Code Reviser's Office. Notice of the public hearing date and comment period are provided on the CR-102 form.

Stage 3

A Rulemaking Order of Adoption (CR-103 form) and the final rule language are filed with the Code Reviser's Office.

Stage 4

Normally, rules become effective January 1 or July 1. However, the request of the public or staff, the Commission may vote to have the rule become effective 31 days after filing the CR-103 form with the Code Reviser's Office.

The expedited adoption rulemaking process

Stage 1

Expedited Rulemaking (CR-105 form) and the expedited proposed language or expedited repeal language are filed with the Code Reviser's Office.

Stage 2

A Rulemaking Order of Adoption (CR-103 form) and the rule adoption language are filed with the Code Reviser's Office.

Stage 3

The rule adoption or repeal becomes effective 31 days after filing the Rulemaking Order of Adoption with the Code Reviser's Office unless a later date is specified.

The emergency rulemaking process

Stage 1

A Rulemaking Order of Adoption (CR-103 form) and the rule adoption language are filed with the Code Reviser's Office.

Stage 2

The rule becomes effective upon filing, unless a later date is specified.

Click here to view a flowchart that describes the rulemaking process.

Washington State Register

During the review process, all proposed rule changes are published in the Washington State Register.