Amusement games (commercial)

Learn who can offer amusement games, including applications, training information, and recordkeeping requirements.

Who can apply for an amusement game license

If you are a commercial business, you may offer amusement games in certain circumstances.

Learn more about the licensing requirements for commercial businesses.

About amusement games

"Amusement game" 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
  • Cake walks and fish ponds are considered amusement games
  • The game is conducted or operated by any agricultural fair, person, or association at authorized locations.

Types of amusement games allowed

See list of authorized amusement games (PDF, 35 KB)

Authorized amusement game locations

  • Restaurant
  • Bowling center
  • Grocery / department store
  • Civic center / festival
  • Movie theater
  • Miniature golf course
  • Amusement park / center
  • Agricultural / world fair
  • Skating rink
  • Carnival operator (itinerary required (PDF, 200 KB))
  • Tavern, pub, or bar
  • Regional shopping center or mall
  • Family sports complex.

How to apply

In addition to all the materials outlined in our licensing process, the complete application includes the application fee.

Apply for a license online through MyAccount unless you're approved for an online waiver. You must be registered for SecureAccess Washington (SAW).

Visit the Washington State Legislature site to see if you qualify for an online waiver (apps.leg.wa.gov). 

Learn how to register for MyAccount 

  1. Use your SAW username and password to log in to MyAccount 
  2. In the MyAccount home page, click on your name and choose Profile in the drop-down menu
  3. Click the 'Create Organization Request' button
  4. Start typing your organization trade name. If you're in the process of purchasing an existing licensed business, enter your legal entity name and 'Create New Organization'. Complete the form for the new organization. Any field with a red asterisk is a required field. Submit the form
  5. In the Application tab, click 'New License Application' button
  6. Select the license type of the gambling activity you're applying for and complete all required fields to submit your application
  7. Pay for the application fee in the Billing and Payment tab.

Current licensees: Add amusement games to your existing gambling license

If you already have an active gambling license with us and would like to add an additional gambling activity:

  1. Use your SAW username and password to log in to MyAccount 
  2. Click on the Application tab. In the drop-down menu, click on Application
  3. Click New License Application button
  4. Select the license type of the gambling activity you're applying for and complete all required fields to submit your application
  5. Pay for the application fee in the Billing and Payment tab.

Add / remove approved amusement game location

If you are a licensed amusement game route operator and want to apply for an additional amusement game location or report the removal of an approved location, complete and submit the 'Amusement Game Route Location - Addition' or 'Amusement Game Route Location - Removal' form in MyAccount. 

Required training

After we grant your license, you have 30 days to complete your required training:

Required recordkeeping

You must:

  • Keep records to provide in case we audit your business
  • Complete the records within 15 days of the last day of each month, every month.

Review recordkeeping requirements for commercial amusement games (app.leg.wa.gov).

Retaining your records

You must retain the records for 3 years from the end of your fiscal year.

Renewing your license

Licenses expire each year. Learn more about how to renew your license.

Reporting changes to your license

There are certain changes you must tell us about. Learn how to report changes to your license.