Rulemaking activities

Learn about the processes we use to determine and change the rules for gambling in Washington.

The basics of rules and rulemaking

The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) is a compilation of the regulations of the executive branch agencies that interpret and implement state and federal laws. These regulations are commonly referred to as rules and the process of their adoption is known as rulemaking.

Each state agency has a chapter in the WAC, and the Gambling Commission’s rules chapter is WAC 230. In WAC 230, the Gambling Commission gathers all its rules, providing more detail about how to implement the provisions of the Gambling Act (Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 9.46).

From time to time, rules are changed based on a deliberative process that takes approximately five to six months. Download a PDF (16.07KB) to learn more about the rulemaking process.

Rules under development

The rules listed below are currently under development:
*Please click the date for a MS Teams meeting link to the Public Feedback and Comment Sessions* 

WAC Chapter and/or Section(s)
Subject Matter
Public Feedback
Sessions
Pre-proposal
(CR-101)

 

Proposal
(CR-102) or
Expedited
(CR-105)
Rule Hearing for Public Comment
Permanent
(CR-103P)
Title 230 WAC
Gambling equipment in warehouses   WSR 19-03-095 ON HOLD    
Chapter 230-06 Problem gambling signage and materials   WSR 23-09-066 WSR 24-08-012    
Chapter 230-17 Hearing rules   WSR 23-16-131      
Chapter 230-11 Raffle rules   WSR 23-19-093 WSR 24-03-066   WSR 24-08-022
Chapter 230-03 Submitting a proposed plan of operations for charitable and nonprofit organizations (repeal)   WSR 23-19-094 WSR 23-23-140   WSR 24-03-064
Chapter 230-06 Additional requirements for licensed business premises of non house-banked, Class F, and house-banked card rooms   WSR 23-22-081 WSR 24-07-074 (CR-102)
WSR 24-06-015 (CR-105)
   
Chapter 230-05 Fee increase  7th May, 2024 11am-12pm WSR 24-03-063      
Chapter 230-06-025 Firearms as a prize   WSR 24-07-057      
Chapter 230-15-050 Minimum cash on hand requirements 16th April, 2024 1pm-2pm WSR 24-07-075      
Chapter 230-15 Centralized surveillance   WSR 24-06-002      

How to request a rule change

  1. Fill out our "Request a rule change" form
  2. We will receive your request (called a petition)
  3. We will prepare a rule summary, which includes a history of the rule, previous changes made to the rule, and resource and regulatory impacts the change could have
  4. We will present the rules summary and your petition to commissioners at a commission meeting within 60 days of receipt.

Comment on proposed rules

The commission often 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 changes

You can learn about recent, finalized rule changes on our recent rule changes page.

Gambling law

You'll find state laws concerning gambling at Chapter 9.46 RCW.

Gambling rules

You'll find state rules concerning gambling at Title 230 WAC.

Recent rule changes

Learn how to request a rule change and fill out the form to do so.

Request a rule change

Learn about how to request a change to gambling rules and fill out the form to do so.

Request for public comment

See proposed rules you can comment on and complete the form to do so.