Washington State Gambling Regulations for Nonprofits
Regulatory Summary: Charitable Gaming in Washington State (January 2026)
All states have gaming requirements for nonprofit organizations. This blog addresses those for the state of Washington, but all states are similar.
In Washington State, nonprofit organizations are legally authorized to conduct specific gambling activities exclusively for the purpose of fundraising. These activities are subject to strict regulation by the Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC).
Authorized Activities:
The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 9.46.0311, permitted activities include:
Bingo
Raffles
Amusement Games
Fund-raising Events
Punchboards
Pull-tabs
Core Regulatory Requirements:
Organizations must adhere strictly to the following mandatory provisions:
Licensure: An annual license from the WSGC is required.
Use of Proceeds: All income from the activities must be used only for the organization's mission.
Compliance and Record-Keeping: All state regulations must be followed, and supported by comprehensive financial records. This data must show income, expenses, and prizes.
Managerial Oversight: Background checks, and a license are required by the state. Read on for more information.
Requirements for the Gambling Manager
1. Membership & Duration:
The manager must be a member of the organization.
Must have maintained membership in good standing for a minimum amount of time.
2. Training and Certification:
The manager is required to pass a state requirement to prove they are competent.
They must complete a state-sponsored training session or pass an equivalent online examination.
A formal "Games Manager" Application can be obtained online as a PDF.
Organizations must review the Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC) directly for the most current and specific rules about fundraising events and recreational gaming.
For further advisory support, please schedule a consultation with Sims Online Bookkeeping, LLC at: http://Calendly.com/chuck-simsbookkeeping.
