states with liberally gambling laws
States With Surprisingly Liberally Gambling Laws
September 28, 2022
- California has plenty of Indian gaming casinos but also three horse racing tracks you can gamble at.
- Washington state may be known for its Native American casinos, but it’s legal to bet on dog racing as well.
- In Florida, you can visit any of the 13 card rooms that offer poker games or table games like roulette.
When we think about where it’s easy to gamble in the USA, states like Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania automatically come to mind. Those are the destinations many people flock to whenever they want to enjoy a gaming experience which isn’t available in their home state.
Mobile Casino Apps That Deserve More CreditHowever, if you dig deeper, you’ll find there are numerous unexpected places to gamble in the US, states whose reputation doesn’t necessarily align with how liberal their gambling laws are.
To shed more light on this topic, I did some research, looking for those US states often overlooked when talking about gambling freedom. As a result, I managed to pick out three surprises – California, Florida, and Washington - each having something special for those eager to place a wager.
Best Real Money Poker Sites of 2023California
California is one of those states whose residents have plenty of options when going on a trip to a casino or another venue where gambling is possible.
Although the state does not offer retail sports betting (for now), Cali residents (and visitors) can:
Go to an Indian Gaming Casino
Since the 19th century, tribal gaming has been a part of California’s history, but things really started rolling after the federal government passed theIndian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988. Today, there are around 65 tribes operating 67 casinos, , Morongo, San Pablo & Spa, etc.), offering everything from slot machines and video poker to live poker tables and , just to name a few.
Try Their Luck at Horse Racing Tracks
Apart from Indians gaming casinos, the Golden State has , Del Mar, Los Alamitos Race Course, etc.).
For example, Santa Anita Park is not only LA’s go-to spot for horse racing thrills but also an iconic location, having hosted various Triple Crown prep races over the years.
What’s interesting about racinos in California is that they don’t have to be located near a race track; they can be freestanding facilities. Some examples are San Pable Race Course & Casino, Los Angeles (no longer has racing but used to) and .
Visit Card Rooms
The Bureau of Gambling Control issues different types of permits, including one for premises that are not Indian Lands but are used for conducting games exclusively under the lawful tribal-state compact.
What this means is that non-tribal poker players have plenty of choices across the state.
200% Deposit Bonus - Best 200% Casino Bonuses & PayoutsThere are 104 licensed card rooms, so whether you’re in Bakersfield, Fresno, Long Beach, or Oakland, you should be able to find a place to play.
Florida
Florida might not be your first thought when brainstorming ideas for your next gambling adventure, but the state has a lot more to offer than most people think. Yes, it’s not like Las Vegas or Atlantic City, but the Sunshine State has 84 casinos, where you can play your favourite games. You won’t be able to visit a sportsbook, but there are other ways to gamble legally in The Everglades State.
Visit Parimutuel Wagering Facilities
Parimutuel wagering is different from the traditional odds system casinos use. Here, bettors’ wagers are grouped together in a pool, and the payoff is based on the amount of money in the pool and the number of winners.
In Florida, parimutuel wagering is available at , and they all offer various gaming options.
No Deposit Casinos Canada Where You Can Win Real Money in 2023For instance, if you decide to go to one of the state’s 26 commercial casinos, you’ll be able to choose between thoroughbred racing, standardbargo racing, greyhound racing, jai-alai, and space command.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is one of the best-known venues, but others such as Gulfstream Park Racing and Gaming, Hialeah Park Racing & Casino, and others have much to offer too.
Visit Poker Rooms/Card Clubs
The Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering also has authority over poker rooms and card clubs within the state, issuing licenses to venues like The Bicycle Casino, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, Victory Casino Cruise Line, etc.
These locations do not offer other casino games like blackjack and roulette, but you can sit down at a Texas Hold ‘Em table any day of the week!
Card Poker - Guide to Rules, Odds and How to PlayAs of now, lawmakers have not made any significant moves towards introducing bills seeking to expand gambling and include retail sportsbooks in the state, but hopefully, that will change soon.
Washington
Washington is yet another example of a state that people wouldn’t necessarily connect with a thriving gambling industry, but it turns out they’re wrong. Sure, RW may not have the tradition of Josephine Countysouthern Oregon has, but the Evergreen State has 27 casinos, and it’s legal to bet on dog racing.
If you are into Native American casinos, this state has plenty to offer, with some of the popular ones being:
Real Money Casino First Deposit Bonuses You Need To Know About (2023)- Alderwood Bingo & Casino
- Elwha River Casinos
- Emerald Queen Casino
- Longhouse Casino
- Lummi Nation Casino
- Muckleshoot Casino
- Paddlewheel Casino
- Swinomish Casino
- Tulalip Resort Casino
- Wild Rose Slots & Cues
All these venues welcome guests around the clock and have what regular casino enthusiasts love playing – from slots and keno to baccarat, blackjack, carnival blitz, midway games, pai gow, poker, and ultimate texas hold ’em.
It’s worth mentioning the state also has two card rooms – Angel of the Winds Casino Resort and Darigold Casino presented by Point Defiance Memorial Fund, both allowing anyone above 18 to get a gaming card and play their favorite card game.
Finally, while Oregon banned greyhound racing in 1996, it’s still possible to make bets on these dogs in Washington because the Legislature specifically exempted the practice from the state’s anti-gambling provisions. So, if you are ever in the Evergreen State and fancy a bet, you could check out the likes of:
- Cascade Dog Track
- Century Link Field Event Center (Greyhound Park & Event Center)
- Walla Walla Sweets (wagering facility)
- West Central Turbo T kaarts (non-profit organization)
Is Online Gambling Legal in These States?
Yes, and no.
The thing is, none of these states has passed laws explicitly permitting online gambling, which means it falls into a grey area.
According to § 9.46.030, it is a misdemeanour for persons to make unlawful bets:
“A person is guilty of making unlawful bets when he knowingly advances or accepts money in connection with any betting house.”
The statute also explains what a “betting house” is:
“(a) “Betting house” means every building, tent, vehicle, or other structure, including the grounds thereof, whether open or enclosed, and all of the appurtenances thereunto pertaining, in which is conducted the business of making unlawful bets.”
Does this sound like online gambling sites are off the menu? It shouldn’t.
no deposit online casinoJust because there’s a law prohibiting betting houses doesn’t mean the authorities are cracking down on punters who gamble online from the comfort of their homes. While residents of our three selected states have had to travel elsewhere to place their bets in the past, this is no longer the case.
Not with all the advancements in online gambling.
Instead of getting dressed up, renting a car, or wasting money on Uber/Lyft, locals can access top-rated casinos from their desktop computers or mobile devices.
Sure, neither California nor Florida nor Washington is Las Vegas or Atlantic City. But if you take a closer look, you’ll see all these states have made progress in terms of land-based and online gambling opportunities, giving punters enough reasons to smile.
Who knows? Maybe one day, lawmakers will stop ignoring legislative proposals that could further develop the gambling industry in these states. Until then, let’s cherish what we have and appreciate the fact we can still place a bet without breaking the law.
Reference:
- Section 9.46 , Code.WA.
FAQ
Now you know that states like California, Florida, and Washington are more liberal when it comes to gambling than one might think. To wrap things up, here’re the answers to some frequently asked questions.
What Are the Most Liberal States Gambling-Wise?
Without a doubt, the most liberal states gambling-wise are Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. However, as you’ve learned in today’s blog, there are some surprises, i.e., destinations not usually associated with gambling that actually have quite a bit to offer.
Can You Bet on Dogs in Washington State?
Yes, Washington state allows bets on dogs. Although Oregon banned greyhound racing in 1996, it’s still possible to make bets on these dogs in Washington because the Legislature specifically exempted the practice from the state’s anti-gambling provisions.
Can Californians Gamble?
Yes, California residents can gamble in casinos, on racetracks, and at cardrooms. Besides commercial and tribal casinos, the state has racinos and off-track betting facilities.
Can You Gamble Online in Florida?
While Florida hasn't passed specific laws allowing online gambling, the state doesn't prohibit residents from enjoying internet gambling either. That said, Floridians can play at online casinos and sportsbooks without the risk of getting into trouble with the law. The situation is somewhat similar in California and Washington.
