Highlights
Washington and Idaho still prohibit sweepstakes casinos
Idaho and Washington allow Bingo and raffles only when conducted by qualified charities for charitable purposes
An excellent alternative for sweepstakes casinos is tribal casinos
Many players who can’t access traditional online gaming options in certain jurisdictions turn to sweepstakes casinos for a fun way to enjoy casino-style games. However, despite operating under sweepstakes laws, states like Washington and Idaho still prohibit these sites.
Curious about what exactly is a sweepstakes casino? Why do these two states stick to their ban despite the unique model? Let’s get into the reasons behind it, weigh the pros and cons of their stance, and explore the potential for future changes. Plus, we’ll look at the alternatives for players in these restricted regions.
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What sweepstakes casinos are all about
Sweepstakes casinos offer a different way to enjoy casino-style games without falling under the traditional online gaming laws. They operate under sweepstakes rules, allowing them to provide entertainment while staying within legal boundaries in most places.
Typically, players get two types of virtual coins: Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. Gold Coins are purely for fun, like a token for entertainment. You can purchase them if you’d like, but there’s no obligation. Sweeps Coins, however, are free to get through bonuses or promotions and can be redeemed for real prizes.
This unique model allows
to legally operate in many US states, though not all states are on board.
States where sweepstakes casinos are banned & their reasons
The two states maintaining a ban on sweepstakes casinos from operating within their jurisdiction are:
On a lighter note, even though these two states still outlaw sweepstakes casinos, both states allow Bingo and raffles when hosted by charities for good causes.
You may also find other states upholding the same decisions; however, these two are stricter. Here are a few key reasons Washington and Idaho slam the brakes on sweepstakes casinos. They include:
Washington and Idaho are pretty serious about keeping their residents from experiencing possible issues associated with sweepstakes casinos, like excessive virtual coin package purchases, underage access to sweepstakes sites, and the unhealthy habits sometimes tied to online gaming. Washington and Idaho strive to minimize sweepstakes gaming dangers by keeping sweepstakes casinos completely out.
As I mentioned earlier, sweepstakes casinos operate under sweepstakes laws. Therefore, this move prevents them from contributing to state tax revenue like traditional online gaming. For states keeping an eye on their revenue, that’s a big deal.
Even players have raised eyebrows about fairness and transparency in sweepstakes casinos. Many players often question whether the games are truly random. Therefore, Washington and Idaho believe it is better to play it safe rather than expose their residents to unfair practices.
Pros and cons of these two states banning sweepstakes casinos
Many players might struggle to see any upside to banning sweepstakes casinos in Washington and Idaho. However, let’s take a moment to look at both sides of the coin. Here are the pros and cons of keeping these sites out.
Benefits and Downsides of Gaming Regulation
- Protects players from potential gaming issues
- Prevents underage access to gaming sites
- Ensures no unfair practices or lack of transparency
- Not available in the restricted jurisdiction
The future of sweepstakes casinos in Washington and Idaho
Sweepstakes casinos have come a long way, growing in popularity so quickly that it’s hard to imagine them not eventually making their way into states like Washington and Idaho in the future. Especially when you consider that in 2020, Washington legalized online sports predictions for on-site play at tribal casinos.
This shift shows that, instead of staying banned, the sweepstakes casino industry might just see new regulations focused on boosting transparency, fairness, and customer protection. How well the industry adapts to these regulations will be key to whether it becomes legal in these states down the line.
Tribal casinos are an excellent alternative for players in Washington & Idaho
Ever heard of a tribal casino? It’s a gaming hotspot run by Native American tribes on their own lands, operating under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988. In Washington and Idaho, these casinos are entirely legal, providing a safe and exciting alternative for residents who can't access sweepstakes casinos. Moreover, one of the great benefits of these tribal casinos is that the minimum age for gaming is just 18, making it accessible to a broader range of players.
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Casino games available at tribal casinos
For players looking for traditional casino experiences in Washington and Idaho, tribal casinos are the go-to spots. Here’s a look at the exciting games you can enjoy:
Slots
If you love spinning the reels, tribal casinos in Washington and Idaho have a great selection of slot machines waiting for you. From classic three-reel games to more modern five-reel slots. You can also enjoy progressive jackpot slots, where the jackpot grows as more players participate. Additionally, many slots feature exciting bonus features, making each spin a bit more fun.
Blackjack
For those who prefer a classic card game, Blackjack is widely available in tribal casinos across Washington and Idaho. Therefore, go play the traditional version or explore variants like European Blackjack and experience the excitement of beating the dealer at tribal casinos.
Roulette
Another classic casino game you’ll find at tribal casinos in Washington and Idaho is Roulette. Perhaps you want the traditional American Roulette or the slightly different European Roulette; both versions are available to give you the roulette experience you may desire from sweepstakes casinos.
Poker Games
If you’re a fan of Poker, tribal casinos in Washington and Idaho have you covered? You can enjoy popular variants like Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud. In addition to live Poker tables, many tribal casinos offer video poker.
Sports prediction
Into sports? You can also enjoy legal sports gaming at tribal casinos in Washington and Idaho. In Washington, as long as you’re physically on the tribal casino property, you can place predictions on your favorite sports, like football and basketball, through mobile sports prediction apps.
Just like sweepstakes casinos, tribal casinos prioritize responsible gaming. Hence providing players with various tools to help them stay in control of their gaming activities. These tools include but are not limited to setting limits on entry amount and time spent playing.
Here’s a quick look at how tribal casinos and sweepstakes casinos differ:
Conclusion – Washington and Idaho still ban sweepstakes casino
While sweepstakes casinos operate under a unique set of laws that differ from those governing traditional online casinos, Washington and Idaho continue to enforce strict bans on these sites. This is primarily due to their focus on customer protection and tax revenue. However, things may change in the future if sweepstakes casinos evolve to fit a more standardized, regulated framework. Currently, Washington and Idaho players can enjoy playing casino games at tribal casinos.
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