Washington Administrative Code Title 230 - Gambling Commission
Overview of WAC Title 230
WAC Title 230 contains the administrative rules established by the Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC). These rules regulate all forms of legal gambling within the state, including card rooms, raffles, punch boards, pull-tabs, bingo, and tribal gaming, among others.
The Gambling Commission’s role is to oversee gambling activities to ensure they are conducted honestly, openly, and free from criminal influence or unfair practices.
Purpose of WAC Title 230
To regulate and control gambling activities.
To prevent gambling-related crime and fraud.
To protect the interests of the public and ensure fair play.
To license and monitor operators, employees, and vendors involved in gambling.
To establish procedures for enforcement, penalties, and appeals.
Key Areas Covered by WAC Title 230
1. Licensing and Registration
Establishes requirements for licensing gambling operators, including:
Card rooms.
Charitable raffles.
Pull-tab and punch board manufacturers and distributors.
Employees and key personnel involved in gambling operations.
Sets background check and suitability standards.
Details licensing fees, renewals, suspensions, and revocations.
2. Gambling Operations and Procedures
Defines rules for the operation of gambling games, including:
How games like poker, blackjack, pull-tabs, and bingo must be conducted.
Limits on bets and prize payouts.
Requirements for game equipment and supplies.
Includes detailed operating standards for card rooms, such as game procedures, dealing rules, and floor management.
Sets recordkeeping and reporting requirements to ensure transparency and accountability.
3. Raffles and Charitable Gambling
Regulates charitable and nonprofit raffles and bingo games.
Specifies:
Eligibility criteria for organizations.
Limits on prize values and frequency.
Required disclosures and reporting.
Ensures proceeds are used for lawful charitable purposes.
4. Tribal Gaming Coordination
Establishes coordination and oversight guidelines for gambling operations conducted on tribal lands.
Ensures compliance with tribal-state compacts.
Coordinates enforcement efforts between the Commission and tribal authorities.
5. Enforcement and Compliance
Outlines investigative authority, including:
Inspections.
Audits.
Interviews.
Details penalties and disciplinary actions, such as:
License suspensions or revocations.
Fines.
Criminal referrals.
Describes procedures for hearings and appeals when violations occur.
6. Advertising and Marketing
Regulates advertising practices to prevent misleading or deceptive gambling promotions.
Sets standards for what information must be disclosed in ads.
7. Equipment and Supplier Regulations
Sets standards for the manufacturing, distribution, and use of gambling equipment like pull-tabs, punch boards, and gaming machines.
Requires registration and approval of manufacturers and suppliers.
Establishes labeling, security, and accounting controls.
Importance of WAC Title 230
Ensures fair and secure gambling within Washington.
Protects consumers and the public from fraudulent or illegal gambling activities.
Provides a framework for legal gambling to coexist with law enforcement and regulatory oversight.
Supports the state’s ability to generate revenue from gambling while minimizing negative social impacts.
Promotes transparency and accountability among gambling operators and vendors.
Summary
WAC Title 230 governs the operation, licensing, and enforcement of gambling in Washington State.
It applies to a wide variety of gambling activities including card rooms, charitable raffles, pull-tabs, bingo, and tribal gaming.
The rules cover licensing, game operations, equipment standards, enforcement, and advertising.
The Gambling Commission uses these rules to ensure gambling is conducted legally, fairly, and without criminal involvement.
These regulations balance economic benefits from gambling with protection of the public and the integrity of the games.
If you want me to drill down into any specific part—like how licensing works, the rules for card roo
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