Bingo, also known as “scratch-off tickets,” is considered gambling in Washington State. The Washington Gambling Commission (WGC) classifies bingo as a form of gambling because players must use some form of chance to win prizes.
Bingo is not considered a game of skill, so winners are not typically based on how well players know the game. Some states that have legalized bingo include Idaho, Montana, Nevada and Oregon.
In 2009, the WGC ruled that bingo games with more than five rounds and with a jackpot prize greater than $5,000 are considered gambling devices and are subject to the same regulations as slot machines. The WGC has also ruled that bingo games with a jackpot prize of $10 or less are not gambling devices and do not require a license from the commission.
In Washington, bingo is only legal at nonprofit organizations or clubs that are registered with the state. There is no limit on how often players can play bingo, and there is no limit on the amount of money that players can win in a single game.
Players must be at least 18 years old to play bingo, and they must also be registered with the state to play.
