Washington statute
RCW 9.46.220 — Professional gambling in the first degree
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Chapter 9.46: Gambling—1973 Act, Revised Code of Washington.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of RCW 9.46.220
Statutory text current through the 2026 Regular Session. This publication reproduces the official text of the Revised Code of Washington from the Code Reviser's published files; it is not the official statutes of the State of Washington.
(1) A person is guilty of professional gambling in the first degree if he or she engages in, or knowingly causes, aids, abets, or conspires with another to engage in professional gambling as defined in this chapter, and:
(a) Acts in concert with or conspires with five or more people;
(b) Personally accepts wagers exceeding five thousand dollars during any thirty-day period on future contingent events;
(c) The operation for whom the person works, or with which the person is involved, accepts wagers exceeding five thousand dollars during any thirty-day period on future contingent events;
(d) Operates, manages, or profits from the operation of a premises or location where persons are charged a fee to participate in card games, lotteries, or other gambling activities that are not authorized by this chapter or licensed by the commission; or
(e) Engages in bookmaking as defined in RCW 9.46.0213.
(2) However, this section shall not apply to those activities enumerated in RCW 9.46.0305 through 9.46.0361 or to any act or acts in furtherance of such activities when conducted in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and in accordance with the rules adopted pursuant to this chapter.
(3) Professional gambling in the first degree is a class B felony subject to the penalty set forth in RCW 9A.20.021.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is professional gambling in the first degree a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
Professional gambling in the first degree is a Class B Felony in Washington under RCW 9.46.220.
Which Washington statute covers professional gambling in the first degree?
Professional gambling in the first degree is governed by RCW 9.46.220 (Professional gambling in the first degree).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.