Washington Gaming License Lookup: Verify Status & Credentials
Need to confirm whether a card-room employee, gambling manager, manufacturer, distributor, gambling-service supplier, or licensed organization is authorized in Washington?
The Washington State Gambling Commission provides public searches for individual and organizational gambling-license records. Learn exactly which search to use, what each result means, and how to handle expired, pending, or missing credentials.
Quick Answer: How to Check a WA State Gambling License
The official WA state gambling license lookup is available through the Washington State Gambling Commission License Lookup . It provides separate searches for individuals and organizations. A visitor can check a displayed license record without submitting a license application.
Verify a Person
Search for a licensed employee, gambling manager, or representative using a name, license or certification number, employer name, city, or county.
Verify a Business
Search by legal organization name, entity ID, license or permit number, business trade name, license type, city, or county.
Check the Actual Status
Finding a matching name is not enough. Compare the credential type, license number, status, expiration date where displayed, and relevant location.
The public search is for checking license records. WSGC MyAccount is used for applications, renewals, payments, and license-management tasks through SecureAccess Washington.
Which Washington Gambling License Should You Verify?
Washington regulates multiple forms of gambling-related activity. The correct credential depends on who is involved and what services or gambling activities they perform.
| Person or Organization | Relevant License Category | Verification Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Card-room employee | Class A or Class B card-room employee | Individual status, credential class, expiration, and employer relationship. |
| Commercial card room | Nonhouse-banked or house-banked card games | Business license, authorized activity, and operating location. |
| Gambling manager | Commercial or charitable/nonprofit gambling manager | Appropriate individual license and current status. |
| Charitable or nonprofit organization | Bingo, raffle, pull-tabs, amusement games, or fundraising activities when licensing is required | Organizational identity and authorization for the specific activity. |
| Manufacturer or distributor | Manufacturer, distributor, or representative license | Business status and separate representative license where applicable. |
| Gambling service supplier | Gambling service supplier or representative | Supplier status and permitted services. |
| Sports wagering vendor | Major, mid-level, or ancillary sports wagering vendor | Vendor classification, license status, and relevant scope. |
Class A vs. Class B Card-Room Employee Licenses
Nonhouse-Banked Card Games
Class A is the individual licensing category for employees working in applicable nonhouse-banked card-room operations.
When verifying the employee, match the license class with the actual activities of the card room.
House-Banked and Class F Operations
Class B covers the corresponding employee licensing category for house-banked and Class F card-room operations.
Its application and renewal fees differ from Class A.
Tribal gaming licensing involves tribal gaming authorities and applicable state and federal regulatory arrangements. A tribal casino employee may require a credential issued through the relevant tribal gaming agency. Do not assume the WSGC public individual lookup contains every tribal gaming credential.
How to Use the Washington Gambling License Lookup
Follow these steps to locate a license and interpret the official record. The WSGC portal offers separate searches because an individual employee credential and an organization license are not interchangeable.
Open the Official WSGC Lookup
Visit myaccount.wsgc.wa.gov/license-lookup/ . Choose the public license search rather than a new application.
Select Individual Search or Organization Search
Use Individual Search for employees, managers, and licensed representatives. Use Organization Search for businesses, nonprofits, manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers.
Enter an Accurate Identifier
Search using a license number when available. Otherwise, enter a person’s name or the business’s legal name, DBA, or entity ID. Use location filters only when they help distinguish records.
Review the Matching Record
The individual search displays fields including name, license/certification type, credential number, expiration date, city, and status. The organization search shows name, entity ID, location, license type, and license/permit status.
Document the Check
The public results interface offers Print and Save as CSV (Excel) options. For employment or vendor verification, record the search date and relevant identifying information. Contact WSGC Licensing if the result remains unclear.
Individual Search Fields
- First name
- Last name
- License or certification number
- Employer’s name or DBA
- City
- County
Organization Search Fields
- Organization name
- Entity ID, license number, or permit number
- Business trade name or DBA
- License type
- City
- County
Understanding Washington Gambling License Status Results
The presence of a record does not always establish current permission to work or conduct gambling activities. Check both the displayed license status and the credential’s relevance to the activity being verified.
| Record or Situation | Practical Meaning | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Active or current license | The record indicates current authorization for the displayed credential or activity. | Confirm name, license type, number, location, and expiration where shown. |
| Pending application | An application is being processed; approval is not established. | Check the applicant’s MyAccount status and avoid treating the application as an issued license. |
| Expired license | The previously issued credential is no longer current. | Follow the applicable expired-license procedure before relying on the credential. |
| Suspended or revoked license | A licensing restriction or enforcement action may affect authorization. | Contact WSGC for the current legal status and applicable restrictions. |
| No matching result | The search information may be incorrect, overly restrictive, or insufficient. | Try another identifier and confirm the correct issuing authority. |
| Business found but employee missing | An organization’s license does not automatically verify an employee’s personal credential. | Conduct a separate individual search and contact Licensing if necessary. |
A Washington business registration or Unified Business Identifier can help identify a company. It does not, by itself, prove that the business holds the necessary WSGC gambling license.
Washington Gambling License Renewal and Expiration
WSGC requires individuals and organizations that need gambling licenses to maintain valid credentials. License holders generally renew through MyAccount using SecureAccess Washington credentials, unless they qualify for an approved online-filing waiver.
June 30 Expiration
WSGC states that all organizational gambling licenses expire on June 30, regardless of their original issue date. Renewal should be submitted before expiration.
Employment Requirement
An individual must be currently employed to renew. Check the person’s actual credential expiration date instead of assuming it follows the organizational deadline.
Different Recovery Rules
An individual with an expired license must apply for a new license. An organization may submit a late renewal but cannot provide the licensed activity or service until a new license is issued.
Step-by-Step Renewal Process
Sign Into MyAccount
Use your SecureAccess Washington username and password to access your WSGC MyAccount profile.
Open the License Tab
Locate the license and select Renew. The Renew option is available within 60 days of the expiration date.
Confirm the Correct Profile
If organization tabs are missing, use the profile switcher to access the correct organization. Check Pending Applications if a renewal has already been started.
Complete the Renewal Application
Answer the questions, upload required documents, complete the requested fields, electronically sign, and submit the application.
Pay and Monitor Status
Pay through Billing and Payment. Check the Application tab for the renewal’s processing status.
The renewal may be outside the 60-day window, attached to another profile, or already present under Pending Applications. If those possibilities do not explain the issue, contact WSGC Licensing.
Active Military Service Exception
WSGC provides a special process when a license expires during active military duty. The licensee has six months after completing active military orders to submit the renewal application, required fee, and supporting service documentation. A DD-214 is required where military service has ended.
Washington Gambling License Fees in 2026
Washington does not use one flat gambling-license fee. Charges depend on the credential, application type, and licensed activity. Certain organizations also pay receipts-based quarterly fees.
Individual Gambling License Fees
| License Type | New Application | Annual Renewal | Additional or Changed Employer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A Card-Room Employee | $200 | $95 | $65 |
| Class B Card-Room Employee | $275 in-state / $340 out-of-state | $170 | $65 |
| Commercial Gambling Manager | $200 | $95 | $95 |
| Charitable or Nonprofit Gambling Manager | $200 | $95 | $95 |
| Manufacturer Representative | $275 | $170 | $65 |
| Distributor Representative | $275 | $170 | $65 |
| Gambling Service Supplier Representative | $275 | $170 | $65 |
For Class B employees, WSGC applies the out-of-state application amount when the applicant lived outside Washington for six nonconsecutive months or more during the previous ten years.
Selected Business and Organization License Fees
| Organization License | Published Base Fee | Additional Fee Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Nonhouse-Banked Commercial Card Games | $70 | Quarterly gross-gambling-receipts assessment may apply. |
| House-Banked Commercial Card Games | $11,000 | Receipts-based fees and annual limits apply. |
| Commercial Punch Boards/Pull-Tabs | $770 | Quarterly receipts-based licensing fees apply. |
| Gambling Service Supplier | $330 | Receipts-based fees may apply. |
| Major Sports Wagering Vendor | $30,000 | Correct vendor classification is required. |
| Mid-Level Sports Wagering Vendor | $5,000 | Different eligibility and scope from other vendor tiers. |
| Ancillary Sports Wagering Vendor | $2,000 | Applicable vendor requirements must be met. |
Investigation costs, quarterly assessments, additional authorizations, and other applicable charges can change the total amount due. Confirm the current fee schedule for the precise license category before making a payment.
Applying for a New Washington Gambling License
If a person or organization does not yet hold a license, the next step is usually an application rather than a public verification search. WSGC uses MyAccount for online license applications, renewals, and related submissions.
Typical Application Information
- Correct individual or organization license category
- Legal applicant identity and contact details
- Employer or organization association where required
- Ownership or substantial-interest information
- Business formation records where applicable
- Financial information when requested
- Background-check and fingerprint materials
- Required application fees
What the Commission Reviews
WSGC licensing investigations may review criminal history, financial suitability, funding sources, business ownership, corporate documents, and the proposed gambling location.
A Licensing Specialist reviews the application. A Special Agent may conduct additional investigative work or inspect the business premises.
Processing Time and Missing Documents
WSGC indicates that organizational licensing investigations typically take about 120–150 days. This is an approximate investigation period, not a guarantee of approval by a particular date.
When an application is incomplete, WSGC generally requires the missing information within 30 days after notification or the agency may administratively close the application. Applicants should monitor communications and respond promptly to requests for additional records.
WSGC states that an approved applicant can print the issued license through MyAccount within 24 hours. When an application is denied, the agency provides an explanation and the available next steps. Depending on the circumstances, applicants may provide additional suitability information or request an administrative hearing.
Card-Room Employee Application: Employer Sponsorship
A card-room employee cannot independently complete the entire licensing process without an employer’s sponsorship. WSGC explains that the employer must sponsor the application. Employers can initiate a new employee license application through MyAccount.
When a licensed card-room employee changes employers, the new employer submits the relevant Add a New Employee application through its account. This is separate from merely finding an existing employee record in the public lookup.
Newly licensed card-room employees must also complete applicable orientation and required training within the relevant period. WSGC identifies a 30-day training requirement after licensing for card-room employees.
Fingerprinting and Criminal Background Checks
Gambling-license applicants may be required to complete fingerprinting and criminal-background investigations. The public license lookup does not provide access to an applicant’s underlying criminal-history records.
WSGC Headquarters
4565 7th Avenue SE
Lacey, WA 98503
Fingerprinting at the headquarters is available by appointment for eligible gambling-license applicants and substantial-interest holders.
Approximately 20 Minutes
WSGC lists a $16 fingerprinting fee for this service. Applicants must bring valid identification and follow the agency’s appointment requirements.
Local Law Enforcement
Applicants can also use an appropriate local police department or county sheriff’s office for fingerprinting. Follow WSGC instructions for the required fingerprint cards and delivery method.
Where to Send Physical Fingerprint Cards
| Delivery Method | Address |
|---|---|
| US Postal Service |
Washington State Gambling Commission PO Box 42400 Olympia, WA 98504-2400 |
| UPS, FedEx, or Overnight Delivery |
Washington State Gambling Commission 4565 7th Avenue SE Lacey, WA 98503 |
Schedule the appointment at 360-486-3441 or Licensing@wsgc.wa.gov. Keep your hands clean and dry. WSGC requires valid identification and may be unable to capture prints when fingers have open wounds or bandages.
Washington Gambling Activities That May Not Require a License
Some games, promotions, and nonprofit fundraising activities are permitted without a gambling license when their specific legal conditions are satisfied. Being exempt from a licensing requirement does not mean the activity is unrestricted.
Commercial Promotions
A qualifying commercial promotional contest of chance may operate without a gambling license. WSGC requires a genuine free-entry method and other conditions for this exemption.
Charitable and Nonprofit Events
Qualifying organizations can conduct certain limited raffle, bingo, or amusement-game events without a license, subject to event, revenue, prize, notification, and recordkeeping rules.
Commercial Activities
Specific activities such as certain promotional contests, bowling sweepstakes, and 100-square sports pools have separate statutory conditions.
Example: Limited Nonprofit Public Events
WSGC describes a limited exemption that can allow a qualifying nonprofit to offer up to two unlicensed public raffle, bingo, or amusement-game events in a calendar year when all requirements are satisfied.
For the applicable exemption, the combined gross revenue is limited to $5,000 per calendar year. Records must be kept for one year, and local police generally must be notified at least five days before the event. Additional limits govern prizes, ticket sales, and event operations.
Higher-revenue events, certain public ticket sales, joint raffles, restricted prizes, or alternative drawing methods can require a formal license. The organization’s legal qualification and the exact activity determine the applicable rules.
Washington Gaming License Lookup Problems and Solutions
An unsuccessful search may reflect a spelling variation, incorrect search category, outdated employer, different legal business name, or another licensing authority. Work through these checks before concluding that the person or organization is unlicensed.
| Problem | Possible Reason | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Employee not found | Incorrect name, employer, or search category. | Search by credential number or verify the current employer. |
| Business not found | The company uses a different legal name or DBA. | Try the legal name, trade name, or entity ID. |
| No results after filtering | City, county, or license-type filters are too restrictive. | Remove filters and repeat the search. |
| License has expired | Renewal was not completed or a new credential has not been issued. | Use the official renewal or new-application instructions. |
| Application is pending | WSGC has not completed the application review. | Check the Application tab in MyAccount. |
| Renew button is missing | Outside the 60-day renewal window or wrong account profile. | Confirm expiration, switch profiles, and check pending applications. |
| Tribal gaming credential is missing | The record may be maintained by a tribal licensing agency. | Confirm the correct gaming authority with the employer. |
For an employment or vendor decision, note the search date, name, license number, credential type, displayed status, and any follow-up with the Commission. Recheck a credential when an expiration date approaches or when a material licensing concern arises.
Employer and Business Verification Checklist
A license search is most useful when it is tied to the exact person, entity, or authorized activity. This checklist helps prevent common verification mistakes.
Details Worth Recording
- Official lookup source
- Date of verification
- Licensee’s full legal name
- Business trade name where applicable
- License or certification number
- License type and permitted activity
- Current status
- Expiration date where displayed
- Employer or location association
- Any official clarification received
Claims That Need Additional Checks
- An application receipt proves an issued license
- A business registration authorizes gambling
- One organization’s license covers every employee
- One location’s authorization applies everywhere
- A pending renewal guarantees current authorization
- An expired credential remains valid indefinitely
- A tribal gaming credential must appear in the WSGC database
- An old screenshot proves current status
Washington State Gambling Commission Contact Information
Contact the WSGC Licensing Unit when a credential cannot be verified, a renewal has a problem, an application requires clarification, or a fingerprint appointment is needed.
| Contact | Details | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing Phone | 360-486-3441 | Licensing, applications, renewals, and status questions. |
| Toll-Free Phone | 800-345-2529 | General licensing assistance. |
| Licensing Email | Licensing@wsgc.wa.gov | Written inquiries and fingerprint appointments. |
| Licensing Unit Hours | Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Official phone and email service hours. |
| Headquarters |
4565 7th Avenue SE Lacey, WA 98503 |
Headquarters and appointment-based services. |
| Mailing Address |
PO Box 42400 Olympia, WA 98504-2400 |
Agency mailing address for designated documents. |
The Licensing Unit’s published 8 a.m.–5 p.m. schedule should not be interpreted as unrestricted walk-in fingerprinting availability. WSGC fingerprinting is appointment-only. Arrange an in-person visit with the agency when required.
Official Washington Gambling Licensing Resources
These Washington State Gambling Commission resources provide the underlying lookup, application, renewal, fee, and regulatory information.
Search displayed license and certification records by name, number, employer, or location.
Open LookupReview the categories regulated by the agency and find licensing guidance.
Licensing HubCheck renewal timing, MyAccount instructions, and expired-license procedures.
Renewal GuideReview current application, annual renewal, and applicable organization licensing fees.
Fee SchedulesFind application procedures, background investigations, document requests, and licensing outcomes.
Application GuideReview appointments, identification requirements, fingerprint fees, and official addresses.
Fingerprint GuideCheck commercial promotions, certain nonprofit activities, and other exemptions.
Licensing ExemptionsUnderstand employee sponsorship, application steps, fingerprint cards, and training.
Employee GuideVerificationLicense.org provides informational guidance and is not the Washington State Gambling Commission. License records, application decisions, and official status confirmations are controlled by the relevant licensing authority.
Washington Gaming License Lookup: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a Washington State gambling license?
Open the Washington State Gambling Commission’s public License Lookup at https://myaccount.wsgc.wa.gov/license-lookup/. Choose Individual Search or Organization Search, enter a relevant identifier, and review the matching license type, status, and other displayed information.
Can I search a gambling employee’s license by name?
Yes. Individual Search supports first name, last name, license or certification number, employer name or DBA, city, and county. A license number is often the strongest identifier when names are similar.
How can I verify a Washington gambling business license?
Choose Organization Search. Use the legal organization name, entity ID, license or permit number, trade name/DBA, license type, city, or county. Confirm that the returned activity and status match the business you are checking.
Does the WSGC lookup show expiration dates?
The official individual search displays an expiration-date column along with credential type, number, and status. Organization results display the license or permit status; additional expiration information may appear in related official records. WSGC states that organizational licenses expire June 30.
What does a pending gambling license application mean?
Pending means the application has not yet completed the licensing process. It should not be treated as an issued license. Applicants can use MyAccount’s Application tab to review the status or contact WSGC Licensing for clarification.
How do I renew a Washington gambling license?
Sign into WSGC MyAccount using SecureAccess Washington credentials, open the License tab, and use Renew when available within 60 days of expiration. Complete the application, upload required documents, electronically sign, submit payment, and monitor the Application tab.
What happens if my Washington gambling license expires?
Individuals whose licenses expire must submit a new license application and may need new fingerprints. Organizations may submit a late renewal, but they cannot conduct the licensed gambling activity or service until a new license is issued.
How much does a Washington gambling license cost?
The fee depends on the license category. For example, WSGC lists a $200 new application and $95 annual renewal for a Class A card-room employee, while Class B employee fees and organization fees differ. Some businesses also pay quarterly receipts-based licensing fees.
Why is a gambling license missing from the public search?
The search may use the wrong legal name, DBA, license number, county, category, or individual-versus-organization search. Clear restrictive filters, try a more precise identifier, and contact the WSGC Licensing Unit if the record remains uncertain.
Is a Washington business license the same as a WSGC gambling license?
No. A general business registration or UBI identifies a business filing; it does not establish authorization for a regulated gambling activity. Use WSGC’s licensing lookup to verify the gambling credential itself.
Verify the Correct Washington Gambling Credential
Start with the official WSGC public lookup. Select the individual or organization search that matches the credential, then compare the name, license number, type, status, and expiration information.
If the record is missing, expired, pending, or inconsistent with the claimed activity, confirm the issue through the Licensing Unit before relying on the credential.