Gaming law is generally the law that applies to the gaming or gambling industry, including casinos, lotteries, horse racing, dog racing, sports betting, card games, table games, social gambling, bingo, raffles, slot machines, scratch tickets, etc. Gaming law includes state and federal statutes, rules, and regulations—and legal principles from traditional areas of law, such as contract law, administrative law, constitutional law, criminal law, and regulatory law. For example, the federal statute prohibiting illegal gambling businesses is located at 18 U.S.C. §1955.

In Washington State (WA), gaming law is primarily regulated by state statutes, with additional oversight by federal law. The Washington State Gambling Commission is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and licensing gambling activities within the state. Gambling activities such as casino gaming, lotteries, horse racing, and sports betting are legal under certain conditions. For instance, the state operates a lottery, and tribal casinos are permitted under compacts between tribes and the state. However, some forms of gambling, like online gambling, are generally prohibited. Sports betting was recently legalized but is limited to in-person betting at authorized tribal casinos. Social gambling is allowed as long as the house does not profit from the game. The state also permits charitable gambling, such as bingo and raffles, under regulated conditions. Federal laws, such as the Illegal Gambling Business Act (18 U.S.C. §1955), also apply and prohibit illegal gambling operations. It's important for individuals and businesses to comply with both state and federal regulations to avoid penalties.