iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
No. Washington residents should not play Stake.us from Washington: the site lists Washington among its excluded territories, and the Washington State Gambling Commission says online gambling is prohibited in the state. Stake’s sweepstakes or social-casino framing does not by itself make play permissible.
Why Stake.us is unavailable to Washington residents
Stake.us’s Terms & Conditions list Washington as an excluded U.S. state. The terms also say users represent that they do not live in an excluded territory when accepting the terms, accessing or using the platform, creating an account, or playing.
Stake describes its games as not offering real-money gambling and describes its Gold Coin and Stake Cash currencies. Those are the platform’s own characterizations; they do not override its Washington restriction or determine how Washington law applies.
Recommended Free Tools
What Washington says about online gambling
The Washington State Gambling Commission’s online gambling FAQ says online gambling is prohibited. The Commission also says knowingly transmitting or receiving gambling information by telephone, internet, or a similar means is a class C felony. That is the regulator’s description of the law, not individualized legal advice.
#1 Best Overall
- Regularly updated, full-color maps
- 30% larger map with a bigger type size than the Rand McNally Folded Map
- Clearly labeled Interstate, U.S., state, and county highways
- Indications of parks, points of interest, airports, county boundaries, and more
- Mileage and driving times map
Washington generally prohibits gambling unless state law specifically authorizes the activity. The Commission describes gambling through the elements of consideration, chance, and a prize; the state’s illegal gambling activities guidance and RCW 9.46.010 provide further context.
Does calling it a sweepstakes casino change the answer?
No blanket exemption follows from the word “sweepstakes.” In its sweepstakes FAQ, the Commission explains that charitable raffles and promotional contests of chance have separate legal requirements. It says the commercial sweepstakes model discussed there combines elements of activities subject to distinct rules and is not authorized unless it complies with the rules for an authorized activity. This is general agency guidance, not a finding about every sweepstakes promotion or a Stake.us-specific court ruling.
Rank #2
Can virtual coins count under Washington law?
The Commission’s virtual-casinos guidance says virtual currency may be a “thing of value.” It says games of chance in which a player wagers virtual currency for the chance to win more virtual currency are likely to constitute illegal gambling. The Commission discusses Kater v. Churchill Downs Inc. and Larsen v. PTT, LLC in explaining that position; the cited guidance does not establish a court ruling specifically about Stake.us.
Stake’s policies page identifies Sweepsteaks Limited as the site’s owner and operator and says sweepstakes are void where prohibited by law. That statement is the platform’s own description, not an independent regulator’s approval.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Parks, Monuments, Natural Wonders
- Boating & Fishing Access
- Historic Sites & Museums
- Campgrounds & RV Parks
- Natural Wonders & Trails
Rank #3
- Easy to fold means no fumbling
- Heavy-duty lamination allows you to write on, wipe off
- Durable and tear resistant
- Folds to display individual map sections
- Full-color maps with enhanced cartography
What should you do if you are in Washington?
- Do not create an account or play Stake.us while residing in Washington; Washington is expressly excluded in the site’s terms.
- Do not use a VPN or other location-changing tool to get around the restriction. It would not change Washington’s legal position or the platform’s terms.
- For a question about a specific activity or legal exposure, consult the Washington State Gambling Commission through its official online gambling FAQ and contact options.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
