Issaquah, WA Gambling & Gaming: Card Room Licensing (2026)

Section 5.28.020 of the Issaquah Municipal Code does two things in two sentences. First, as of January 1, 1978, it permits the operation of punchboards and pull-tabs within the City by persons, associations and organizations who have been duly licensed by the State of Washington to conduct those activities, and only upon compliance with all State and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to them. Second, it states that the operation of commercial card rooms is expressly prohibited. The City does not license card rooms.

Chapter 5.28 takes its terms from state law. Section 5.28.010 gives words used in the chapter the same meaning they have under Chapter 9.46 RCW and the rules of the Washington State Gambling Commission in WAC Title 230, unless the chapter provides otherwise.

The permitted activities carry City taxes under § 5.28.030. Bingo and raffles are taxed at 5 percent of gross receipts, less prizes awarded. Commercial stimulant operators pay 5 percent of gross receipts from punchboards and pulltabs, and bona fide charitable or nonprofit organizations pay 5 percent less cash or merchandise prizes. Amusement games are taxed at 2 percent of gross receipts less prizes, for the City's actual costs of enforcement. Section 5.28.040 exempts bingo and amusement games run by a bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization with no paid operating or management personnel and gross receipts not exceeding $10,000 per year, and the first $10,000 of raffle receipts less prizes.

Taxes are payable quarterly, on or before the last day of the month after the quarter in which the tax accrued (§ 5.28.050). The Finance Director administers and collects the taxes (§ 5.28.060) and can contract with King County for collection and distribution (§ 5.28.070).