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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Card game tax rate
6% of gross revenue
Registration required
Notice of intent, 5 days ahead
Payment schedule
Quarterly, due by the 30th
Records retention
At least 5 years
Late interest rate
12% per annum
False-filing penalty
Gross misdemeanor

Summary

Spokane Valley does not ban card rooms but taxes social card games at 6% of gross revenue under SVMC § 3.25.020(A)(3), and requires operators to file a sworn notice of intent with a copy of their state gambling license before dealing a hand.

A. Pursuant to RCW 9.46.110, as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended, there is levied upon all persons, associations or organizations conducting or operating in the City for any of the activities listed below, a tax to be paid to the City of Spokane Valley, in the amount hereinafter specified: ... 3. Social Card Playing. A tax in the amount of six percent of the gross revenue from such card games.

View official code

Full Breakdown

020(A) levies a gambling tax on card rooms and other regulated gambling activity conducted in the City, with subsection (A)(3) setting "Social Card Playing" at six percent of gross revenue from the card games themselves, higher than the five percent rate on bingo, raffles, punchboards and pulltabs and the two percent cap on amusement games. 46 RCW and WAC Title 230, the Washington State Gambling Commission's rules, so a card room here is any operation licensed under the state Gambling Act. 080 requires the operator to file a sworn declaration of intent with the city finance director at least five days before starting, attaching a copy of the license issued by the Washington State Gambling Commission. 060. m. Monday through Friday if the records sit elsewhere, and requires records be kept at least five years.

Violations & Fines

SVMC § 3.25.100(A) makes it a gross misdemeanor, punishable under RCW 9A.20.021, to file a false or misleading license application, tax return or record, or to willfully refuse to produce required books or records for inspection by the Gambling Commission or the City. Late quarterly tax payments draw a council-set penalty plus 12% annual interest under SVMC § 3.25.070.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Spokane Valley ban card rooms?
No. SVMC § 3.25.020(A)(3) taxes social card playing at six percent of gross revenue instead of prohibiting it, treating card rooms as a licensed, taxed activity rather than exercising the city's authority under RCW 9.46.295 to prohibit them.
What must a card room do before opening in Spokane Valley?
SVMC § 3.25.080 requires filing a sworn declaration of intent with the city finance director at least five days before starting, along with a copy of the operating license issued by the Washington State Gambling Commission.
How often is the card room tax paid?
SVMC § 3.25.040 sets quarterly payments, due on or before the 30th day of the month after the quarter ends, with the return unpaid the next day treated as delinquent.
Can the City inspect a card room's records?
Yes. SVMC § 3.25.090 lets the chief of police or a designee inspect and audit the premises, paraphernalia, books and records at any time the room is open to the public, and requires five years of recordkeeping.

Sources & Official References

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