WSR 25-18-024
PROPOSED RULES
GAMBLING COMMISSION
[Filed August 21, 2025, 3:38 p.m.]
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 24-11-068.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Polaris; IT modernization.
WAC 230-03-018 One annual change of bingo premises allowed, this proposed rule change simplifies the application.
New WAC 230-03-028 Online application requirements, the goal is to have all applicants, licensees, and permit holders to apply online. However, in the case of individuals who are unable to do so, this allows for a waiver for good cause. Good cause for preventing submissions online would apply to those who don't have access to the internet or another circumstance that would prevent an individual from submitting online.
WAC 230-05-126 Online filing and payments required with waivers available upon request for good cause, polaris will create a more efficient and streamlined process for filing reports and paying fees online for licensees. This rule change clarifies who must file reports and pay fees online. This will allow for waivers if an individual is unable to do so online. Waivers will be granted for good cause such as if an individual does not have internet access.
WAC 230-05-132 Late filing of quarterly license reports or late payments of quarterly license fees—Penalties, the proposed changes:
•Clarify the due date of the quarterly license fee to be due at the end of the month following instead of 30 days.
•Allow us to extend filing requirements for quarterly reports.
•Allow licensees additional time or the ability to have fees waived for good cause.
Hearing Location(s): On October 16, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, 1025 Union Avenue S.E., Olympia, WA 98501. The meeting time and location are tentative. Visit the gambling commission website at www.wsgc.wa.gov approximately seven days prior to the meeting and select "About Us." Then, select "upcoming commission meetings" to confirm the hearing date, location, start time, and agenda items.
Date of Intended Adoption: October 16, 2025.
Submit Written Comments to: Tricia Gullion, 4565 7th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503, email rules.coordinator@wsgc.wa.gov, web www.wsgc.wa.gov, beginning August 21, 2025, 12:00 a.m., by October 15, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Tricia Gullion, phone 360-486-3440, email askus@wsgc.wa.gov, web www.wsgc.wa.gov, by October 15, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The Washington state gambling commission has been working to replace the current legacy IT systems since March 2023 in an effort to modernize technology. These rule changes will likely affect several different WAC chapters including, but not limited, to permitting and licensing rules (chapter 230-03 WAC), fees (chapter 230-05 WAC), rules for all licensees (chapter 230-06 WAC), fund-raising event rules (chapter 230-09 WAC), bingo rules (chapter 230-10 WAC), and hearing rules (chapter 230-17 WAC).
Reasons Supporting Proposal: These rule changes will correspond to the new capabilities of the new IT system and allow for more efficient processes for staff, licensees, and applicants. For example, the new IT systems will allow for electronic submission of documents, electronic notification, and electronic service of documents.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 9.46.070.
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 9.46.070.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: Washington state gambling commission, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Adam Amorine, Legal Manager, 4565 7th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503, 360-486-3473; Implementation: Jeneva Cotton, Deputy Director, 4565 7th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503, 360-486-3440; and Enforcement: Tina Griffin, Director, 4565 7th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503, 360-486-3440.
A school district fiscal impact statement is not required under RCW 28A.305.135.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. These rules are modernizing our application system, and no significant costs are associated with it.
This rule proposal, or portions of the proposal, is exempt from requirements of the Regulatory Fairness Act because the proposal:
Is exempt under RCW 19.85.025(4).
Scope of exemption for rule proposal:
Is fully exempt.
August 20, 2025
Tricia Gullion
Legislative and Rules Manager
RDS-6629.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 08-03-062, filed 1/14/08, effective 2/14/08)
WAC 230-03-018One annual change of bingo premises allowed.
(1) Once each license year, a bingo licensee may apply to play bingo at a different location (special property bingo).
(2) The bingo activity is limited to:
(a) Three consecutive days; and
(b) Sixteen consecutive hours each day.
(3) The application must ((include the following information and fee,))be submitted at least ((fifteen))15 days before the ((first date, which includes:
(a) Name and address of the proposed location and dates of activity; and
(b) Names and addresses of all persons who have an interest of any kind in those premises; and
(c) Amount of rent, if any, that would be paid for the use of the premises; and
(d) Rent calculation))event.
(4) The special property bingo permit must be posted on the premises during the event.
NEW SECTION
WAC 230-03-028Online filing required.
(1) All applicants, licensees, and permit holders must submit the following, if available, online:
(a) All new, renewal, and change applications; and
(b) Gambling equipment submissions and inquiries.
(2) If you are unable to submit online, you must request a waiver in writing. Waivers will be granted if an individual or organization can show good cause. The reasons for good cause include:
(a) You do not have access to the internet using your own computer or similar equipment; or
(b) Some other circumstance or condition exists that, in our judgment, prevents you from submitting online.
RDS-6630.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 21-16-072, filed 7/30/21, effective 8/30/21)
WAC 230-05-126Online quarterly license report filing ((and payments)) required with waivers available upon request for good cause.
(1) All licensees must submit ((the following))quarterly licensing reports online((, where applicable:
(a) Renewal application and base license fees; and
(b) Quarterly license fees; and
(c) Quarterly license reports)).
(2) We may waive ((these))this requirement((s)) if a licensed organization can show good cause. The reasons for good cause include:
(a) You do not have access to the internet using your own computer or similar equipment; or
(b) ((You do not have a bank account; or
(c) Your bank is unable to send electronic fund transactions; or
(d))) Some other circumstance or condition exists that, in our judgment, prevents you from submitting online.
(((3) We may waive these requirements if a licensed individual can show good cause. The reasons for good cause include:
(a) You do not have access to the internet using your own computer or similar equipment; or
(b) You do not have a bank account or credit card; or
(c) Your bank is unable to send electronic fund transactions; or
(d) Some other circumstance or condition exists that, in our judgment, prevents you from submitting online.
(4) You must request a waiver when applying for a new license or permit.
(5) A waiver will cover all fees and reports required under subsection (1) of this section.))
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 18-05-026, filed 2/9/18, effective 5/1/18)
WAC 230-05-132Late filing of quarterly license reports or late payment of quarterly license fees—Penalties.
(1) Licensees who do not file their quarterly license reports and/or pay quarterly license fees ((within thirty days from))by the end of the month following the end of each quarter are in violation of this chapter.
(2) The commission may, for good cause shown in writing, extend the time for making and filing any return, and may grant such reasonable additional time within which to make and file returns as it may deem proper.
(3) Licensees will be afforded one ((thirty))30-day late filing and payment period after their quarterly license reports and quarterly license fees are due. However, a ((twenty-five dollar))$25 fee will be charged for each day a licensee fails to file a quarterly license report or pay quarterly license fees during the ((thirty))30-day late filing and payment period.
(((3)))(4) A licensee's failure to file quarterly license reports or pay quarterly license fees during the ((thirty))30-day late filing and payment period could result in administrative action against ((your))their licenses.
(((4)))(5) The commission may, for good cause shown in writing, reduce or waive late filing fees as it may deem proper.
(6) Licensees will be responsible for paying any outstanding license fees including, but not limited to, late fees and any additional costs associated with the collection of these fees before a license suspension is lifted or a new licensing application is approved.