The state of Washington has invoked laws that permit legal home poker games, defined as “social card games” in RCW 9.46.0282 (see Reference). So long as the players follow the basic guidelines of social gambling, meaning no player or host profits in any way aside from the gamble, the game is not promoted and all players have an equal chance, no crime is being committed. There are also laws in place to allow social card games within certain business establishments.

[Reference Social Card Games: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.46.0282; Reference 9.46.070: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.46.070; Reference Social card Games in Business Establishments: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.46.0325]