TITLE: Washington State Gambling Commission Proposes Increasing Prize Threshold for Surveillance Camera Requirements
BODY:
On April 20, 2026, the Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC) issued a preproposal statement of inquiry (CR-101) signalling its intention to amend Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 230-15-320 to increase the prize threshold for surveillance requirements from $3,000 to $5,000.
The proposed amendment would increase the threshold at which pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras must be used to verify winning hands, wager amounts, payouts, and prize winners. The WSGC identified higher wager limits of $400 as the driver for this change, noting that increased frequency of prize payouts exceeding $3,000 has placed significant demands on surveillance operations. Surveillance observers are dedicating disproportionate time to capturing required information under the current threshold, reducing their capacity for broader monitoring and oversight of gambling operations. Additionally, the increased frequency of PTZ camera usage has resulted in higher digital storage requirements for DVR systems. The WSGC characterised the proposed rule change as necessary to modernise surveillance regulations in light of these operational pressures.
The amendment is authorised under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 9.46.070. Interested parties can participate in the rulemaking process and provide input on the proposed amendment by contacting Tricia Gullion, Legislative and Rules Manager, at the WSGC. Contact details include telephone (360-486-3473), TTY (360-486-3637), email (rule.coordinator@wsgc.wa.gov), or mail (PO Box 42400, Olympia, WA 98504-2400). Further information is available on the WSGC website at www.wsgc.wa.gov.