Request public records

Learn how to make a public records request and fill out the form to do so.

Read before completing the request form

Please read all of the information on this page before you complete your records request using the form at the bottom of the page.

We issue all requests from the Commissioner's office in Lacey, Washington. The Public Records Officer processes all such requests. We are available during our normal office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm (excluding state holidays).

Request processing time

As of 11/09/2023, due to staff shortages, number of requests, and competing obligations, records requests may be delayed longer then normal. Please have patience as we work through request for records as quickly as we can.

Requesting records and paying fees

We follow Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 42.56 and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 230-21 regarding disclosure of public records.

You can request public records:

  • Over the phone
  • By mail
  • E-mail
  • Fax
  • In person

However, you should be aware that your request may incur copying and other costs (see below) explained on the enclosed form. You must pay such fees before we will release any documents to you.

Charges and fees for public records

RCW 42.56.120 authorizes agencies to charge for certain costs related to public records requests. This statute allows state agencies to undergo their own cost-analysis determination or choose the default rates established by the Legislature. The Washington State Gambling Commission has adopted the default rates established in statute to address the growing costs associated with public records requests.

Records exempt from disclosure

Records listed in RCW 42.56 or in other laws that prevent disclosure of certain documents will not be provided. Some examples include:

  • Investigative or intelligence records, the nondisclosure of which is necessary for effective law enforcement
  • Records pending court or administrative action, for which charges have not been filed
  • Information that identifies a complainant, witness, or victim who requests nondisclosure
  • Preliminary drafts, notes, recommendations and intra-agency memorandums not publicly cited by the agency in connection with any agency action
  • Records or sections of records that invade a person's right to privacy
  • Specific agency personnel records

Unauthorized uses of public records information

Records obtained through public disclosure that identify licensed individuals may NOT:

  • Be used for any commercial purpose
  • Be used to contact licensed individuals as part of a profit-seeking business activity

Avoid request delays

Delays completing your request may occur when:

  • Your request is too broad or too vague
  • The record(s) requested cannot be readily identified
  • Other agencies or persons affected by the request must be contacted (RCW 42.56.540 allows the commission to notify persons named in the record prior to the disclosure of the record)

Avoid delays by:

  • Calling for assistance
  • Signing the form and including your contact information
  • Specifying, in detail, the records you are seeking

If you need assistance, you can reach us by phone at 360-486-3440 or toll-free at 800-345-2529.

Submit a tip: Report illegal gambling activity

Looking to report illegal gambling activity instead of requesting records? Fill out our tip form.

Relevant laws

RCW 42.56.070

This chapter shall not be construed as giving authority to any agency . . . to give, sell or provide access to lists of individuals requested for commercial purposes, and agencies . . . shall not do so unless specifically authorized or directed by law.

RCW 42.56.540

An agency has the option of notifying persons names in the record or to whom a record specifically pertains . . . (and in some circumstances may be) . . . required by law to provide such notice.

WAC 230-21-015(4)

If a person is not specifically authorized by law to obtain lists of names of individuals from public records, that person must complete a statement agreeing not to release or use the public record information for commercial purposes.

Submit a records request

Contact Information

Address

Request Information

Memorandum of Understanding

By clicking submit, you are requesting the above record(s) in accordance with the Public Records Act, RCW 42.56. There may be costs associated with your request. The commission may notify persons, organizations, and/or tribal governments named in the record of this request. The Public Records act does not allow use of these record(s) to contact, or in some way personally affect, any individual person(s) identified in the record(s), when the purpose of that contact would be to facilitate a profit-seeking business activity.