Sports Betting in Washington, DC: A Comprehensive Guide
Legal Status and Regulatory Framework
Sports betting is fully legal and operational in Washington, DC. The legalization came through the “Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018,” which was signed into law in early 2019. The DC Lottery, operated by the Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG), oversees and regulates sports betting activities within the District.
There are two types of sports betting licenses available: Class A and Class B. Class A licenses are reserved for major sports venues such as Capital One Arena, Audi Field, Nationals Park, and St. Elizabeths East Entertainment and Sports Arena. Class B licenses are for other businesses such as bars, restaurants, and hotels that wish to offer sports betting but are not located near Class A venues.
Available Platforms and Betting Options
Washington, DC offers both in-person and online sports betting options:
GambetDC
GambetDC is the official mobile platform operated by the DC Lottery. It is available citywide except in restricted areas near Class A facilities. GambetDC provides a range of betting markets, including moneyline, spread, totals, futures, parlays, and live betting. However, the platform has faced criticism for user interface issues and subpar odds compared to private operators.
Private Operators
In addition to the city-run app, private sportsbooks operate at specific locations:
- Caesars Sportsbook at Capital One Arena: Offers both a full-service sportsbook and a mobile app usable within a two-block radius.
- BetMGM at Nationals Park: Allows mobile betting within the stadium’s geofenced area.
- FanDuel Sportsbook at Audi Field: The newest addition, offering both retail and limited geolocation mobile betting.
These private sportsbooks tend to provide better odds, user-friendly interfaces, and more competitive promotions than GambetDC.
Sports and Markets Covered
DC sports bettors can wager on a wide variety of events, including:
- NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL
- College football and basketball (excluding DC-based teams when located in the District)
- International soccer
- Tennis, golf, boxing, MMA, motorsports
- Niche sports such as darts, cricket, and table tennis
Both pre-game and live betting markets are supported. Bettors can place straight bets, parlays, teasers, round robins, and futures.
Age and Location Requirements
Bettors must be at least 18 years old to legally place sports bets in DC. Mobile wagering requires geolocation technology to ensure the bettor is within the legal boundaries of the District or within a specific geofenced area near a licensed venue.
Taxation and Revenue Use
Winnings from sports betting are subject to federal and local income tax. The operator’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) is taxed at:
- 10% for GambetDC (government-run)
- 20% for private operators
Tax revenue from sports betting contributes to the city’s general fund and supports public programs, including early childhood education and public safety.
Challenges and Public Reception
While Washington, DC was among the first jurisdictions to launch legalized sports betting post-PASPA, its implementation has been controversial. GambetDC has been widely criticized for:
- Inferior odds compared to other sportsbooks
- Technical glitches and user interface complaints
- Limited promotional offers
Despite the availability of private sportsbooks, the market is fragmented due to geofencing restrictions, making access and usability inconsistent for mobile users.
Future Outlook
There have been calls from city officials and the public to overhaul the current structure, potentially opening the market to broader competition. This could lead to the arrival of more operators and better user experiences.
As neighboring states like Maryland and Virginia expand their sports betting offerings, DC may be pressured to adopt more competitive policies to retain and grow its bettor base.
Conclusion
Sports betting in Washington, DC is legal and available through both public and private channels, offering a unique but complex environment. While the market shows potential, its current regulatory model and technical limitations have hindered its full success. Future reforms and technological upgrades could significantly enhance the user experience and profitability of the DC sports betting ecosystem.
