Washington DC Sports Betting

District of Columbia Legal Sports Betting Overview

Washington DC Sports Betting Summary

Online and retail sports betting were legalized in the District of Columbia in 2019 when Mayor Muriel Bower approved Bill 22-944 for the DC Council, followed by the US Congress passing Act 22-594 which brought sports betting to the nation’s capital.

Although legal, betting regulations in the District of Columbia are somewhat unique compared to other US jurisdictions. Bettors can only use an online commercial sportsbook within two blocks of a stadium where its operator has a retail sportsbook location. Currently, DC bettors can choose between two commercial sportsbooks: BetMGM and Caesars.

In addition, bettors in the capital can use GambetDC. A sportsbook launched in May 2020, GambetDC is operated by the DC Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG). GambetDC has no geo-restrictions and can be used from anywhere in the district.

Retail sportsbooks, which operate under different license categories, are also available throughout Washington DC. Class A licenses apply to a retail sportsbook that also operates a mobile betting site. Class B licenses apply to a restaurant or bar that provides sports betting. There are three retail sportsbooks in DC: Caesars Sportsbook at Capital One Arena, BetMGM at Nationals Park, and Grand Central Restaurant (retail only). In addition, GambetDC operates many betting kiosks throughout the city under a Class C license.

Washington DC Online Sportsbooks Compared

A new chapter in US betting history was written in May 2021 with the opening of the first sportsbook in a professional sports venue in Washington DC. William Hill (now rebranded in the US as Caesars) opened a retail sportsbook in Capital One Arena, home of the NHL’s Washington Capitals and NBA’s Washington Wizards. In February 2022, BetMGM followed suit with the opening of its own retail sportsbook at Nationals Park, home of the Washington Nationals, the city’s MLB team. Both sportsbooks operate under a Class A license and offer a mobile betting site as well. However, bettors can only place mobile bets within a two-block radius of the respective stadiums. GambetDC, the District’s third online sportsbook, can be used from anywhere in the District of Columbia.

While accessibility is a major factor, there are more considerations for choosing the best DC sportsbook. Our experts have compared DC’s betting apps across various factors so you can decide the best betting option for you:

• Best Mobile App – GambetDC

While Caesars and BetMGM provide excellent sportsbook apps, we had to go with the app you can use across the entire District. GambetDC's app is available for Apple and Android devices, and it provides easy navigation so you can place bets quickly. You can also load up bets on your mobile and use a QR code to place them at your local lottery retailer that’s partnered with the sportsbook. In-play markets are supported with live graphics and statistics to make this an immersive sports betting app.

• Best Welcome Bonus – Caesars

Caesars’ welcome bonus can’t be beaten for value, offering you up to $1,2500 in bet credit. You can place a wager up to this amount and, if it loses, the sportsbook will give you a single bet credit equal to your losing wager. You have 14 days to use this credit. If you place a wager with your credit and it wins, you’ll get to keep your profits as cash. But keep in mind that this does not include the value of your stake.

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• Best for Competitive Odds – BetMGM

BetMGM and Caesars are both available in dozens of legal betting states across the US, but BetMGM edges it over Caesars thanks to its odds boost. The sportsbook provides generous daily odds boosts, which you can bet on from the main page. BetMGM also has a partnership with the NFL and offers excellent odds on all football markets. In particular, look out for its moneylines on favorites which offer more value than other betting sites.

Claim your BetMGM Sportsbook promo code for Sep 2024.

• Best for Market Coverage – Caesars

While BetMGM offers DC bettors markets on more than 14 different sports, Caesars Sportsbook offers you over 17. This includes coverage of major league sports like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. However, niche sports like MMA, boxing, and NASCAR are also available. Every sport includes live markets as well as dozens of pre-game betting lines.

• Best for Beginner Bettors – BetMGM

DC’s unique betting regulations for commercial sportsbooks can be confusing to novice bettors. But BetMGM eases the pain by offering first-class support to new bettors. When you launch the BetMGM Sportsbook DC site, you’ll see a pop-up that guides you through where you can wager. The sportsbook also sends notifications when you try to place a bet in a region where it’s not allowed. BetMGM makes trying out different bet types easier, with single wagers and parlays separated in the bet slip. The sportsbook’s easy-to-navigate desktop site and 24/7 customer support make this a perfect operator for new bettors.

• Best for Payout Speed – BetMGM

BetMGM and Caesars have very similar payout times, but BetMGM withdrawals are faster because the operator provides strict timelines for when you can expect your money. Visa withdrawals are usually processed within 3-5 business days. Online bank transfers take 1-3 days to process. Most PayPal withdrawals are complete within 24 hours. The fastest way to withdraw is with Play+, and these withdrawals are usually complete within six hours.

How to Place a Bet in Washington DC

As sports betting has only been available in DC since 2020, many have not yet tried this fun and exciting way to engage with their favorite sports. Whether you’re a new or experienced bettor, follow the steps below, and you can place your first bets with a DC sportsbook in minutes:

1. Select your sportsbook. Remember, if you are using a commercial sportsbook, you must be within a certain distance of a stadium to wager. Alternatively, you can use GambetDC anywhere in the District.

2. Click on the link of your chosen sportsbook on this page. You will be redirected to the operator’s website.

3. Download and install the betting app or visit the sportsbook’s website. If you are using your mobile device, go to your device’s settings and allow the sportsbook to detect your device’s location. You will not be able to bet if the operator cannot verify your physical location.

4. Provide personal information like your full name, address, last four digits of your Social Security number, and phone number. Confirm your registration and create your sportsbook account.

5. Visit the sportsbook’s cashier section, choose a payment method, deposit amount, and follow the instructions to fund your betting account. As some promotions require a minimum deposit, make sure you deposit enough to claim the welcome bonus.

6. With cash, free bets, or bonus funds, explore the sportsbook’s markets for your first wager. Add a betting line to your bet slip, choose your stake, and place the wager.

7. If your bet wins, revisit the cashier section and follow the instructions to withdraw your winnings. Before cashing out, you will need to verify your account by emailing or uploading copies of documents, including your photo ID, proof of address, and proof of payment method.

Who is Eligible to Bet in DC?

The legal gambling age in Washington DC is 18. You don’t have to live in the capital, but you must be within DC’s borders to place bets. Some retail sportsbooks that serve alcohol will require you to be at least 21 to enter.

There are some more restrictions on who can bet in the District of Columbia. All individuals in the list below are prohibited from placing sports bets:

• Players, coaches, employees, or members of any professional sports team.

• Officials, referees, or umpires of professional and/or college sports leagues.

• Any individual who has professional or regulatory authority to influence players. Any individual employed by a sports league who has the ability to create or influence rules for that sport (e.g., NCAA, MLB).

• Any individual employed by an organization with licensing from the Office of Lottery and Gaming.

• Any individual who has an ownership stake in a sports team.

• Any individual who has access to non-public information about a sports team (e.g., player medical records).

• Individuals that have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling activities.

• Any individual prohibited from betting at a state or federal level (e.g., due to criminal history).

Latest Washington DC Sports Betting Updates

Timeline for Sports Betting in Washington DC

• October 5, 2021: Grand Central Restaurant launches the first Class B retail sportsbook in the district under its own brand name, 'Grand Central Sportsbook'.

• June 2021: BetMGM launches its online sportsbook and its retail sportsbook at Nationals Park.

• May 26, 2021: Caesars launches its retail sportsbook at the Capital One Arena, becoming the first commercial sportsbook available in the District of Columbia. You can only access the sportsbook online within two blocks of its retail location.

• May 29, 2020: GambetDC launches its online sportsbook app. GambetDC is operated by the Office of Lottery and Gaming and can be accessed anywhere in the jurisdiction.

• May 3, 2019: Congress passes Act 22-594, and sports betting becomes legal in the District of Columbia.

• January 23, 2019: Mayor Bowser reviews Bill 22-944 and passes it for the Washington DC Council. The Bill is assigned as Act 22-594 and moves to Congress.

• December 4, 2018: The Washington DC Council is presented with amendments to law 22-312 which prohibits sports betting. The Council assigns these amendments as Bill 22-944.

• May 14, 2018: The US Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) following an appeal by the Governor of New Jersey claiming it is unconstitutional. The ruling ends Nevada’s near-monopoly on sports betting in the country, allowing each US state to legalize its own betting market.

Washington DC Sports Betting Background

The District of Columbia does not have a long track record in sports betting because there was no legislative push before PASPA was struck down. While other US jurisdictions have been busy in recent years getting a head start, the District hadn’t passed any sports betting laws since Congress banned horse racing in DC in 1908.

DC also didn’t pass any laws to legalize Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), as these games were deemed games of skill and exempt from the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA).

Future of Washington DC Sports Betting

Washington DC’s legislation allows for five Class A sportsbooks to launch in the district. FanDuel is opening a retail sportsbook at DC United’s Audi Field, and you’ll be able to use its sportsbook within a two-block radius of the stadium.

In addition, Elys Game Technology has signed an agreement with multiple restaurants in the district to launch Class B sportsbooks. Most recently, the company announced it was launching a USBookmaking sportsbook at Entitlement Restaurant and Cigar Lounge.

Washington DC Sports Betting Locations

There are no casinos in the District of Columbia. Unlike many jurisdictions in the US, there is no historic tribal land where casinos could open and no commercial casinos have opened. DC gamblers often travel across the border to Maryland to play casino games. In addition, MD casinos offer retail sportsbooks. Therefore, there is no large demand for land-based casinos to launch, with no recent legislation submitted to legalize them.

Washington DC Lottery Locations

GambetDC is operated by the Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG), which also oversees the DC Lottery. The DC Lottery operates 401 locations where you can purchase lottery tickets. Of these, 41 locations offer GambetDC kiosks you can use to place sports bets. The only sportsbook betting lines you can access from retail lottery locations are provided by GambetDC.

Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations

Pari-mutuel horse racing betting is not legal in the District of Columbia, and so there are no off-track betting locations. However, the sports betting industry is built around retail stadium betting locations. Except for GambetDC, every Class A sportsbook licensed by the Office of Lottery and Gaming must partner with a stadium. You can only use that sportsbook online within two blocks of that stadium.

District of Columbia Responsible Gambling Resources

• National Council of Problem Gambling District of Columbia – A nationwide organization tasked with the education, prevention, and treatment of problem gambling disorders. (800) 522-4700.

• Gamblers Anonymous – Sets up meetings across the District of Columbia and the US where people can go and share their experiences. It also offers Zoom meetings and hotlines for support. (855) 222-5542.

The DC Lottery operates a self-exclusion program you can join to prevent yourself from accessing any gambling site in the district. You can apply for the self-exclusion program directly or through Class A or Class B sports betting locations. Signing up for the self-exclusion program will also prevent you from receiving any promotional gambling material. The Office of Lottery and Gaming also requires that sportsbooks direct you to problem gambling support resources like those listed above.

Teams to Bet on in Washington DC

• Pro Sports

Washington Commanders: The NFL team was founded in 1932 as the Boston Braves and changed its name to the Boston Redskins a year later. In 1937, the franchise moved to DC and were renamed the Washington Redskins, a name the team carried until 2020, when it was renamed as the Commanders. While the Washington Commanders play their home games in FedEx Field in Maryland and have their headquarters in Virginia, the team is synonymous with the capital. The Commanders have won five NFC championships and three Super Bowls. But the last time Washington won the Lombardi Trophy was in Super Bowl XXVI in 1991.

Washington Wizards: Moving to DC from Baltimore in 1973, the Baltimore Bullets changed their name to the Capital Bullets, and a year later to the Washington Bullets. In 1997, the team changed its name once again to address concerns of gang-related violence. Since then, the franchise has been known as the Washington Wizards. The Wizards were actually the first team to play at the Capital One Arena, which is also the home of the Washington Capitals and Caesars Sportsbook. They were a powerhouse of the NBA in the 1970s, but success has been sparse since then, with one division title since 1979.

Washington Nationals: The Nationals won the MLB World Series in 2019, pushed on by an All-Star season from Anthony Rendon and a World Series MVP performance from Stephen Strasburg. The Nationals play their home games at Nationals Park, the location of BetMGM Sportsbook.

Washington Capitals: The Capitals play their home games at the Capital One Arena. Driven on by the ageless Alexander Ovechkin, the Capitals had a successful last decade, winning the Presidents’ Trophy three times and finally winning the Stanley Cup in 2018. In addition to operating the betting lounge and kiosks in the arena, Caesars Sportsbook is an official jersey sponsor for the Capitals for the 2022-23 NHL season.

• College Sports

American Eagles: With a basketball and soccer team for men and women, American University’s American Eagles are well known for the famous chant “All hail the mighty AU Eagles!”.

Georgetown Hoyas: Georgetown University’s is well known for its basketball team; the Hoyas have won an NCAA National Championship and reached the Final Four five times. The team is currently coached by NBA Hall of Famer and legendary former Hoya Patrick Ewing.

George Washington Colonials: Basketball, baseball, and soccer are all major sports for George Washington University’s George Washington Colonials. The soccer team competes in the DC College Cup, a competition between the District of Colombia’s four major university teams. The Colonials last won the competition in 2008.

Howard Bison: Representing Howard University, Howard Bison is a popular college team in the area competing in NCAA Division I. The school is most famous for its showtime marching band, which performs on game days.

• Women’s Sports

DC Divas: Playing in the Women’s Football Alliance, the DC Divas are a professional football team in the District of Columbia area. The Divas won six WFA titles consecutively from 2011-2016.

Washington Mystics: Competing in the WNBA, the Washington Mystics regularly sell-out crowds at the team’s home stadium, the Entertainment and Sports Arena. The Mystics made it to the finals in 2019 under the eight-year reign of the WNBA’s most successful coach, Mike Thibault.

Washington Spirit: Established in 2012 as a founding member of the National Women’s Soccer League, the Washington Spirit play most of their games at Segra Field (although some at Audi Field). The Spirit won the NWSL playoff championship in 2021.

How Does Washington DC Compare to US States?

• Market Coverage

There are only three sports betting apps in the District of Columbia, compared to neighboring states like Virginia, which has 12 betting apps. However, sportsbooks in the District cover the same range of professional sports markets you’ll find in most US betting states. College sports betting is allowed, but betting on in-District teams is illegal. These are very similar regulations to states like New Jersey but more strict than Pennsylvania, where all types of college betting are permitted.

• Competitive Odds & Prices

Caesars is legal in 17 states and, like fellow DC sportsbook BetMGM, it has to provide the same competitive betting odds in every jurisdiction to match the biggest US operators. In particular, Caesars’ player prop odds are very generous. BetMGM also offers daily odds boosts and good betting lines for its major league partners like the NFL. GambetDC’s odds aren’t as competitive as those of the two commercial operators. As noted by the Office of Lottery and Gaming’s Executive Director Frank Suarez, players “aren’t going to Gambet” because of the odds and “payouts” offered.

• Gambling Revenue

The Office of Lottery and Gaming reports data for revenue from GambetDC and commercial operators separately. The Lottery does not reveal the district’s share of revenue from GambetDC. According to an audit carried out by the Office of the District of Columbia Auditor in September 2021, 42.5% of revenue goes to sportsbook technology provider, Intralot. The audit says the rest of this minus operating costs goes directly to the district, which at best means 57.5% in tax. GambetDC has made $14,330,055 in revenue as of May 2022, which would mean around $8m has been collected in taxes.

However, as of May 2022, the District has made $3,364,081 in tax from a betting handle of $287,077,463 from commercial operators. The Office of Lottery and Gaming charges a 10% tax on commercial sportsbooks, which lines up with states like West Virginia (10%) and Indiana (9.5%). Some states in the US charge much more than this, including New Jersey (14.25%) and New York (51%). Commercial sportsbooks already have a larger betting handle than GambetDC, bringing in $12,197,849 in May 2022 compared to GambetDC’s $5,036,290. However, this could be even more if statewide online sports betting was permitted. Action Network estimated DC was missing out on $6.1 million in tax revenue a year from not legalizing statewide online betting based on the district’s population.

• Betting Taxes

You must declare all your gambling winnings to the IRS. You may be asked to fill out a W-2G form if you win over $600, which your sportsbook should send you. Online sportsbooks can also withhold 25% of your winnings for tax purposes. Your sports betting winnings are also included in your district income tax, ranging from 4% to 10.75%, depending on your income and marital status.

Sportsbooks must also pay an excise tax of 0.25% of every betting handle in line with the Internal Revenue Code. The Code also states that for every employee involved in taking wagers, sportsbook operators need to pay a $50 fee.

Who Oversees Sports Betting in District of Columbia?

The Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG), which oversees the DC Lottery, regulates retail and online sports betting in the District. This involves checking that each operator meets strict regulations for safety measures and responsible gambling support for commercial sportsbooks. It also includes running background checks on significant members of an operator’s company. The OLG is also responsible for operating GambetDC’s app and all its betting kiosks throughout the district. The regulatory body must also collect taxes from all sportsbooks and license any Class B or Class C locations that want to provide sports betting.