Yes, sports betting is legal in Washington, DC, and has been since May 3, 2019, when the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018 went into effect. This legislation, signed by Mayor Muriel Bowser and approved by Congress, marked DC as one of the early adopters of legal sports betting following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). Today, DC residents and visitors can place bets both online and at retail locations, making it a unique betting market in the U.S.
However, most online betting platforms are restricted from allowing people located inside the District to place a bet when the online betting site or app detects that a person is within a certain range of one of the Districts sporting arenas or physical sports book locations. This is done as a measure to protect the physical DC sports betting vendors from facing stiff competition from a growing, national online betting industry.
A Brief History of Sports Betting in DC
The journey to legal sports betting in DC began with the DC Council passing Bill B22-0944 in December 2018. After Mayor Bowser’s signature in January 2019 and a mandatory congressional review period, the law took effect in May 2019. The DC Lottery launched its first mobile betting platform, GambetDC, in May 2020, though it faced criticism for poor performance. Since then, the market has evolved significantly. In 2024, DC opened its doors to major operators like BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel, and DraftKings, expanding options for bettors across the district.
How Sports Betting Works in DC
Unlike many states, DC’s sports betting landscape is regulated by the Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG). The legal betting age is 18, lower than the typical 21 in neighboring states like Maryland and Virginia, though some operators (e.g., BetMGM and Caesars) require users to be 21. Here’s what you need to know:
- Online Betting: Multiple mobile apps, including BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, and DraftKings, are now available district-wide, thanks to the Sports Wagering Amendment Act of 2024. Previously, apps were restricted to specific zones near retail locations.
- Retail Betting: Physical sportsbooks operate at venues like Nationals Park (BetMGM), Capital One Arena (Caesars), and various Class B locations such as bars and restaurants. Betting kiosks are also scattered throughout the city.
- What You Can Bet On: You can wager on professional sports and most college games, but betting on DC-based college teams (e.g., Georgetown Hoyas) or events held within the district is prohibited.
Key Rules and Restrictions
While sports betting is legal, there are some limitations:
- No betting on high school sports or non-sporting events (e.g., elections or award shows).
- Operators must pay a 10% tax on gross gaming revenue.
- Live betting on college games is not allowed, though pre-game bets on out-of-state college teams are permitted.
Why DC’s Market Stands Out
DC’s sports betting framework is distinct due to its lottery-based model and the initial monopoly held by GambetDC. However, the shift to a competitive market in 2024 has made it more appealing to bettors. With a population of around 700,000, DC has generated over $697 million in betting revenue since 2020—a modest figure compared to larger states, but impressive given its size and early challenges.
Is It Safe to Bet in DC?
Yes, as long as you use licensed operators regulated by the OLG. Offshore betting sites, while accessible, are not legal in DC and lack the consumer protections offered by regulated platforms. Stick to approved apps and retail locations for a secure experience.
Facing Legal Trouble Related to Betting?
While sports betting itself is legal, related activities—like gambling disputes or allegations of illegal betting—can still land you in hot water. If you’re facing criminal charges in DC, whether tied to gambling or otherwise, you need an elite defense.
Nabeel Kibria of Ervin Kibria Law is one of the District’s most trusted, elite criminal defense attorneys when people need representation related to gambling or any other criminal charges where elite,.expert counsel is required. With his sharp legal expertise and dedication to protecting your rights, he’s ready to fight aggressively for you.
Charged with a crime in DC? Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact Nabeel Kibria at Ervin Kibria Law today for elite criminal defense. Call (202) 689-4439 to schedule your consultation now!