Top DC Sports Betting Sites for New & Experienced US Bettors in 2025
The DC sports betting scene now includes access to top U.S. betting sites BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and DraftKings. Our guide breaks down the best DC sportsbook promos for the NBA Playoffs and provides an in-depth look at all things online betting in the District.
Best DC sports betting apps
2 days
- More details
- Fewer details
- BetMGM Benefits
- Over a dozen deposit options
- Offers same-game parlays
- Live streaming on the site and in the apps
- BetMGM Review
Within 24 hours
- More details
- Fewer details
- Caesars Benefits
- Best customer support
- Top-tier rewards program
- Highly trusted legacy brand
- Caesars Review
Within 24 hours
- More details
- Fewer details
- DraftKings Benefits
- Best mobile app
- Supreme navigation
- Best for grading winners
- DraftKings Review
Within 24 hours
- More details
- Fewer details
- Fanatics Sportsbook Benefits
- Flexible FanCash Rewards
- Unique promotions
- Improved app performance
- Fanatics Sportsbook Review
- Population: 5.3 million
- Legal age for sports betting: 18
- Online sports betting: Yes
- Retail sportsbooks: Yes
- Sports betting revenue: $13.5 million
Top 3 DC sports betting sites
For the first time, Washington DC now have access to five mobile betting apps throughout the state — BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, Fanatics Sportsbook, and DraftKings.
1. BetMGM DC
$1,500 First Bet Offer
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER CVRBONUS1500
Available in DC
BetMGM delivers a fantastic mobile sports gambling experience in DC, featuring betting markets aplenty and a steady flow of solid promotions. The Entain and MGM Resorts International-owned sportsbook offers same-game parlays, live betting, and live streaming in DC. As of July 17, 2024, DC bettors no longer have to visit a retail location to use BetMGM, as the operator now offers state-wide mobile sports betting.
For a detailed look at BetMGM DC, check out our BetMGM bonus code review.
- App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.3 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: $1,500 First Bet Offer
- Payout speed: 2 days
2. Caesars Sportsbook DC
Double Your Winnings (10x)
New customers only. Must register using eligible promo code. Place a wager of at least $1 and you'll get 10x 100% profit boosts, up to $2,500 each, win or lose. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. COVERSBONUSDYW
Caesars Sportsbook boasts an intuitive betting app and industry-best customer support. DC bettors can access this top-notch online sports betting platform district-wide, as opposed to just taking in a Washington Capitals or Washington Wizards game.
Check out our Caesars Sportsbook review for more on DC's best sportsbook.
- App Store rating: 4.6 (iOS), 4.4 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Double Your Winnings (10x)
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
3. DraftKings DC
Bet $5, Get $200 Instantly
New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of min. $5 and get $200 in bonus bets. The arrival of DraftKings will vastly improve the DC sports betting landscape, as the online sportsbook is equipped with many industry-leading features, including its mobile app, which is our pick for the best sports betting app in 2025. Register an account today to receive bonus bets when DraftKings officially launches in DC later this year.
Browse our DraftKings Sportsbook Review to learn about DC's newest betting site.
- App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.6 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $200 Instantly
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
Best DC sports betting offers and bonuses
Following the news to expand the local sports betting market, DC bettors are finally beginning to have more options for welcome bonuses in 2025:
BetMGM - $1,500 First Bet Offer: New sports bettors can turn to BetMGM DC for a first bet offer with up to $1,500 paid back in bonus bets, handed out in five installments if your first wager of at least $50 comes up short — up to a maximum of $1,500. Use the BetMGM bonus code 'CVRBONUS1500' to redeem this offer. Bonus bets expire after seven days. The bonus bets expire after seven days (168 hours), and this offer is valid until Sept. 1, 2025.
Caesars Sportsbook - Double Your Winnings (10x): Deposit at least $10 and place a qualifying wager of $1 to receive 10x 100% profit boosts, each worth up to $2,500, after your initial real money wager is unsuccessful. This bonus bet must be used within 14 days of issuance. Enter Caesars promo code 'COVERSBONUSDYW' by May 29, 2025 to claim this offer.
DraftKings - Bet $5, Get $200 Instantly: Sign up with DraftKings Sportsbook today to claim its exclusive DC welcome offer — $200. Make a minimum $5 initial deposit and place a $5 wager and receive the bonus via eight $25 bonus bets, which are each non-withdrawable and valid seven days (168 hours) from receipt. You do not need a DraftKings promo code to secure this bonus, which expires on May 18, 2025.
DC bettors 18 and older can claim this offer. You must be at least 21 years old to use BetMGM and Caesars.
DC sports betting updates
The timeline below outlines the major events in DC’s legal sports betting journey:
April 8, 2025: A federal lawsuit brought on by DC Gambling Recovery LLC against sportsbook operators in Washington, D.C., challenges the legal validity of the district's sports betting market.
Feb. 3, 2025: Monumental's media app, Monumental+, will offer D.C. users live sports betting odds and interactive gaming options for its streams, collaborating with Play Anywhere and BetMGM.
Jan. 15, 2025: A former DC sports betting contractor is fined $6.5 million for conspiring to defraud officials about compliance with small business contracting laws.
Jan. 14, 2025: ESPN BET gains access to D.C. through partnership with Monumental Sports and Entertainment, which owns the NHL's Capitals, NBA's Wizards and WNBA's Mystics.
Nov. 20, 2024: DC earns a record-high handle in October thanks to Fanatics Sportsbook.
Nov. 19, 2024: Caesars Sportsbook retail kiosks go live in Washington, D.C., with a total of 48 terminals.
Sept. 23, 2024: The Washington Nationals demote C.J. Abrams to AAA after the shortstop was allegedly at a Bally Casino in Chicago until 8 a.m. on Friday.
Sept. 12, 2024: Fanatics Sportsbook launches in D.C. via its Washington Spirit partnership, marking the fifth operator now live in the state.
Sept. 10, 2024: Caesars Sportsbook lands a retail deal in Washington, D.C., in which it will add numerous self-service kiosks.
Aug. 13, 2024: The DC Attorney General's office is demanding documents from Intralot amidst an investigation into the state's former sports betting operator.
Aug. 6, 2024: FanDuel generated 78% of DC's sports betting handle in June, as the sportsbook brought in $23.2 million in wagers in the state.
July 23, 2024: DraftKings Sportsbook is officially set to launch in DC, becoming the fourth online sportsbook to operate in the nation's capital.
July 17, 2024: DC sports betting has multiple online sportsbooks for the first time, with BetMGM and Caesars taking mobile bets, eliminating the need for local bettors to be within a two-block radius of its retail sportsbook.
July 17, 2024: DraftKings Sportsbook announces its plan to enter the legal DC betting market shortly, offering eager sports bettors $200 in bonus bets on launch day as its pre-live bonus.
July 16, 2024: FanDuel goes dark as D.C.'s sports betting market prepares for expansion.
July 5, 2024: D.C. sports betting sets a new all-time high during the first full month with FanDuel, reaching $36.34 million in handle for the month.
June 26, 2024: New market realities emerge with an expanded sports betting market in D.C.
June 17, 2024: FanDuel threatens to terminate its agreement with the D.C. Lottery after local lawmakers included provisions to expand the sports betting market in the recently approved 2024 state budget.
June 14, 2024: The director of the D.C. Lottery departs their position as the state advances the overhaul of its current sports betting system.
June 12, 2024: The CEO of the Washington Spirit — a team in the National Women's Soccer League — calls for an open sports betting market in D.C.
May 22, 2024: FanDuel generates a substantial increase in D.C. during its first month as the state's main sports betting option, earning a 673% year-over-year handle increase.
May 10, 2024: FanDuel exceeds expectations for its launch in DC, generating over $13 million in handle during the first 14 days of operation.
May 6, 2024: Frank Suarez, Executive Director of the Office of Lottery and Gaming, says FanDuel sports betting kiosks will be available in DC in July 2024. Meanwhile. the lottery office — along with some online sports betting operators — voice concerns over the proposed tax rate for a competitive DC sports betting market.
April 15, 2024: FanDuel goes live in DC at noon ET.
April 13, 2024: GambetDC accounces plans to close in DC, with FanDuel to take over as a subcontractor.
March 22, 2024: DC may introduce more online sportsbooks following the announcement of the Sports Wagering Amendment Act of 2024, which would overhaul the state's current sports betting system.
March 11, 2024: FanDuel will take over DC sports betting from GamBetDC and projects to earn $199 million in revenue — a 30 times increase — within its first five years.
Dec. 27, 2022: The Cloakroom is granted a DC sports betting license. The Over Under Sportsbook Rooftop Lounge will hold its soft launch on Dec. 29.
Oct. 24, 2022: DC Council Member Elissa Silverman proposes a bill that would permit third-party mobile sportsbook operators to enter the district's sports betting market.
July 13, 2022: The DC Council holds a virtual roundtable to discuss sports wagering and the failures of the GambetDC mobile app. There is talk of potentially ending the contract with Intralot, the GambetDC app provider, which currently runs through July 2024.
July 6, 2022: FanDuel announces it will host the grand opening of its retail sportsbook at Audi Field on July 8, 2022. The physical sportsbook is the first to be located at an MLS venue in the U.S.
Feb. 14, 2022: Elys Game Technology executes its second partnership with a DC Class B operator. Elys, via its subsidiary USBookmaking, will operate a retail sportsbook in the Cloakroom.
Jan. 31, 2022: The BetMGM retail sportsbook at Nationals Park officially opens after months of allowing mobile-only wagering.
Oct. 4, 2021: Grand Central Restaurant, Bar, and Sportsbook becomes the first restaurant and Class B operator to open a sportsbook in DC.
Aug. 2, 2021: William Hill rebrands as Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill.
June 10, 2021: BetMGM partners with the Washington Nationals and launches geofenced mobile betting at Nationals Park.
June 8, 2021: FanDuel applies for a DC sports betting license.
May 26, 2021: William Hill becomes the first operator to open a retail sportsbook in a professional sports venue in the United States. Capital One Arena houses the brick-and-mortar sportsbook.
Dec. 29, 2020: William Hill launches its mobile app in DC. Bettors must remain within a two-block radius of Capital One Arena to place bets.
Aug. 30, 2019: The Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) finalizes DC sports betting rules and regulations.
May 3, 2019: The Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018 goes into effect with no intervention from Congress.
Jan. 23, 2019: Mayor Muriel Bowser signs Bill 22-944. As DC is not a state, Congress is given 60 days to veto the district’s approval of the bill.
May 14, 2018: SCOTUS overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). Each U.S. jurisdiction is now free to legalize and regulate sports betting.
Quick facts: DC sports betting summary
Review the table below to stay on top of the DC sports betting industry:
| Legal age for betting | 18; 21 (BetMGM and Caesars) |
| Online sports betting | Yes ✅ |
| Number of betting sites | 5 |
| Remote registration | 5 |
| Retail sportsbooks | Yes ✅ |
| Online poker | No ❌ |
| Betting on college sports | Limited ✅ |
| Betting on esports | No ❌ |
| State population | 671,803 |
| Total handle (2024) | $462.5M |
| Tax rate | 10% (on-site) |
| State regulator | DC Office of Lottery and Gaming |
| Last Verified | May 18, 2025 ✅ |
Is sports betting legal in DC?
Yes, DC sports betting is legal. The Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018 — Act 22-594 — authorized both lottery-run mobile and third-party retail betting.
On Jan. 23, 2019, Mayor Muriel Bowser endorsed the district's sports wagering bill, and Congress granted final approval by not intervening within 60 days of the district's decision.
However, the controversial decision to monopolize all online and mobile gaming in DC has not met expectations. GamebetDC — the Intralot-powered lottery platform — failed to deliver on its promise to generate more sports betting revenue than an open-market model. Instead, the district's retail sportsbooks, Caesars and BetMGM, have proven to be more popular in the nation's capital.
FanDuel took over for GambetDC in April 2024 and promised to give DC bettors a much better online sports betting experience moving forward. After successfully operating in the market for several months, local lawmakers opted to open DC's sports betting landscape up to additional operators. BetMGM and Caesars launched their mobile sports betting platforms in the state on July 17, 2024, while DraftKings and Fanatics Sportsbook followed shortly after.
What sportsbooks are legal in DC?
The Office of Lottery and Gaming regulates operators of three DC sports betting apps. Now that GambetDC has been replaced with FanDuel, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics Sportsbook, and BetMGM, and sports bettors can finally experience a top-tier betting platforms.
- BetMGM - Great market coverage
- DraftKings - Best sports betting app
- Caesars - Best rewards program
- Fanatics - Flexible FanCash rewards
- FanDuel - Top sportsbook
Legal sportsbooks in DC
FanDuel, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics Sportsbook, and BetMGM are the only option for district-wide DC sports betting for the time being. Physical bets can be placed at five retail sportsbooks: Caesars Sportsbook at Capital One Arena, BetMGM Sportsbook at Nationals Park, FanDuel Sportsbook at Audi Field, Grand Central Sportsbook, and Over Under Sportsbook Rooftop Lounge.
Three DC bars — Duffy’s Irish Pub, Wet Dog Tavern, and The Brig — have applied for Class B sports betting licenses. Duffy’s Irish Pub is now operational with self-serve GambetDC betting kiosks. All betting kiosks in DC transitioned to FanDuel in 2024.
Caesars Sportsbook launched 48 retail sports betting kiosks that went live in Nov. 2024.
DC's online and mobile sportsbooks
| Online sportsbook 🏆 | Mobile app 📱 | Odds provider 🔮 | Online casino 🎰 | Retail partner 🤝 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | Yes | BetMGM | No | Nationals Park |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Yes | Caesars | No | Capital One Arena |
| DraftKings | N/A | SBTech | N/A | N/A |
| FanDuel | Yes | Flutter | No | N/A |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Yes | Amelco | N/A | N/A |
Land-based DC sportsbooks
| Sportsbook 🏆 | Venue 🏛️ | Odds provider 🔮 | Launch date |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | Nationals Park | BetMGM | Jan. 31, 2022 |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Capital One Arena | Caesars | May 2021 |
| FanDuel | Audi Field | Flutter | July 8, 2022 |
| Grand Central Sportsbook | Grand Central Restaurant, Bar, and Sportsbook | Elys | October 2021 |
| Handle 19 | Handle 19 | TBD | TBD |
| Over Under Sportsbook Rooftop Lounge | The Cloakroom | Elys | Jan. 14, 2023 |
Latest DC sports betting news
Who can partake in DC sports betting?
DC sports bettors must be at least 18 years of age to place a legal wager online or in person. Retail DC sportsbooks and betting kiosks can be found throughout the district.
Here's a look at everything you'll need to know before placing your first DC sports bet.
Legal age
DC's sports betting law allows those as young as 18 years old to place legal wagers, except for BetMGM and Caesars, as those operators require you to be at least 21.
Mobile betting
BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics Sportsbook, and FanDuel are DC’s district-wide mobile options. The Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) regulates all DC mobile sports betting apps. However, a few restrictions are in place: FanDuel users cannot place wagers on federal land. The National Mall, White House, Capitol, congressional office buildings, East Potomac Park, and Rock Creek Park are off-limits.
Remote registration
DC users can complete the sign-up process from anywhere in DC with the three available mobile sportsbooks. Expect to share some personal details, including the last four digits of your SSN.
Within city borders
All mobile bets must be placed by gamblers physically located in DC. The platform uses geofencing software to ensure that all users haven’t stumbled into a neighboring state.
Retail sportsbooks
DC sports betting enthusiasts can find brick-and-mortar locations at Capital One Arena (Caesars), Nationals Park (BetMGM), Audi Field (FanDuel), Grand Central Restaurant, Bar, and Sportsbook, and Over Under Sportsbook Rooftop Lounge.
Taxable winnings
DC gamblers are taxed at the federal and state levels. The DC lottery reports all gambling winnings over $600 and must withhold 25% of payouts exceeding $5,000. At the state level, expect to hand over an additional 8.5% of sports bet winnings.
The pros and cons of DC sports betting
DC benefits from fully mobile sports wagering, meaning residents and visitors can place legal bets from anywhere in the district.
Limited mobile betting optionsDifficult to shop betting linesRestricted areasHow to start betting in DC
DC bettors have three options for betting online and can take advantage of sign-up bonuses and seek out the most favorable betting lines available. We've outlined the general online sportsbook sign-up process below:
Select a sportsbook
Before placing a wager, sports bettors will have to decide how they want to bet in DC. If gambling remotely, FanDuel, Fanatics, Caesars, DraftKings, and BetMGM are the only options in town.
Register in person
Sports bettors in DC can register with an online sportsbook in just a few clicks or taps. After sharing some personal information and verifying your account, you’ll nearly be ready to place your first bet.
Claim a bonus
Those new to DC sports betting will often have the opportunity to claim a welcome bonus. Be sure to scour a sportsbook's website and mobile app to ensure you are getting the most on your initial wager.
Deposit funds
DC sports gamblers can fund their mobile sportsbook account with credit cards, debit cards, Skrill, Play+, and VIP Preferred ACH/e-Check. Most deposits should appear in your account immediately, but some may come with transaction fees.
Choose your bet types
DC sports betting includes a wide variety of popular bet types. From moneylines, point spreads, and Over/Unders (totals) to live betting, props, and parlays, bettors will be sure to find what they're looking for.
Start betting
Once you’ve brushed up on the basics and identified the bets you’re comfortable with, you’ll be ready to confirm your pick(s). Make sure you're familiar with the conditions your sportsbook places on each type of bet.
Withdraw funds
Withdrawals, unlike deposits, are not immediate. It can take a few days for DC sportsbooks to process withdrawn funds, and it may take a couple of additional days before you see your winnings in your bank account. Always read the terms and conditions of the sportsbook and your financial institution to avoid unwelcome surprises.
Reading the odds
American odds show DC bettors which event is favored and which event is more unlikely to occur. These odds also display the potential payout for a successful wager.
You can spot a favorite by looking for a minus (-) sign. The number that follows indicates how much you'll have to bet to win $100. For example, if the Washington Nationals are -300 favorites, a $300 wager will return $100.
Underdogs are accompanied by a plus (+) sign. The amount next to the plus sign is the amount you would win should you place a $100 stake on a winner. For example, wagering $100 on the Washington Commanders at +200 odds could lead to $200 in profit. While the riskier bet, a wager on an underdog could pay huge dividends.
If you'd prefer to view odds as decimals or fractions, head over to our odds converter. Here, you'll be able to cycle between American, decimal, and fractional odds.
What you can't bet on in DC
There are a few betting restrictions in DC, with the following wagers being off-limits:
NFL Draft
DC is one of the few states where bettors are legally able to bet on the NFL Draft. Check out our guide for how to bet on the NFL Draft in 2025.
Politics
DC bettors cannot bet on political events. This type of bet is off-limits in every U.S. jurisdiction.
Entertainment award ceremonies
DC sportsbooks don't post betting lines on popular awards shows like the Emmys or Academy Awards.
esports
There is no way to bet on esports at DC sports betting sites at this time.
What about DC college sports?
You can place college sports bets online or at retail DC sportsbooks. There is a catch, however: Bettors cannot wager on any game taking place in the district.
DC sports betting handle
Unlike other states with fully mobile wagering, retail sports betting accounts for much of the action in the district. However, this could change soon with the arrival of a competitive online sports betting market.
Keep tabs on sports betting revenue and the monthly handle and hold from each legal U.S. state.
The figures below will be updated monthly (Note: GambetDC and commercial figures are released separately by the OLG. We've combined these figures in the yearly breakdown below through February 2024):
Yearly breakdown
| Year | Total handle | Revenue | Hold percentage | Tax revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | - | - | - | - |
| 2024 | $462.5M | $53.9M | 12.7% | $16.3M |
| 2023 | $170.1M | $19M | 11.6% | $5.4M |
| 2022 | $216.1M | $23.2M | 10.7% | $6.2M |
| 2021 | $203.2M | $29.3M | 14.4% | $6.3M |
| 2020 | $80.7M | $13.5M | 16.8% | $2.97M |
Monthly handle
| Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total |
| 2025 | $73.1M | $59.5M | $86M | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2024 | $15.9M | $11.9M | $15.7M | $11M | $36.3M | $29.6M | $27.3M | $40.6M | $58.8M | $65.8M | $68.3M | $65.3M | $462.5M |
| 2023 | $20.1M | $14.6M | $18.1M | $14.5M | $12.5M | $11.2M | $7.7M | $8.1M | $14.5M | $16.4M | $17.1M | $15.3M | $170.1M |
| 2022 | $18.6M | $19.1M | $20.4M | $18.4M | $17.2M | $13.8M | $11.3M | $13.1M | $19.4M | $24.8M | $21.4M | $18.6M | $216.1M |
| 2021 | $15.6M | $15.3M | $15.3M | $10.7M | $13.8M | $19.5M | $12.8M | $12.4M | $20.7M | $26.3M | $21.4M | $19.2M | $203M |
| 2020 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $9,723 | $223K | $743K | $11.2M | $15.5M | $18.5M | $17.6M | $16.9M | $18.7M |
Home team advantage: DC sports
DC sports fans are a passionate bunch, and while it’s admirable to back your hometown professional sports teams through both championship runs and painful rebuilds, it’s not always wise to support them with your bankroll. Always ensure your bets are unbiased and well-researched before locking them in.
Check out our how to bet guides to get started at DC betting sites.
Although no scheduled fights are coming to DC, the best UFC betting sites and top boxing betting sites allow you to easily browse the markets and back fighters you can cheer on as passionately as your hometown teams.
DC sports betting law
Mayor Muriel Bowser signed DC sports betting Bill 22-944 on Jan. 29, 2019. GambetDC, a lottery-run online sportsbook, went live on May 28, 2020, and was replaced by FanDuel on April 15, 2024. On July 17, 2024, Caesars and BetMGM launched its state-wide mobile apps. DraftKings also recently entered DC's online sports betting scene.
Legal DC sports betting highlights include:
- The Office of Lottery and Gaming regulates DC's legal sports betting market.
- Bettors must be 18 or older to place a wager online or in person in DC, except if they use BetMGM or Caesars, as those operators require bettors to be 21 or older.
- Sports betting revenue is taxed at a rate of 10%.
- College sports betting is permitted in DC when events occur outside the district.
- DC sportsbooks do not offer esports betting markets.
Other types of gambling
In 2011, DC passed the first online gambling law in U.S. history. Unfortunately, the city chose to repeal the law in February 2012 due to procedural concerns and a lack of transparency. Aside from sports betting, all types of online gambling remain illegal in DC.
Casino
You won’t find any casino gambling facilities in DC. As mentioned, online casinos are illegal in the district as well.
Nearby casinos can be found in Maryland, while West Virginia is the best option for online casino betting.
Poker
Aside from charity poker events, there is no legal poker in DC. However, district residents and visitors can find several poker tables in Maryland and West Virginia.
Horse racing
Although there are no dedicated horse racing tracks or off-track betting sites (OTBs) in DC, Maryland and Virginia offer nearby live and online wagering options.
Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course are the most popular options for live betting, while TVG and TwinSpires are among the best horse racing betting sites in MD and VA.
Daily fantasy sports
Gamblers in DC can legally participate in DFS (daily fantasy sports) contests. Language outlawing daily fantasy sports has not been included in the district’s sports betting legislation. You can sign-up and claim the ProphetX promo code today.
Predictive sports trading
Predictive-based sports trading is becoming one of the most popular alternatives to traditional betting in 2025. You can use to best prediction market sites to buy, sell, and trade 'Yes' or 'No' contracts based on the speculative outcome of sports and various unique events, such as politics, pop culture, weather, and more. Register with the Kalshi promo code 'COVERS' to access the top predictive-based platform today.
Responsible gaming in DC
Despite its relatively conservative stance on gambling, DC is surrounded by legal betting. For district residents unable to control their gambling habits, many resources are available. The National Council on Problem Gambling is headquartered in DC and is the first place problem gamblers should turn. The district’s self-exclusion program also gives individuals an opportunity to ban themselves from all forms of gambling voluntarily.
Legal U.S. sports betting markets
In addition to DC, many U.S. states have legalized sports betting. You can wager online and/or in person —or will soon be able to do so — in the following jurisdictions:
Recent legal U.S. sports betting launches
North Carolina sports betting arrived on March 11, 2024, with several top sportsbooks, including FanDuel and DraftKings, now available for registration.
Sports bettors in the Green Mountain State are able to place wagers as of Jan. 11, 2024, with the official launch of Vermont sports betting.
Maine sports betting went live in November 2023. The state's tribes hold exclusive rights to the online sports betting market, while retail sports betting takes place in casinos.
Legal Kentucky sports betting arrived in time for the NFL season, with retail wagering going live on Sept. 7, 2023, followed by online operations launching on Sept. 28.
Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets
Not every location has legalized sports wagering as DC has. These are the states moving toward legal sports betting that may potentially offer it in the near future:
DC sports betting history
DC sports betting became a reality in 2019, and the first legal option materialized early in 2020.
2023: DC Mayor Muriel Bowser wants to repeal provisions in DC's sports betting law that allocate the first $200,000 in yearly sports betting revenue to problem gambling initiatives.
2022: BetMGM opens a retail sportsbook at Nationals Park. A second retail location is unveiled as FanDuel Sportsbook takes its first bets at Audi Field.
2021: William Hill opens the first retail sportsbook in a professional sports stadium or arena in the U.S. at Capital One Arena.
BetMGM begins offering mobile betting at Nationals Park.
2020: DC Lottery launches the district's first mobile sportsbook — GambetDC. Later in the year, William Hill offers its mobile betting app to bettors within a two-block radius of Capital One Arena.
2019: The Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018 goes into effect on May 3. The Office of Lottery and Gaming establishes DC sports betting rules for privately-owned sports betting operators.
2018: The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act is repealed in May, paving the way to legal sports betting in the United States.
List of DC resources
Dive into some of our favorite DC sports betting resources for more insights on the legal gambling landscape in the district:
- DC Office of Lottery and Gaming: Regulating body in DC
- DC sports betting law: Act 22-594
- National Council on Problem Gambling: Resources for problem gamblers in DC
- Rules for District-operated sports betting: Regulations established in August 2019
DC sports betting conclusion
The fact that DC's retail sports betting market is outpacing its mobile offering in every facet is a good indicator of residents' feelings toward the recently departed GambetDC app. Luckily, the Intralot-powered platform's poor odds and subpar user interface are a thing of the past.
DC welcomed FanDuel to the district in 2024, giving local bettors a much more reliable and enjoyable sports betting app. Now, local officials have expended the state mobile market, allowing Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics Sportsbook, and BetMGM to operator state-wide alongside FanDuel.
Physical sportsbooks run by third-party operators also operate reliable DC betting sites. Each is located at a different district stadium as well, meaning bettors won't have to look far to start locking in wagers.
Sportsbooks to avoid in DC
See all blacklisted sportsbooks 
Although it may be tempting, we recommend avoiding offshore sportsbooks when betting in DC. The Office of Lottery and Gaming does not regulate these websites, and you'll have no legal recourse should anything happen to your bankroll. Stay away from the operators below and place your bets with legal DC sports betting sites that have sportsbook licenses.
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
DC sports betting FAQ
Yes, DC sports betting is legal. DC sportsbooks are regulated by the Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG).
You can bet online from almost anywhere in the district with FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, Fanatics Sportsbook, and BetMGM after local lawmakers recently decided to expand the state's sports betting market to allow additional mobile operators throughout the state. You can also visit retail DC sportsbooks to place wagers in person.
DC sports bettors can legally place all popular wagers online or at a brick-and-mortar location.
There are only four fully mobile and district-wide online options — FanDuel, Fanatics Sportsbook, Caesars, DraftKings, and BetMGM.
Yes, you may confirm your bets with a sportsbook mobile app or through the operator's website.
Yes. Whether you're betting online or making your way to a retail sportsbook, you can expect to encounter odds similar to what you would find in Las Vegas.
You must be 18 or older to place a legal sports bet in DC. Bettors must be at least 21 years old to register with BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook.
No, bet365 does not have an operating license and is not legal in DC.
You can bet on sports anywhere in DC. The district has access to fully mobile event wagering via three online sportsbooks. If you prefer to bet in person, you can find retail sportsbooks at Audi Field, Capital One Arena, and Nationals Park. GambetDC kiosks are operational at licensed Class B locations.
Yes, you can bet on DC teams. You may not, however, wager on college teams playing in DC.
No, you do not have to live in DC to bet online, but you cannot use the available mobile sportsbooks if you are not physically located in DC. The platform uses geofencing software to restrict access to those outside of DC.
In 2023, the DC Lottery and the city's commercial operators raked in a collective $19 million in sports betting revenue.
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