The Washington, DC online sports betting market is probably the most unique one in the nation. Some of the best operators, operate in the District of Columbia, but they are limited to use within small chunks of the city. BetMGM, for example, can only be used within two blocks of Nationals Park where its retail sportsbook is located.
Then there is GambetDC, an app run by the Office of Lottery and Gaming. GambetDC is available almost anywhere in Washington, but its reputation is not strong. Indeed, its Apple App Store rating is a paltry 1.5 stars after over 400 reviews.
At the end of the day, the complexity of online sports betting in Washington, DC isn’t ideal. But it is better than the many states with no online betting whatsoever.
| 💰Is DC Sports Betting Legal? | ✅ Yes, retail and mobile sports betting is legal and live in DC |
| 📍Where Can I Bet? | 🏢 At any retail sportsbook or within a close distant to retail sportsbooks to use mobile apps |
| 🗓 Launch Date | ⏱ May 2020 |
| 🏈 College Betting | ❌ DC residents can't bet on college sports |
The Best DC Sports Betting Apps
Of course, the unique nature of Washington, DC mobile sports betting makes it hard to narrow down to just one best app. However, at Gaming Today, we believe that BetMGM DC is the best overall choice for DC bettors, despite the limitations for its use.
Best for DC Bettors
At BetMGM DC
Best for DC Bettors
BetMGM Washington, DC
At BetMGM DC
Up to
$1,500
Retail Partner
Nationals Park
Licensed by
DC Lottery
BetMGM DC launched last year and is available in and around Nationals Park, which is located in the Navy Yard neighborhood. A retail BetMGM Sportsbook is available to DC bettors to place their wagers in person. The retail sportsbook location is spacious, with a full food and beverage menu, perfect for watching your bets play out.
BetMGM is hands down one of the best online sportsbooks in the US. Players 18 and up can join BetMGM DC and enjoy some of the highest win potentials in a wide range of sports, including the most competitive futures market in America.
New members at BetMGM DC can receive a bonus bet of up to $1,500 with promo code TODAY.
- Available: Within two blocks of Nationals Park
- Huge market depth; highly competitive odds; top-rated app; live streaming for select events; tons of promotions; owned by MGM Resorts
- Best Deposit Method: BetMGM offers PayPal for deposit and cashout as well as online bank transfer and eCheck.
Washington, DC Sports Betting Updates
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July 4, 2023:
The District of Columbia passed a budget that stripped annual funding for problem gambling. The funding came from DC sports betting taxes.
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June 7, 2023:
DC sports betting handle reached $14 million in April, about a $4 million drop from March. Revenue was also down about 37% to $1.4 million.
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February 6, 2023:
FedExField, home of the Washington Commanders, became the first NFL stadium to open a retail sportsbook with the launch of Fanatics Maryland Sportsbook. The opening also marks Fanatics’ long-awaited foray into sports betting.
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November 17, 2022:
Caesars has been dominating the DC sports betting market, earning $7.3 million in handle in September, but they have some solid competition. The GambetDC sportsbook notched $7.5 million in October compared to $17.3 million combined between Caesars, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Elys.
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October 24, 2022:
More sports betting apps could be coming to D.C. A new Bill that was introduced would allow the expansion of mobile sports betting to come, including DraftKings and FanDuel.
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June 1, 2022:
Elys Game Technologies will operate the sportsbook at BetDupont in partnership with District Hospitality. If successfully licensed, the partnership with District Hospitality would represent the Company’s fourth execution of its restaurant sportsbook solution.
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May 16, 2022:
The District’s three commercial sports betting operators (BetMGM, Caesars, and Grand Central) reported $13.2 million in betting handle during April 2022. This lead to $828,629 in revenue.
GambetDC took in $5.2 million in bets in April 2022, with $602,646 in revenue.
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February 25, 2022:
The District of Columbia reported a six-month low in sports betting handle for January. BetMGM, Caesars, Grand Central, and GambetDC app combined for $18.6 million in handle for the month. This is notable because almost every other jurisdiction with legal sports betting reported record highs to start the year.
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February 13, 2022:
GambetDC suffers a catastrophic failure during the biggest sports betting day of the year, Super Bowl Sunday. The app was unavailable on iOS devices because it did not send updates to Apple in time to renew its security certificate.
BetMGM Sportsbook Washington D.C.
Best Overall App
- BetMGM Sportsbook Washington D.C. Promo:Claim a bonus $1,500 bet with bonus code: TODAY
- BetMGM is Best For:Users that want the best overall experience. Between a solid promo code, a nearly perfect app, and a terrific rewards program, BetMGM has it all.
Washington, DC Sports Betting Apps
Caesars Sportsbook DC
- Welcome Bonus: New users get a $1,000 First Bet on Caesars. Claim now!
- Available: Within two blocks of Capital One Arena
- Platforms: iOS app, Android app, Web browser
- Partnership: Washington Wizards, Washington Capitals
- Key Features: Caesars Rewards; lots of odds boosters; several daily promotions; highly competitive odds;
- Best Deposit Method: PayPal
- Overall Rating: 5/5
Caesars Sportsbook (formerly William Hill) is another excellent and well-known brand for those age 18 and up who happen to be near Capital One Arena (though not in federal enclaves like the Smithsonian.) And if you happen to be in the arena, even better; there is a two-story lounge that is an absolute dream for sports bettors.
Caesars Sportsbook DC was the only option outside of GambetDC for quite a while, until BetMGM joined the ranks in May 2021. However, bettors may not realize this, as Caesars originally ran under the William Hill name before the two companies merged.
Since the acquisition of William Hill, Caesars has become well known for its generous welcome bonuses. At present, new members of the Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill DC app will receive a first bet up to $1,000. All bettors also receive access to Caesars Rewards, regarded as the best loyalty program in the industry.
FanDuel Sportsbook DC
- Welcome Bonus: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets
- Available: near Audi Stadium
- Platforms: iOS app, Android app, Web browser
- Partnership: DC United
- Key Features: Highly intuitive app; more promotions than anywhere else; some of the best odds online; ability to use the same login for FanDuel DFS; well-known brand
- Best Deposit Method: PayPal
The FanDuel DC Sportsbook at Audi Field has opened. FanDuel Sportsbook is one of the best options in the state. Alongside Caesars and BetMGM, FanDuel consistently offers the best odds in states across the US, making the platform a highly anticipated addition to the DC market.
New members at FanDuel Sportsbook can receive a no-sweat first bet of up to $200.
GambetDC
- Welcome Bonus: 100% deposit bonus between $10 and $100
- Available: Almost anywhere in Washington, DC
- Platforms: iOS app, Android app, Web browser
- Partnership: Run by the Office of Lottery and Gaming
- Key Features: Separate pre-game and in-game betting sections; parlay boosters; special prop bet offers; available almost anywhere in DC
- Best Deposit Method: Online bank transfer as well as prepaid card and Skrill.
- Overall Rating: 2.5/5
GambetDC is a lottery-run online sportsbook powered by the DC Lottery. It’s the only platform available almost anywhere in the district (other than federal enclaves like the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial), and it allows bettors 18 and up.
GambetDC is a not-for-profit brand and therefore offers pretty terrible odds. While commercial sportsbooks charge the standard vig of around 4.5%, GambetDC can charge as much as 8% to deter problem gambling. That makes the lottery-run option subpar compared to its more competitive (although less accessible) counterparts.
New members of the GambetDC app can receive a 100% deposit match of up to $100.
Washington, DC Retail Sportsbook Sites
| Sportsbook | Address | Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | The BetMGM Sportsbook at Nationals Park | 1500 S Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003 | 11am-12am daily |
 | Caesars Sportsbook at Capital One Arena | 601 F Street, Washington DC DC 20004 | 10am-12am daily |
 | FanDuel at Audi Field | 100 Potomac Ave SW Washington, DC 20024 | 12pm-10pm daily |
 | GambetDC | Anywhere with DC Lottery | 24/7 |
 | Grand Central Sportsbook DC | 2447 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 | 11am-2am Sunday through Thursday; 11am-3am Friday and Saturday |
How To Place A Bet In Washington, DC
Like we have mentioned before, DC is a tough place for sports betting. For the sportsbooks that operate in DC, the mobile apps are only operational within a two block radius of the retail sportsbook. Users can find a map of where they need to be in order to bet in DC on the GambetDC website. Learn how to bet on sports in Washington, DC below.
Step 1: Be In The Right Place
You can bet via the lottery-run GambetDC app anywhere in the district except for federal enclaves. You can find a map of exactly where you need to be on the GambetDC website.
For other sports betting apps in DC, you need to be within a two-block radius of its partnering professional sports venue. This means you have to be within 2 blocks of Capital One Arena, Nationals Park, or (soon) Audi Field, depending on the app.
However, the same restrictions on federal enclaves apply to commercial betting apps, like Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill and BetMGM, as well. In other words, you cannot bet access the app in places like the Jefferson Memorial. Since the geotargeting software used is good but not perfect, this can make for a frustrating experience with the apps.
You do not have to be a resident of Washington, DC, to place a bet via any of the DC sports betting apps. You simply have to be physically located in the right spot.
Step 2: Register And Deposit
Click the “register” or “signup” button to create an account at the sports betting app. You’ll need to provide your basic identifying information, so be sure it matches the info on your ID. This deters fraud and helps to ensure that bettors are over 18 years old.
Then make a deposit using PayPal, online bank transfer, Skrill, e-check, or prepaid card. Credit card payments are often considered cash advance transactions, which come with fees.
Step 3: Place Bets
Select the bet you’d like to place, enter the amount of your wager, and submit the bet to the bet slip. You can also select multiple bets and combine them into a parlay wager to maximize the payout.
Sports Betting Legalization History In Washington, DC
While the case came out of a battle in New Jersey, the US Supreme Court met in the Supreme Court Building at One First Street to repeal the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. This paved the way for states and territories outside of Nevada to legalize online sports betting.
That same year, DC Council member Jack Evans–who resigned in 2020 amid ethics violations as the longest-running politician in the district’s history–introduced Act 22-594, the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018. Signed into law on May 3, 2019, the act legalized a lottery-run sports betting model in the state with professional stadiums allowed to open a retail sportsbook and accept online bets within a two-block radius.
The success of the lottery-run model came despite huge lobbying pushes from giants like FanDuel and DraftKings as well as DC sports teams, who wanted the more profitable casino-style model. That’s the model employed in both Virginia and Maryland. This could spell big competition challenges for the district moving forward.
Thankfully, Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill (Capital One Arena) and BetMGM (Nationals Park) are available to those physically located inside the partnering stadiums or within a two-block radius. Bettors who live nearby or are willing to make the trek can find high-quality odds on par with any other state in the US.
FanDuel has also launched through a partnership with D.C. United’s Audi Field and the retail sportsbook is now open to the public.
Washington, DC Legal Sportsbooks
It’s far safer to bet via legally licensed online sportsbooks in DC—or neighboring states with legal sports betting—than it is to join an offshore, illegal website. GambetDC, Caesars Sportsbook, BetMGM, and FanDuel all follow strict player protection rules that ensure the most secure betting experience.
There are many reasons to avoid an illegal sports betting site, but these are the most notable:
- Compromised personal information
- Refusal to pay winnings
- Hidden terms and conditions and other predatory practices
Then there’s the small chance of getting into legal trouble for betting at an illegal site. While it’s not likely, it’s an unnecessary risk.
DC Sports Betting Revenue
Washington, DC sports betting revenue has remained relatively consistent even though the overall sports betting handle went down.
Washington DC’s sportsbooks combined for $17.2 million in bets during December with DC Lottery’s GambetDC taking in $6.2 million.
Revenue from DC sportsbooks is nothing compared to powerhouses like New Jersey, with its sports betting handle totaling over $1 billion and $1.1 billion for September and October, respectively. But for its population size of around 800,000, it’s about expected.
Washington, DC Professional Sports Teams
Here is a list of Washington, DC’s professional sports teams:
- Washington Commanders (NFL)
- Washington Nationals (MLB)
- D.C. United (MLS)
- Washington Capitals (NHL)
- Washington Wizards (NBA)
- Washington Mystics (WNBA)
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders’ home stadium is FedExField, which is technically located in Maryland. So there won’t be a DC sports betting app associated with the team, but you will be able to bet via Maryland sports betting apps.
Both inside DC and in all states with legal sports betting, the Washington Commanders are one of the most popular options for betting. Not only is the NFL the number one most popular sport for regular season betting in the US, but Washington also has millions of fans across the country.
D.C. United
The MLS is getting more popular every season, and sports betting can only help that trend–especially as FanDuel Sportsbook has opened inside Audi Field, located just 0.2 miles from Nationals Park. The FanDuel app is also available within two blocks of the pitch.
Washington Nationals
Nationals Park has opened a BetMGM Sportsbook and the BetMGM app will be available within two blocks of the iconic red, white, and blue ballpark. In the meantime, betting on the Washington Nationals remains a favorite pastime as old as the team itself.
Capital One Arena Teams
Capital One Arena is home to the NBA’s Washington Wizards, the WNBA’s Washington Mystic, the NHL’s Washington Capitals, and America’s first in-stadium sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill. It’s a sports bettor’s paradise on ice.
Washington, DC College Sports Teams
The following are the NCAA Division 1 college schools located in Washington, DC:
- American University
- George Washington
- Georgetown
- George Mason
- Howard University
Unfortunately, you cannot bet on any DC college teams or on any college games that take place within the district. You can bet on any D1 college sports that take place outside of the district as long as no DC college teams are participating.
This is a common restriction even in states with the most liberal sports betting laws. For example, New Jersey restricts bets on college games taking place in the state and on any in-state schools, regardless of where they’re played.
Essentially, Washington, DC, and New Jersey have the same restrictions on college sports betting.
Thankfully, this is a town with alumni from all over the country. Many DC bars are college bars for out-of-state schools like Penn Quarter Sports Tavern for Syracuse fans or Kelly’s Irish Times for Penn State fans.
Further, you can visit Virginia, Maryland, or any other state with legal sports betting and place bets on Washington, DC teams.
You can also bet on DC adjacent teams at sportsbooks inside the district. For example, you can bet on the University of Maryland, Mount St. Mary’s, and Bowie State.
Other Sports To Bet On In Washington, DC
You can bet on both domestic and international professional sports in Washington, DC. That means the following competitions are fair game:
- NASCAR
- Formula One
- PGA
- Tennis
- MMA/UFC
- European soccer
- Cricket
- Rugby
- Aussie rules football
- Asian baseball
The list goes on. If the DC Lottery allows the wager, then it will be available for betting. If not, you can also reach out to the sportsbook to request the line.
Washington, DC is one of the few jurisdictions that completely restrict betting on horse racing. That means no in-district tracks, off-track betting (OTB) facilities, or horse race betting sites.
But Washington, DC is home to several soccer bars, which air even the earliest European soccer matches. This gives soccer bettors a community outlet for betting on and viewing the games.
High-profile MMA and boxing matches are shown at a variety of bars across town as well–another opportunity for fighting bettors to create communal atmospheres.
How DC Sports Betting Compares To Other Jurisdictions
Washington, DC pales in comparison to its two neighboring states. Even when FanDuel Sportsbook launches in the district, there will be access to only three commercial online sportsbooks and all are restricted to within two blocks of their partner venues.
However, Washington, DC does allow sports betting for those 18 and up. Maryland and Virginia require sports bettors to be at least 21 years old.
Maryland Sports Betting
Maryland online sports betting became legal in May 2021 and fully launched right before Thanksgiving 2022. Maryland sports betting has done excellent so far, proving to steal some business from the D.C. area.
Virginia Sports Betting
Like DC, the Commonwealth of Virginia launched online sportsbooks despite having no local casinos. But unlike DC, the Virginia sports betting apps are all private companies that offer their services to anyone over 21 in the Commonwealth. That means more accessibility, better overall odds, and more promotions. There are almost a dozen apps available in Virginia, and they are available throughout the state with no geographic restrictions like in DC. Virginia restricts college betting, though, prohibiting bets on in-state teams. So, if Virginia Tech fans want to bet on the Hokies, they will need to head to DC or West Virginia to do so.
Washington, DC Betting Successes And Failures
As in any market, the Washington, DC sports betting industry has faced bumps in the road to get to where it is today. We will walk through all the highs and lows of DC gambling.
DC Sports Betting Success
The legalization of sports betting in Washington, DC was a success for the entire US because it set a precedent: if the country’s capital can legalize it, why can’t we? It’s a point you often see made in regard to DC legalizing marijuana too.
In terms of Washington, DC’s sports betting market itself, the rollout was a success insofar as it’s legal to bet on sports online in the district. That’s more than most US states can say, including the top three most populated: California, Texas, and Florida.
Where Could DC Improve Online Gambling?
The Washington, DC sports betting market is subpar compared to nearby states like Virginia, West Virginia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Those markets allow for many more online sportsbooks, all of which are available no matter where you are in the state.
Further, West Virginia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, along with Michigan, offer online casinos and legal poker sites as well. So not only is the district’s online sports betting market lesser than all those states, it has a third as many online gambling options.
If local lawmakers in DC see enough revenue go to Maryland, which is expected to have a far better sports betting market, online sportsbooks other than GambetDC and a few commercial options may become more accessible.
Washington, DC Sports Betting FAQs
Yes, it is legal to bet on sports in Washington, DC. Sports betting launched in the Nation’s Capital in 2020.
Bettors must be 18 years or older. You must be at least 18 years old to bet online in Washington, DC. This goes for the GambetDC app, Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill DC, and BetMGM DC. The 18 and up age restriction applies to both online and in-person sports betting in the district.
Yes, it is legal to bet on college sports in Washington, DC; however, it is illegal to bet on any DC college teams or to bet on a college game that takes place in the district. For example, it is legal to bet on the Maryland Terrapins but illegal to bet on the Georgetown Hoyas.
No, you do not need to be a resident of Washington, DC to bet online in the district. This applies to retail sportsbooks as well, such as the Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill Sportsbook at Capital One Arena. The only requirement is that you’re at least 18 years old.
Yes, you can bet on your iPhone in Washington, DC via legally licensed apps. The only app available everywhere in DC is the GambetDC app, powered by the DC Lottery. Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill is available within two blocks of Capital One Arena, and BetMGM is available within two blocks of Nationals Park.
Sort of. DraftKings DFS (daily fantasy sports) is legal in Washington, DC and is accessible to anyone over 18 in the state. However, DraftKings Sportsbook is not available in DC, nor are there any reported plans to launch the DraftKings sports betting app in the district.
Yes, FanDuel DFS (daily fantasy sports) is available in Washington, DC. FanDuel Sportsbook has opened at DC United’s Audi Field, and the FanDuel Sportsbook app is available within two blocks of the stadium.
Yes, there are a few retail sportsbook locations in Washington, DC. Caesars is located at Capital One Arena, BetMGM is at Nats Park and FanDuel is located at Audi Field.
More Resources On Washington, DC Sports Betting
- DC Office of Lottery and Gaming – in charge of regulating sports betting as well as operating the GambetDC app.
- DC Law 22-312 – the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018 in its entirety.
- Monthly Revenue Reports – for DC sports betting, usually released midway through the following month.
- More on the Repeal of PASPA that paved the way for legal sports betting in the district – and everywhere else in the US outside of Nevada.
- Virginia Sports Betting – your complete guide to betting on sports in VA.
- Maryland Sports Betting – your complete guide to betting on sports in MA.
- Washington, DC Sports News – courtesy of ABC 7’s WJLA.
- Subscribe to Gaming Today for the latest sports betting news, tips, and insights.
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