The Washington, D.C. online sports betting market is live with four mobile apps currently available district-wide. There are also retail sportsbooks are sprinkled throughout D.C., mostly at sports venues.
In part due to the District of Columbia’s unique legal and political structure, gambling in Washington, D.C. is unlike any other region in the United States. Some online sports betting apps were previously only permitted within a short distance of professional sports facilities. That changed when the D.C. Council approved of its FY2025 budget that included a provision to open up the digital sports betting market, allowing Caesars, BetMGM, DraftKings and Fanatics, to join FanDuel in now being available throughout the district.
Find out all you need to know about the best D.C. sports betting apps now available.
DC Sports Betting Apps and Promos
Affiliate Disclosure: If you place a bet at a sportsbook through one of our links, we may earn a commission.
The D.C. Council’s decision to expand the realm of sports betting in D.C. means that there are now multiple options district-wide for bettors to choose from. With Caeasars, BetMGM, DraftKings and FanDuel now live, we break down what you need to know about each of the best sports betting apps in D.C.
Caesars Sportsbook DC
Caesars Sportsbook is a well-known brand for those sports fans 21 and older. The Caesars Sportsbook app is now available across Washington, D.C. district-wide, except for on federal lands and designated areas surrounding other professional sports venues. Caesars Sportsbook has offered in-person sports betting at Capital One Arena since 2021 through its partnership with Monumental Sports & Entertainment. Caesars was the first sportsbook in a U.S. professional sports venue when it opened at Capital One Arena
- Key features: Fast payouts, same-game parlays, odds boosts
- Live streaming? Yes
- Available on: iOS and Android
- App store ratings: Apple 4.6; Google 4.3
BetMGM Sportsbook DC
BetMGM Sportsbook is now available across Washington, D.C. It was previously accessible within only a two-block radius of the sportsbook’s location at Nationals Park. BetMGM will retain exclusivity for the two-block radius surrounding Nationals Park, where it operates the BetMGM Sportsbook, as part of a multi-year partnership with the Washington Nationals.
- Key features: Same-game parlays, live streaming, daily prop specials
- Live streaming? Yes
- Available on: iOS and Android
- App store ratings: Apple 4.8; Google 4.5
DraftKings DC
The DraftKings app is one of the industry’s top sportsbooks and it’s also now live district wide in D.C. Give it a shot and you’ll find a fantastic mobile app with arguably the best odds and market depth in the industry, even for relatively niche sporting events.
This app also provides daily fantasy sports access and live streaming, plus special “mobile-only” betting pools and app users have exclusive access to. The mobile app is the best way to experience DraftKings sports betting by far.
- Key features: Same game parlays, user-friendly interface, odds boosts
- Live streaming? Yes
- Available on: iOS and Android
- App Store ratings: Apple 4.7; Google: 4.6
Fanatics Sportsbook DC
Fanatics launched in the district on Sept. 12, 2024 and is the Official Sports Betting Partner of the Washington Spirit, the premier professional women’s soccer team based in Washington, D.C. The deal gives the Fanatics Sportsbook the right to launch its online sports betting platform across D.C.
Fanatics is the rebranded PointsBet app and its design, speed and quality of the navigation experience rivals some off the top sports betting apps in the market today. The app was one of the first to use BetVision, a live sports betting product that enables customers to place bets while live streaming select professional football games directly within the sportsbook app.
- Key features: Pre-game stats, pre-packaged same game parlays, early cashouts, strong live betting section
- Live streaming? Yes
- Available on: iOS and Android
- App Store Rating: Apple 4.7; Google 4.6
FanDuel Sportsbook DC
In the spring of 2024, FanDuel Sportsbook DC replaced the District-run option as the only online sportsbook available across D.C.
According to our tests of its mobile app in D.C., the FanDuel sportsbook consistently offers the best odds. FanDuel also operates a retail sportsbook at Audi Field. However, you’ll be unable to wager with the FanDuel app there as Audi Field is a restricted location for online wagering.
- Key features: In-game wagering, early cash outs, online betting guide
- Live streaming? Yes
- Available on: iOS and Android
- App store ratings: Apple 4.9; Google 4.6
What's Happening in DC Sports Betting News?
Washington DC Sportsbook Promo Codes and Bonuses To Explore
| 📱DC Sportsbook | 💰Promotion | 🎯Promo Code |
|---|---|---|
| Caesars Sportsbook | 💰Get up to a $1,000 First Bet on Caesars | Use code TODAY1000 |
| BetMGM Sportsbook | 💰Get $1,500 in Bonus Bets Instantly if your first bet doesn't win | 🎯TODAY |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | 💰Up to $1,300 in bonuses PLUS, get a 1-month subscription to NFL+ Premium | 🎯Click to Claim |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | 💰 Bet and Get up to $1,000 in bonus bets | 🎯 Click to Claim |
Thanks to the D.C. Council’s approval of its FY2025 budget that included a provision to open the digital sports betting market, there are now multiple sportsbooks in Washington DC.
FanDuel previously had a monopoly on citywide sports betting with all other apps limited to sports stadiums and their direct vicinity. As of July 17, 2024, both BetMGM and Caesars launched district-wide. BetMGM will retain exclusivity for the two-block radius surrounding Nationals Park where it operates the BetMGM Sportsbook.
Using the the Caesars Sportsbook promo code TODAY1000 new users in D.C. can get a $1,000 first bet on Caesars.
New BetMGM customers can download the BetMGM app and receive a first bet offer up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets with bonus code: TODAY. If your first bet doesn’t win, you’ll be eligible to receive Bonus Bets equal to the stake (up to $1,500) of your initial bet. Minimum $10 deposit required.
DraftKings is offering new users up to $1,300 in bonuses while Fanatics is offering users the chance to Bet and Get up to $1,000 in bonus bets.
How To Bet on Sports in Washington, DC
Washington, D.C., recently opened up for multiple sports betting operators, including BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Follow the steps below to learn how to bet on sports in Washington, D.C.
Step 1: Be in the Right Place
You can bet via FanDuel anywhere in the District except for federal enclaves. You can find a map of exactly where you need to be on the GambetDC website.
Other betting apps, such as Caesars Sportsbook and BetMGM, are now available district-wide. The only restriction with Caesars is it cannot be used on federal lands and designated areas surrounding other professional sports venues. BetMGM also maintains exclusivity for the two-block radius surrounding Nationals Park where it operates the BetMGM Sportsbook.
You do not have to be a resident of Washington, D.C. to place a bet via any of the DC sports betting apps. You have to be physically located in the right spot.
Step 2: Register and Deposit
For mobile sports betting, 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 pick to the betslip. You can also select and combine multiple bets into a parlay wager to maximize the payout.
Types of Bets at DC Sportsbooks
The sports fan who wishes to wager in Washington, D.C. can lay their money down in several ways. This section explains the types of bets available from D.C. sportsbook apps and betting sites.
Moneyline
Bet on the winner of a sporting event. The sportsbook will use the American Odds format, which is always tied to $100. For example, a +200 moneyline means your $100 bet will win $200 if the underdog wins. A -200 moneyline means you must bet $200 to win $100 on the favorite.
Futures Bets
Want to bet on which team will win the next NBA Finals? Or on how many games the Nationals will win in their next season? That’s where futures bets come in. You can often find betting odds for the next championship in a sport only minutes after the conclusion of the current season.
Player Props
A player prop is a wager on the performance of a specific athlete. Examples of a player prop with example odds:
- James Harden to score 25+ points at +175
- Aaron Rodgers to throw 2.5+ touchdowns at +280
- Bryce Harper to record 1.5 RBI at +245
A DC sportsbook may list odds for player props for almost any game in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college football, and so on. The number of player prop markets a sportsbook has is a good way to measure its usefulness.
Parlay Bets
The parlay bet is popular for its potential big payoff. But winning a parlay is not easy.
A parlay is a group of two or more bets. Each bet is called a “leg,” and the more legs on your parlay, the higher the odds. A parlay with five bets is called a “five-leg parlay,” and so on. Often, parlay odds are in excess of +1000, which means a $100 bet will win you $1,000 or more. Of course, you can wager as little as $5 or $10, if you wish.
A same-game parlay is when each leg (or bet) inside your parlay is associated with one sporting event.
Game Props
A game prop is a bet on something other than the outcome of a sporting event. For example, which team will score first, or how many three-point shots will be made, or whether a team will hit a grand slam.
Washington, D.C. sportsbooks will offer odds on many game props for almost every event. An NFL game often has dozens of game prop odds, and you’ll find many game props for MLB, NHL, NBA, and college games, too.
Be advised that regulations prohibit bets on college sports teams that are from the District. That means you won’t be able to place a bet on Georgetown or George Washington University, for example.
Most Popular Sports To Bet on in DC
Bettors in Washington, D.C., have dozens of sports options. Depending on the year, D.C. tends to attract more sports bettors to larger competitions like the Super Bowl or the World Series.
Washington, D.C. is big on its local teams, but the nation’s capital also draws in people from all over the US, making the most popular teams to bet on pretty diverse.
District of Columbia Teams
These are the fan-favorite teams in Washington, D.C.
| 🏈 DC Sports Team | League | 🏆 Championship Futures |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Commanders | NFL | |
| Washington Nationals | MLB | |
| Washington Wizards | NBA | |
| Washington Capitals | NHL | |
| D.C. United | MLS |
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders’ home stadium is Commanders Field, which is technically in Maryland. So there won’t be a DC sports betting app associated with the team, but you can bet via Maryland sports betting apps.
The Washington Commanders are one of the most popular betting options inside D.C. and in all states with legal sports betting. Not only is the NFL the No. 1 most popular sport for regular-season betting in the US, but Washington also has millions of fans nationwide.
DC United
The MLS is getting more popular, 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. While D.C. United did not make the playoffs this year, but bettors in the District can still bet on MLS Cup betting odds for the 2024 season.
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.
Capital One Arena Teams
Capital One Arena is home to the NBA’s Washington Wizards, the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, the NHL’s Washington Capitals, and America’s first in-stadium sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook. It’s a sports bettor’s paradise.
DC College Sports Teams
The following are the NCAA Division 1 college schools located in Washington, D.C.:
- American University
- George Washington
- Georgetown
- George Mason
- Howard University
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, D.C., and New Jersey have the same restrictions on college sports betting.
Further, you can visit Virginia, Maryland, or any other state with legal sports betting and place bets on Washington, D.C. teams.
You can also bet on D.C.-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 domestic and international professional sports in Washington, D.C. That means the following competitions are fair game:
- NASCAR
- Formula 1
- PGA
- Tennis
- MMA/UFC
- European soccer
- Cricket
- Rugby
- Aussie Rules football
- Asian baseball
If the DC Lottery allows the wager, it will be available for betting. If not, you can also contact the sportsbook to request the line.
While politics are huge in DC, you cannot wager on US election odds.
Furthermore, Washington, D.C., completely restricts horse racing betting. That means there are no in-district tracks, off-track betting (OTB) facilities, or horse race betting sites.
That said, Washington, D.C., 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 also shown at various bars across town, another opportunity for fighting bettors to create communal atmospheres.
District of Columbia Sports Betting: Quick Facts
| DC Population | 712,000 |
|---|---|
| Legal Betting Age | 21 |
| Sports Betting Regulator | DC Lottery |
| Online Sportsbooks | ✔️ Yes |
| Retail Sportsbooks | ✔️ Yes |
| College Sports Betting | ⚠️ Only on out-of-district schools |
| Esports Betting | No |
| Tax Rate | 10% |
Washington, DC Sports Betting Laws
Washington, D.C., has a different sports betting legal system than other states. For years, GambetDC was the only mobile sportsbook that was legal to operate from anywhere in the District. In the spring of 2024, FanDuel took over that distinction. The other four mobile sportsbooks that operate in D.C. are now available district-wide.
D.C. sports betting laws highlight two different types of licenses. The first is Class A licenses. Class A is designated for the four specific sporting venues. Capital One Arena, Nationals Park, Audi Field, and St. Elizabeth’s East Entertainment and Sports Arena are the four retail spaces that can be awarded the Class A license.
Other businesses in D.C. can apply for Class B licenses. The business can’t be just a sportsbook looking to open its doors. Some examples of participating businesses are restaurants and bars. Class B licensees cannot operate within two blocks of a Class A business.
Washington DC Sports Betting Revenue and Handle
Washington, D.C., sports betting revenue has remained consistent even though the overall sports betting handle has trended downward since legalization. See our state betting revenue page for additional information.
In 2023, District of Columbia sports betting brought in $154 million in handle and $16.5 million in revenue. The DC Lottery via GambetDC pulled in the most revenue for the year at $6.5 million, while BetMGM Sportsbook at Nationals Park was second with $6.4 million in revenue.
Revenue from D.C. sportsbooks pales in comparison to powerhouses like New Jersey, with its sports betting handle totaling over $11.9 billion in handle and $1 billion in revenue in 2023.
Full List of Mobile DC Betting Apps
With the sports betting sites available in D.C. beginning to open up, these are the best mobile betting options.
| 📱DC Sportsbook | ✅ Mobile and/or Retail? |
|---|---|
| 📱Caesars DC | ✅ Mobile and Retail |
| 📱BetMGM DC | ✅ Mobile and Retail |
| 📱DraftKings DC | ✅ Mobile |
| 📱Fanatics | ✅ Mobile |
| 📱FanDuel DC | ✅ Mobile and Retail |
What To Look for in DC Betting Apps
These criteria form the crux of our sportsbook rankings at Gaming Today.
Quality of Odds and Betting Lines
- How do their odds compare?
- Do they offer a plethora of odds on single sporting events?
Variety of Betting Markets
- How many sporting events and leagues do they have odds for?
- Do they offer odds for international pro leagues and events?
- How many total sports do they list odds for?
App Reliability and Ease of Use
- How does their app perform on multiple devices?
- Does the app provide an easily learnable interface?
- How convenient is it to find specific sports and odds?
- How many resources does the sportsbook app take up on your mobile phone or device?
Deposit and Withdrawal Options
- How many ways can I deposit funds into my sports betting account?
- Is it secure to add money to my account?
- What methods are available for withdrawing my winnings?
- How much time does it take to get my winnings from the mobile sports betting app?
Security
- Is my personal data safe?
- Has this sports betting operator had security breaches? If so, when and how were they resolved?
- How reputable and safe is the company or parent company of the sports betting operator?
- Could my personal data fall into the hands of bad actors?
Customer Support
- How many options does the sportsbook provide for customer support?
- How responsive is customer support?
- How many hoops did we have to jump through to reach an actual person in customer support?
- What is the quality of the help resources online?
- How difficult is it to find basic customer support contacts?
Welcome Offers and Deposit Bonuses
- Which welcome offers are available to new customers?
- What are the playthrough requirements and other restrictions on the welcome offers?
- Is there a deposit match or bonus? What are the details?
Promotions for Existing Customers
- How often does the sportsbook provide promotions for existing customers?
- What are playthrough requirements on promo offers?
- Does this sportsbook have regular odds boosts?
Where To Bet on Sports in the District of Columbia
Below is a comprehensive list of all retail sportsbooks where you can place in-person bets across the District of Columbia.
DC Sports Betting Locations: Retail Sportsbooks
| 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 DC Sports Betting Compares to Betting in Nearby States
Since the launch of legal online sports betting, Washington, D.C., has left much to be desired compared to states nearby or elsewhere in the nation. Traditionally, the government that guides DC has proven to be dysfunctional.
The District of Columbia can grant as many as three commercial licenses for sports betting. But for years, it allowed the use of those apps only within a geofenced area a few blocks away from professional sports arenas.
Granted, that all changed in April 2024, when FanDuel became legal across the District. Time will tell if this is a golden era post-GamBet’s monopoly.
However, Washington, DC does allow sports betting for those 18 and up, which is different than in neighboring Maryland and Virginia, which require sports bettors to be at least 21 years old. As a result, some consumers cross into DC from those states so they can place wagers before their 21st birthday.
Sports betting in Maryland became legal in May 2021 and fully launched in November 2022. Maryland has had success with sports betting so far, proving it can secure tax revenue that DC is missing out.
Retail sportsbooks are available in Maryland. The biggest pullaway from DC sports betting is the BetMGM Sportsbook, directly across the Potomac River in National Harbor. The BetMGM Sportsbook is so close to D.C. that visitors can see the famous monuments from the rooftop.
Like the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Virginia launched online sportsbooks despite having no local casinos. But unlike D.C., Virginia sports betting apps are commercial operators.
That means more accessibility, better odds, and more promotional offers. There are more than a dozen sportsbook apps available in Virginia.
Most crucially, sports betting apps and online sportsbooks are available throughout Virginia without the geographic restrictions found in the District of Columbia.
Virginia restricts college betting, though, prohibiting bets on in-state teams. If Virginia Tech fans want to bet on the Hokies or University of Virginia fans want to bet on the Cavaliers, they will need to head to D.C. or West Virginia.
In Virginia, you can bet on sports if you are 21, compared to 18 in D.C.
Pros and Cons of DC Sports Betting
Here is an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the D.C. sports betting industry.
Washington DC Sports Betting Successes
The legalization of sports betting in Washington, D.C. was a success for the entire United States because it set a precedent: if the country’s capital can legalize it, why can’t we? When D.C. took action to legalize sports betting apps and retail sportsbooks in 2018, it became one of the first jurisdictions to do so in the country. Though sportsbooks are limited to just a few, the District is well ahead of large states such as California, Texas, and Florida, which have yet to legalize or sort out statewide mobile sports betting.
Where Could DC Improve Online Gambling?
The Washington, D.C. sports betting market falls short compared to those of Virginia, West Virginia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. While those states permit multiple online sportsbooks, DC has licensed only one citywide operator: FanDuel. Mobile sports betting in the District could be far more profitable in terms of tax revenue if the city's leaders decided to allow additional sportsbooks. Operators like DraftKings could provide competitive pressure to the market.
Other Types of Gambling in DC
Washington, D.C. bettors have some access to sports betting. Here’s a look at other forms of gambling in the capital city.
| DC Gambling Alternative | Legal? |
|---|---|
| 💰 Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) | ✅ Yes |
| 🪙 Social Sportsbooks | ✅ Yes |
| 🐎 Horse Racing Betting | ❌ No |
| 💸 Lottery | ✅ Yes |
| 🤑 Online Casinos | ❌ No |
| ♠️ Online Poker | ❌ No |
| 🎮 Esports | ❌ No |
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
DraftKings, FanDuel, Sleeper, and Underdog Fantasy offer daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests in the District of Columbia. Consumers can register with DFS apps, create an account, and play daily or season-long DFS games. When playing daily fantasy sports games, the experience is much like sports betting. That’s because you can place “wagers” on how a player will perform on a given day, much like a prop bet.
Social Sportsbooks
Fliff Social Sportsbook is available for download via Google Play and the Apple App Store in DC. The Rebet app is another social sportsbook where users compete for virtual currency that can be exchanged for prizes.
Horse Racing Betting
Horse race betting is not legal in Washington, D.C., which means you’ll need to visit neighboring Maryland or another state to take part in that activity.
Lottery
The Office of Lottery and Gaming regulates the DC Lottery, which offers daily and weekly match-up-style games. The District of Columbia is part of the Mega Millions and Powerball networks.
Online Casinos
There are no online casinos or iGaming in D.C. at this time.
Online Poker
No, you cannot play online poker from within D.C.
Esports
The sportsbooks available in D.C. cannot offer odds on esports because that activity is not permitted in the Wagering Catalog by the Office of Lottery and Gaming.
District of Columbia Responsible Gaming
Sports betting and all gambling in DC is regulated by the Office of Lottery and Gaming. That agency issues licenses and also oversees the District lottery and charitable gaming. See our responsible gaming page for more information.
Since DC passed the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018, sports betting in the District of Columbia has been legal. Part of that legislation included requirements for the creation of responsible gaming (RG) programs.
The DC Responsible Gaming section of its website provides RG resources. The District has adopted a three-prong approach to RG: education, regulation, and research.
DC Sports Betting FAQ
Yes, betting on sports in Washington, D.C. is legal. Sports betting is available online and at retail locations.
Yes, DraftKings Sportsbook is currently available district wide in D.C. DraftKings DFS is also legal and available.
Yes. FanDuel has replaced GambetDC (as of April 15, 2024) as the primary mobile sportsbook available throughout the District.
No. However, you must be physically located within the District to place wagers. Geolocation software tracks your location for compliance.
Bettors must be 18 years or older. You must be 18 years old to bet online in Washington, D.C. This goes for the FanDuel app, Caesars Sportsbook, and BetMGM DC. The 18 and up age restriction applies to the District’s online and in-person sports betting.
BetMGM, DraftKings, Caesars, and FanDuel are all sports betting apps that can now be used throughout D.C. Caesars and BetMGM also have retail sportsbooks tied to pro sports facilities.
You can bet on an extensive catalog of sports in D.C. including NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. NASCAR, golf, tennis, soccer, and other sports and leagues are widely available. Betting on D.C. college teams is prohibited.
Yes, it is legal to bet on college sports in Washington, D.C. But it is illegal to bet on any D.C. college teams or on a college game in the District. This does not include college teams in VA and MD.
Offshore sportsbooks are unregulated, and your finances and personal data are not secure with such operations. In short, these sportsbooks are illegal.
You can bet on sports online in D.C. But online casino and online poker are not available.
Recent DC Sports Betting News
Fanatics Enters DC Market as District’s Fifth Sportsbook
Caesars Kiosks Replacing GambetDC
DraftKings DC Launch Announced for Nation’s Capital
DraftKings DC Plans to Join Growing, But Stalled List of Capital City Sportsbooks
Caesars, BetMGM to Grow DC Sports Betting Market
More Like DC: Legal Sports Betting States
Below is a list of all the states that feature legal online sports betting.
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