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Washington, D.C.’s online casino bill could still pass this year, industry sources told SBC Americas. But the proposal remains in committee as the Council’s legislative calendar winds down.
Councilmember Wendell Felder’s Internet Gaming and Consumer Protection Act of 2026 would legalize online casinos and ban dual-currency sweepstakes casinos. The Office of Lottery and Gaming would oversee the licensed market.
DC Council Has Three Legislative Meetings Left
The bill remains in the Committee on Human Services following its only hearing on May 4. Felder introduced it in April.
The Council’s remaining scheduled legislative meetings are Nov. 10, Dec. 1 and Dec. 15. Committee of the Whole meetings are scheduled for Nov. 24 and Dec. 15.
The current Council term ends Jan. 2, 2027. According to SBC Americas, missing the final December legislative meeting would require reintroduction before a partly new Council and new mayor.
At-large Councilmember Christina Henderson expressed reservations during the May hearing: “The jury is still out on this.”
Online Casino Licenses Would Carry a $2 Million Fee
The proposal would establish an open market without a cap on operator licenses. Operators would pay a $2 million application fee for a five-year license, followed by $500,000 for each five-year renewal.
Supplier application fees would be $50,000, with renewals costing $25,000. Each operator license would allow up to two brands, although the OLG could approve more.
Players would need to be at least 21. The bill would authorize live-dealer and peer-to-peer games, along with reciprocal agreements with other jurisdictions.
Operators could also share wallets with sports betting accounts, subject to OLG approval.
Adjusted gross gaming revenue would face a 25% tax. The first $500,000 would go to the Department of Behavioral Health for problem gambling services. The remainder would go to the General Fund.
DraftKings described online casino as a “natural next step” following the District’s sports wagering modernization. BetMGM said it had already invested more than $65 million in DC. Stop Predatory Gambling opposed the legislation.
Sweepstakes Ban Would Include Daily Penalties
The bill’s sweepstakes provision targets games or platforms using two or more currencies, credits or tokens. At least one must be redeemable for cash or prizes to meet its dual-currency definition.
The OLG could issue cease-and-desist orders. The DC Attorney General could seek injunctions, restitution and disgorgement.
Each day of a violation would count separately. Fines could reach $100,000 per violation and $500,000 for violations tied to the same pattern or practice.
ARB Interactive, owner of Publishers Clearing House, testified against the sweepstakes ban.
Source: As reported by SBC Americas.
