Is sports betting legal in Washington D.C.?
Yes. Sports betting is legal in Washington D.C., but it has yet to launch. A sports betting bill officially passed 2019 and has hit numerous snags since which is why it hadn't launched as of spring 2020.
The law permits one sportsbook located in each of the city's four major stadiums (not including RFK stadium due to location) as well as authorized retailers outside of a two-block radius from those stadiums. While details and licenses continue to be hammered out, the goal is for mobile sports betting to launch whenever sports return.
The launch of betting app GambetDC (odds powered by Intralot), provided by DC Lottery, was delayed because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Since the bill passed, there have been concerns about a monopoly with DC Lottery, which was granted free rein over mobile sports betting. Similar issues have occurred in other states, especially ones where Intralot is involved because they can set whatever odds they want without competition.
Once sports return and sports betting officially launches in D.C., stadiums, bars and restaurants will be able to apply for betting licenses. While retail locations have more of a process, the mobile betting app through GambetDC is expected to go live immediately once there are sports to bet on again.
The first retail sportsbook to be available to residents will likely be William Hill, which was the first operator to strike a deal with a stadium (Capital One Arena).
Daily Fantasy Sports are considered to be games of skill in D.C. and while there have been no laws passed regulating contests, fantasy sites continue to operate freely.