The arrival of BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook as licensed operators serving all of Washington, D.C. has been delayed.
BetMGM and Caesars are no longer launching in D.C. on July 15 as originally planned due to Mayor Muriel Bowser failing to sign a bill that would make the nation’s capital an open sports betting market. Since April, FanDuel has served as D.C.’s exclusive sports betting provider after its takeover of GambetDC. The former Intralot subcontractor held a monopoly over D.C.’s market but received complaints from bettors over poor performance.
As a result, the Office of Lottery and Gaming tapped FanDuel as its exclusive operator but the sportsbook is now offline in D.C. amid Bowser’s failure to sign the measure.
Creating an open market in D.C.
FanDuel’s control over D.C. came to an end amid attempts to change active legislation.
Earlier this year, council member Kenyan McDuffie introduced, the Sports Wagering Amendment Act of 2024, a measure that aimed to create an open D.C. market. The bill garnered enough support to be included in D.C.’s budget, which went into effect on July 15.
FanDuel serves all of D.C. as its exclusive operator but wagering on the platform is restricted on federal land, including the National Mall, White House and Capitol.
Bettors in D.C. are also barred from wagering at East Potomac Park and Rock Creek Park.
Familiar market for BetMGM and Caesars
The two gaming operators are already reaping the benefits of D.C.’s gaming market.
BetMGM and Caesars are currently authorized to accept mobile wagers within a two-block radius of their brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in D.C. BetMGM has solidified a retail presence at National’s Park, the home of the Washington Nationals since 2008. Caesars has established a presence at Capital One Arena, home of the Washington Wizards, Capitals and Mystics while FanDuel hosts retail operations at D.C. United’s Audi Field.
