DC Sports Betting: Best Legal DC Sportsbooks 2024
The DC sports betting scene is among the most unique in the U.S., with FanDuel serving as the region's only online sportsbook. Other operators, BetMGM and Caesars, are restricted to brick-and-mortar locations only.
Our guide covering DC sportsbooks will keep you updated with The District's latest bonuses, news, and betting opportunities from its best sports betting sites.
Best DC sports betting apps
- More details
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- Caesars Benefits
- Best customer support
- Top-tier rewards program
- NFL live streaming
- Caesars Review
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- BetMGM Benefits
- Good deposit options
- Offers same-game parlays
- Live streaming on the site and in the apps
- BetMGM Review
- Population: 5.3 million
- Legal age for sports betting: 18
- Online sports betting: Yes
- Retail sportsbooks: Yes
- Sports betting revenue: $13.5 million
DC sports betting updates
The timeline below outlines the major events in DC’s legal sports betting journey:
April 15, 2024: FanDuel goes live in DC at noon ET.
April 13, 2024: GambetDC accounces plans to close in DC, with FanDuel to take over as a subcontractor.
March 22, 2024: DC may introduce more online sportsbooks following the announcement of the Sports Wagering Amendment Act of 2024, which would overhaul the state's current sports betting system.
March 11, 2024: FanDuel will take over DC sports betting from GamBetDC and projects to earn $199 million in revenue — a 30 times increase — within its first five years.
Dec. 27, 2022: The Cloakroom is granted a DC sports betting license. The Over Under Sportsbook Rooftop Lounge will hold its soft launch on Dec. 29.
Oct. 24, 2022: DC Council Member Elissa Silverman proposes a bill that would permit third-party mobile sportsbook operators to enter the district's sports betting market.
July 13, 2022: The DC Council holds a virtual roundtable to discuss sports wagering and the failures of the GambetDC mobile app. There is talk of potentially ending the contract with Intralot, the GambetDC app provider, which currently runs through July 2024.
July 6, 2022: FanDuel announces it will host the grand opening of its retail sportsbook at Audi Field on July 8, 2022. The physical sportsbook is the first to be located at an MLS venue in the U.S.
Feb. 14, 2022: Elys Game Technology executes its second partnership with a DC Class B operator. Elys, via its subsidiary USBookmaking, will operate a retail sportsbook in the Cloakroom.
Jan. 31, 2022: The BetMGM retail sportsbook at Nationals Park officially opens after months of allowing mobile-only wagering.
Oct. 4, 2021: Grand Central Restaurant, Bar, and Sportbook becomes the first restaurant and Class B operator to open a sportsbook in DC.
Aug. 2, 2021: William Hill rebrands as Caesars Sportbook by William Hill.
June 10, 2021: BetMGM partners with the Washington Nationals and launches geofenced mobile betting at Nationals Park.
June 8, 2021: FanDuel applies for a DC sports betting license.
May 26, 2021: William Hill becomes the first operator to open a retail sportsbook in a professional sports venue in the United States. Capital One Arena houses the brick-and-mortar sportsbook.
Dec. 29, 2020: William Hill launches its mobile app in DC. Bettors must remain within a two-block radius of Capital One Arena to place bets.
Aug. 30, 2019: The Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) finalizes DC sports betting rules and regulations.
May 3, 2019: The Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018 goes into effect with no intervention from Congress.
Jan. 23, 2019: Mayor Muriel Bowser signs Bill 22-944. As DC is not a state, Congress is given 60 days to veto the district’s approval of the bill.
May 14, 2018: SCOTUS overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). Each U.S. jurisdiction is now free to legalize and regulate sports betting.
Is sports betting legal in DC?
Yes, DC sports betting is legal. The Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018 — Act 22-594 — authorized both lottery-run mobile and third-party retail betting.
On Jan. 23, 2019, Mayor Muriel Bowser endorsed the district's sports wagering bill, and Congress granted final approval by not intervening within 60 days of the district's decision.
However, the controversial decision to monopolize all online and mobile gaming in DC has not met expectations. GamebetDC — the Intralot-powered lottery platform — failed to deliver on its promise to generate more sports betting revenue than an open-market model. Instead, the district's retail sportsbooks, Caesars and BetMGM, have proven to be more popular in the nation's capital.
FanDuel took over for GambetDC in April 2024 and promises to give DC bettors a much better online sports betting experience moving forward.
Best DC sports betting offers and bonuses
In 2024, DC sports bettors have one district-wide mobile sportsbook and one sign-up offer available:
FanDuel - Bet $5, get $150: New FanDuel users can sign up, deposit $10, and place a $5 initial wager to receive $150 in bonus bets if the wager is successful. No FanDuel promo code is required to score this offer.
DC bettors 18 and older can claim this offer.
Top three DC sports betting sites
Two of DC's three mobile betting apps are tethered to retail locations. Regardless, all three platforms — FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook (Capital One Arena) and BetMGM (Nationals Park) — are worth a download in the district.
1. FanDuel DC
Bet $5, get $150 if your bet wins
Ends: June 5, 2024
FanDuel is the top online sportsbook in the country and a giant step up in class for DC bettors. From its premier sportsbook interface and steady flow of sportsbook promos to a massive list of betting markets and an incredible sports betting app, FanDuel has it all.
Read our full analysis of the sportsbook in our FanDuel Review.
- App Store rating: 4.9 (iOS); 4.6 (Android)
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
2. Caesars Sportsbook DC
Top-notch support
Bet at Capital One Arena
Caesars Sportsbook boasts an intuitive betting app and industry-best customer support. Tethered to Capital One Arena, DC bettors can access this top-notch online sports betting platform while taking in a Washington Capitals or Washington Wizards game.
Check out our Caesars Sportsbook review for more on DC's best sportsbook.
- App Store rating: 4.6 (iOS), 4.4 (Android)
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
3. BetMGM DC
Great range of sports
Bet at Nationals Park
BetMGM delivers a fantastic mobile sports gambling experience in DC, featuring betting markets aplenty and a steady flow of solid promotions. The Entain and MGM Resorts International-owned sportsbook offers same-game parlays, live betting, and live streaming in DC.
Read all about BetMGM DC in our BetMGM Review.
- App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.3 (Android)
- Payout speed: 2 days
What sportsbooks are legal in DC?
The Office of Lottery and Gaming regulates operators of three DC sports betting apps. Now that GambetDC has been replaced with FanDuel as the only district-wide option, sports bettors can finally experience a top-tier betting platform. Caesars and BetMGM are also available to bettors within a two-block radius of each brick-and-mortar sportsbook.
- FanDuel - Top sportsbook
- Caesars - Best rewards program
- BetMGM - Great market coverage
Legal sportsbooks in DC
FanDuel is the only option for district-wide DC sports betting. Physical bets can be placed at five retail sportsbooks: Caesars Sportsbook at Capital One Arena, BetMGM Sportsbook at Nationals Park, FanDuel Sportsbook at Audi Field, Grand Central Sportsbook, and Over Under Sportsbook Rooftop Lounge.
Three DC bars — Duffy’s Irish Pub, Wet Dog Tavern, and The Brig — have applied for Class B sports betting licenses. Duffy’s Irish Pub is now operational with self-serve GambetDC betting kiosks. All betting kiosks in DC will transition to FanDuel in 2024.
DC's online and mobile sportsbooks
Online sportsbook | Mobile app | Odds provider | Online casino | Retail partner |
---|---|---|---|---|
BetMGM | Yes | BetMGM | No | Nationals Park |
Caesars Sportsbook | Yes | Caesars | No | Capital One Arena |
FanDuel | Yes | Flutter | No | N/A |
Land-based DC sportsbooks
Sportsbook | Venue | Odds provider | Launch date |
---|---|---|---|
BetMGM | Nationals Park | BetMGM | Jan. 31, 2022 |
Caesars Sportsbook | Capital One Arena | Caesars | May 2021 |
FanDuel | Audi Field | Flutter | July 8, 2022 |
Grand Central Sportsbook | Grand Central Restaurant, Bar, and Sportsbook | Elys | October 2021 |
Handle 19 | Handle 19 | TBD | TBD |
Over Under Sportsbook Rooftop Lounge | The Cloakroom | Elys | Jan. 14, 2023 |
Latest DC sports betting news
Who can partake in DC sports betting?
DC sports bettors must be at least 18 years of age to place a legal wager online or in person. Retail DC sportsbooks and betting kiosks can be found throughout the district.
Here's a look at everything you'll need to know before placing your first DC sports bet.
Legal age
While most U.S. jurisdictions require sports bettors to be at least 21, DC's sports betting law allows those as young as 18 years old to place legal wagers.
Mobile betting
DC’s only district-wide option is FanDuel. However, a few restrictions are in place: FanDuel users cannot place wagers on federal land. The National Mall, White House, Capitol, congressional office buildings, East Potomac Park, and Rock Creek Park are off-limits.
While Caesars and BetMGM have both launched mobile betting in DC, these mobile sports betting apps are tethered to brick-and-mortar locations and can only be accessed by bettors within a two-block radius. The Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) regulates all mobile DC sports betting.
Remote registration
FanDuel allows users to complete the sign-up process from anywhere in DC. Expect to share some personal details, including the last four digits of your SSN. Bettors will need to visit the BetMGM or Caesars retail sportsbook to register and bet with their respective mobile apps.
Within city borders
All FanDuel bets must be placed by gamblers physically located in DC. The platform uses geofencing software to ensure that all users haven’t stumbled into a neighboring state.
Retail sportsbooks
DC sports betting enthusiasts can find brick-and-mortar locations at Capital One Arena (Caesars), Nationals Park (BetMGM), Audi Field (FanDuel), Grand Central Restaurant, Bar, and Sportsbook, and Over Under Sportsbook Rooftop Lounge.
Taxable winnings
DC gamblers are taxed at the federal and state levels. The DC lottery reports all gambling winnings over $600 and must withhold 25% of payouts exceeding $5,000. At the state level, expect to hand over an additional 8.5% of sports bet winnings.
The pros and cons of DC sports betting
DC benefits from fully mobile sports wagering, meaning residents and visitors can place legal bets from anywhere in the district. Unfortunately, the DC Lottery holds a monopoly on the entire district's online betting, subcontracting FanDuel.
How to start betting in DC
DC bettors have the option of betting online with FanDuel or visiting a retail sportsbook. Alternatives aren’t exactly plentiful, so you must take advantage of sign-up bonuses and seek out the most favorable betting lines available.
Select a sportsbook
Before placing a wager, sports bettors will have to decide how they want to bet in DC. If gambling remotely, FanDuel will be the only way to go. The in-person crowd should consider popular DC sportsbooks BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook.
Register in person
Sports bettors in DC can register with FanDuel with just a few clicks or taps. After sharing some personal information and verifying your account, you’ll nearly be ready to place your first bet.
Claim a bonus
Those new to DC sports betting will often have the opportunity to claim a welcome bonus. Be sure to scour a sportsbook's website and mobile app to ensure you are getting the most on your initial wager.
Deposit funds
DC sports gamblers can fund their FanDuel sportsbook account with credit cards, debit cards, Skrill, Play+, and VIP Preferred ACH/e-Check. Most deposits should appear in your account immediately, but some may come with transaction fees.
Choose your bet types
DC sports betting includes a wide variety of popular bet types. From moneylines, point spreads, and Over/Unders (totals) to live betting, props, and parlays, bettors will be sure to find what they're looking for.
Start betting
Once you’ve brushed up on the basics and identified the bets you’re comfortable with, you’ll be ready to confirm your pick(s). Make sure you're familiar with the conditions your sportsbook places on each type of bet.
Withdraw funds
Withdrawals, unlike deposits, are not immediate. It can take a few days for DC sportsbooks to process withdrawn funds, and it may take a couple of additional days before you see your winnings in your bank account. Always read the terms and conditions of the sportsbook and your financial institution to avoid unwelcome surprises.
Reading the odds
American odds show DC bettors which event is favored and which event is more unlikely to occur. These odds also display the potential payout for a successful wager.
You can spot a favorite by looking for a minus (-) sign. The number that follows indicates how much you'll have to bet to win $100. For example, if the Washington Nationals are -300 favorites, a $300 wager will return $100.
Underdogs are accompanied by a plus (+) sign. The amount next to the plus sign is the amount you would win should you place a $100 stake on a winner. For example, wagering $100 on the Washington Commanders at +200 odds could lead to $200 in profit. While the riskier bet, a wager on an underdog could pay huge dividends.
If you'd prefer to view odds as decimals or fractions, head over to our odds converter. Here, you'll be able to cycle between American, decimal, and fractional odds.
What you can't bet on in DC
There are a few betting restrictions in DC, with the following wagers being off-limits:
Politics
DC bettors cannot bet on political events. This type of bet is off-limits in every U.S. jurisdiction.
Entertainment award ceremonies
DC sportsbooks don't post betting lines on popular awards shows like the Emmys or Academy Awards.esports
There is no way to bet on esports at DC sports betting sites at this time.
What about DC college sports?
You can place college sports bets online or at retail DC sportsbooks. There is a catch, however: Bettors cannot wager on any game taking place in the district.
DC sports betting handle
Unlike other states with fully mobile wagering, retail sports betting accounts for much of the action in the district. However, this could change soon with the arrival of FanDuel.
Keep tabs on sports betting revenue and the monthly handle and hold from each legal U.S. state.
The figures below will be updated monthly (Note: GambetDC and commercial figures are released separately by the OLG. We've combined these figures in the yearly breakdown below through February 2024):
Yearly breakdown
Year | Total handle | Revenue | Hold percentage | Tax revenue |
---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | - | - | - | - |
2023 | $169.8M | $19M | 11.6% | $5.4M |
2022 | $62.6M | $7.8M | 12.4% | $6.2M |
2021 | $203.2M | $29.3M | 14.4% | $6.3M |
2020 | $80.5M | $13.5M | 16.8% | $2.97M |
Monthly handle - GambetDC (lottery)
Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total |
2024 | $15.9M | $11.9M | $15.7M | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
2023 | $8.7M | $5.7M | $6.5M | $14M | $12.5M | $11.2M | $7.72M | $8.11M | $14.5M | $16.4M | $17.1M | $15.3M | $169.8M |
2022 | $5.7M | $3.9M | $6.2M | $5.1M | $5M | $3.7M | $3.2M | $3.4M | $5.5M | $7.5M | $6.5M | $6.4M | $62.6M |
2021 | $5.1M | $4.1M | $3.8M | $2.7M | $3M | $3.4M | $2.1M | $1.6M | $3.6M | $5.5M | $5.2M | $4.9M | $45.6M |
2020 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $9,723 | $223K | $741K | $2.1M | $3.2M | $4.1M | $3.8M | $4.2M | $18.7M |
Monthly handle - commercial operators
Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total |
2023 | $11.3M | $8.9M | $11.5M | $31.8M | |||||||||
2022 | $12.8M | $15.1M | $14.2M | $13.1M | $12.1M | $9.9M | $8M | $9.7M | $13.4M | $17.3M | - | - | $126M |
2021 | $10.5M | $11.1M | $11.4M | $8M | $10.6M | $16M | $10.6M | $10.8M | $17M | $20.7M | $16.1M | $14.2M | $143.2M |
2020 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $1,830 | $9.1M | $12.1M | $14.3M | $13.7M | $12.4M | $61.7M |
Home team advantage: DC sports
DC sports fans are a passionate bunch, and while it’s admirable to back your hometown professional sports teams through both championship runs and painful rebuilds, it’s not always wise to support them with your bankroll. Always ensure your bets are unbiased and well-researched before locking them in.
Check out our how to bet guides to get started at DC betting sites.
Although no scheduled fights are coming to DC, the best UFC betting sites and top boxing betting sites allow you to easily browse the markets and back fighters you can cheer on as passionately as your hometown teams.
DC sports betting law
Mayor Muriel Bowser signed DC sports betting Bill 22-944 on Jan. 29, 2019. GambetDC, a lottery-run online sportsbook, went live on May 28, 2020, and was replaced by FanDuel on April 15, 2024.
Legal DC sports betting highlights include:
- The Office of Lottery and Gaming regulates DC's legal sports betting market.
- Bettors must be 18 or older to place a wager online or in person in DC.
- DC sports gambling law calls for just one state-wide mobile sportsbook — FanDuel. Two sports betting licenses are allowed for each lottery retailer.
- Sports betting revenue is taxed at a rate of 10%.
- College sports betting is permitted in DC when events occur outside the district.
- DC sportsbooks do not offer esports betting markets.
Other types of gambling
In 2011, DC passed the first online gambling law in U.S. history. Unfortunately, the city chose to repeal the law in February 2012 due to procedural concerns and a lack of transparency. Aside from sports betting, all types of online gambling remain illegal in DC.
Casino
You won’t find any casino gambling facilities in DC. As mentioned, online casinos are illegal in the district as well.
Nearby casinos can be found in Maryland, while West Virginia is the best option for online casino betting.
Poker
Aside from charity poker events, there is no legal poker in DC. However, district residents and visitors can find several poker tables in Maryland and West Virginia.
Horse racing
Although there are no dedicated horse racing tracks or off-track betting sites (OTBs) in DC, Maryland and Virginia offer nearby live and online wagering options.
Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course are the most popular options for live betting, while TVG and TwinSpires are among the best horse racing betting sites in MD and VA.
Daily fantasy sports
Gamblers in DC can legally participate in DFS (daily fantasy sports) contests. Language outlawing daily fantasy sports has not been included in the district’s sports betting legislation.
Quick facts: DC sports betting
Review the table below to stay on top of the DC sports betting industry:
DC sports betting launch date | May 28, 2020 |
Legal age for betting | 18 |
Online sports betting | Yes ✅ |
Number of betting sites | 1 |
Remote registration | FanDuel only |
Retail sportsbooks | Yes ✅ |
Online casino sites | No ❌ |
Online poker | No ❌ |
Retail casinos | No ❌ |
Betting on college sports | Limited ✅ |
Betting on esports | No ❌ |
State population | 671,803 |
Total handle (2023) | $169.8M |
Tax rate | 10% (on-site) |
State regulator | DC Office of Lottery and Gaming |
Last Verified | May 2, 2024 ✅ |
Responsible gaming in DC
Despite its relatively conservative stance on gambling, DC is surrounded by legal betting. For district residents unable to control their gambling habits, many resources are available. The National Council on Problem Gambling is headquartered in DC and is the first place problem gamblers should turn. The district’s self-exclusion program also gives individuals an opportunity to ban themselves from all forms of gambling voluntarily.
Legal U.S. sports betting markets
In addition to DC, many U.S. states have legalized sports betting. You can wager online and/or in person —or will soon be able to do so — in the following jurisdictions:
Upcoming legal U.S. sports betting launches
North Carolina sports betting arrived on March 11, 2024, with several top sportsbooks, including FanDuel and DraftKings, now available for registration.
Sports bettors in the Green Mountain State are able to place wagers as of Jan. 11, 2024, with the official launch of Vermont sports betting.
Maine sports betting went live in November 2023. The state's tribes hold exclusive rights to the online sports betting market, while retail sports betting takes place in casinos.
Legal Kentucky sports betting arrived in time for the NFL season, with retail wagering going live on Sept. 7, 2023, followed by online operations launching on Sept. 28.
Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets
Not every location has legalized sports wagering as DC has. These are the states moving toward legal sports betting that may potentially offer it in the near future:
DC sports betting history
DC sports betting became a reality in 2019, and the first legal option materialized early in 2020. Just one state-wide mobile sportsbook exists in 2024.
2023: DC Mayor Muriel Bowser wants to repeal provisions in DC's sports betting law that allocate the first $200,000 in yearly sports betting revenue to problem gambling initiatives.
2022: BetMGM opens a retail sportsbook at Nationals Park. A second retail location is unveiled as FanDuel Sportsbook takes its first bets at Audi Field.
2021: William Hill opens the first retail sportsbook in a professional sports stadium or arena in the U.S. at Capital One Arena.
BetMGM begins offering mobile betting at Nationals Park.
2020: DC Lottery launches the district's first mobile sportsbook — GambetDC. Later in the year, William Hill offers its mobile betting app to bettors within a two-block radius of Capital One Arena.
2019: The Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018 goes into effect on May 3. The Office of Lottery and Gaming establishes DC sports betting rules for privately-owned sports betting operators.
2018: The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act is repealed in May, paving the way to legal sports betting in the United States.
List of DC resources
Dive into some of our favorite DC sports betting resources for more insights on the legal gambling landscape in the district:
- DC Office of Lottery and Gaming: Regulating body in DC
- DC sports betting law: Act 22-594
- National Council on Problem Gambling: Resources for problem gamblers in DC
- Rules for District-operated sports betting: Regulations established in August 2019
DC sports betting conclusion
The fact that DC's retail sports betting market is outpacing its mobile offering in every facet is a good indicator of residents' feelings toward the recently departed GambetDC app. Luckily, the Intralot-powered platform's poor odds and subpar user interface are a thing of the past.
DC welcomed FanDuel to the district in 2024, giving local bettors a much more reliable and enjoyable sports betting app. Although an online sports betting monopoly remains in place, FanDuel is an upgrade in every aspect.
Physical sportsbooks run by third-party operators also operate reliable DC betting sites. Each is located at a different district stadium as well, meaning bettors won't have to look far to start locking in wagers.
Sportsbooks to avoid in DC
See all blacklisted sportsbooks
Although it may be tempting, we recommend avoiding offshore sportsbooks when betting in DC. The Office of Lottery and Gaming does not regulate these websites, and you'll have no legal recourse should anything happen to your bankroll. Stay away from the operators below and place your bets with legal DC sports betting sites that have sportsbook licenses.
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
DC sports betting FAQ
Yes, DC sports betting is legal. DC sportsbooks are regulated by the Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG).
You can bet online from almost anywhere in the district with FanDuel or visit retail DC sportsbooks to place wagers in person.
DC sports bettors can legally place all popular wagers online or at a brick-and-mortar location.
There is only one fully mobile and district-wide online option — FanDuel. While some retail sportsbooks may have an online app, like BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook, these can only be used within a two-block radius of the sportsbook.
Yes, you may confirm your bets with a sportsbook mobile app or the FanDuel website.
Yes. Whether you're betting online with FanDuel or making your way to a retail sportsbook, you can expect to encounter odds similar to what you would find in Las Vegas.
You must be 18 or older to place a legal sports bet in DC.
No, bet365 does not have an operating license and is not legal in DC.
You can bet on sports anywhere in DC. The district has access to fully mobile event wagering via FanDuel. If you prefer to bet in person, you can find retail sportsbooks at Audi Field, Capital One Arena, and Nationals Park. GambetDC kiosks are operational at licensed Class B locations.
Yes, you can bet on DC teams. You may not, however, wager on college teams playing in DC.
No, you do not have to live in DC to bet online, but you cannot use FanDuel DC if you are not physically located in DC. The platform uses geofencing software to restrict access to those outside of DC.
In 2023, the DC Lottery and the city's commercial operators raked in a collective $19 million in sports betting revenue.
Jeff has been reviewing sportsbooks and covering North American sports betting and iGaming at Covers since 2021. The former NHL prospects writer has crafted over 100 reviews and guides for the Covers community and has been sweating his own picks for over a decade.