Washington D.C Sports Betting: Best DC Betting Sites in 2024

Sports betting is available right now in DC. The nation's capital boasts three sportsbook apps — GambetDC, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook — with each service available in select areas of the district. As up to five sportsbooks are permitted to operate in DC simultaneously, the district's current standing leaves room for two more operators. 

FanDuel Sportsbook is set to take over operations from GambetDC in spring 2024. If this deal is successful it'll mark a brand new era for the capital, with the original sportsbook proving less-than-popular among DC punters. 

Here, I break down DC's betting laws, history, and current promotions. You'll have a pretty good idea of the best sports betting site for you by the end of this piece, so let's dig in.

Washington DC Betting Info 

• Is Online Sports Betting Legal? Yes
• Washington DC sports betting launch date? June 2020
• What is the Legal Age to Gamble? 18+
• How many Sportsbooks are Available? 3
• Are Retail Sportsbook Available? Yes
• Washington DC College Sports Betting? Yes, but not on DC-based teams
• Who is the State Regulator? The Office of Lottery and Gaming

Best Sports Betting Sites Currently Available in Washington DC

The Washington, DC sports betting industry is home to three sportsbooks. Each of the currently available operators provides a unique take on odds, markets, and bonuses, with bettors free to wager on domestic and global events. 

Let's examine all three of the best DC sports betting sites.

BetMGM Sportsbook Washington DC

The self-proclaimed 'King of Sportsbooks' set up shop in Washington, DC in 2021 after penning a deal with the Washington Nationals — the capital's local MLB outfit. BetMGM's arrival was met with vigor and positivity, rousing thousands of bettors to indulge in competitive odds and exciting promotions. Following a couple of years in the sports betting doldrums, BetMGM Sportsbook was just what DC bettors had been looking for. 

You can now bet on the NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS, and the NBA via BetMGM's DC-centric website and app. The state's laws limit where you can legally access BetMGM, though — with players only allowed to use the sportsbook within a two-block radius of Nationals Park. 

Nevertheless, a fantastic welcome bonus awaits upon signing up. Up to $1,500 in bonus bets is up for grabs, so sign up today to clinch this limited-time package.

Caesars Sportsbook Washington DC

Owned and formerly known to DC bettors as William Hill, Caesars Sportsbooks delivers fast-paced betting action to users in the District of Columbia. The popular betting brand initially entered the region as an in-person establishment only, but having noticed the wide gap in DC's sports wagering market, Caesars released a downloadable betting app in December 2020. 

Bettors flocked in great numbers and haven't turned back. The app is easy to use, offers 20+ sports betting options, and regularly rewards new and existing customers. My favorite aspect of Caesars Sportsbook is the platform's odds — a nice pallet cleanser after experiencing GambetDC and its poorly optimized facilities. 

Join Caesars Sportsbook now to snag $1,000 in bonus bets using the code 'CZR1000' when signing up.

GambetDC 

GambetDC represents Washington, DC's first foray into the online sports betting scene. Launched in 2020, the website and app immediately grabbed unwanted attention for effectively taking advantage of its monopolization of DC's betting industry by publishing poor odds. It's struggled to recover ever since. 

The sportsbook's issues were confounded in 2024 when FanDuel announced it would take over from GambetDC. This means that GambetDC will cease operations in the spring of 2024, with FanDuel due to launch its own platform during the same period.

FanDuel Sportsbook Washington DC

FanDuel Sportsbook has promised much ahead of its anticipated online launch in DC. The operator laid out its intentions to the Office for Lottery and Gaming in 2024 — detailing a guaranteed revenue for the city worth $45 million over the course of its half-decade-long contract. 

But it's not just about picking up the financial pieces left by the wreckage of GambetDC. FanDuel Sportsbook have a big job to do which entails replacing a dead-end sportsbook with top-of-the-range features, new and rewarding bonuses, and supplying the region's bettors with improved odds. 

A deal with MLS franchise DC United is already in place. When FanDuel's online product hits DC in the springtime, users will be treated to a 'Bet $5 Get $200' in bonus bets welcome offer instantly. 

Washington DC Sports Betting Timeline & Legislation Updates

• 2018: PASPA is deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Washington, DC immediately begins work on a possible framework for legal sports betting, with bill B22-0944 introduced. Also known as the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act, this bill seeks to allow retail and online sports betting. The OLG would oversee all gambling activities in the region.
• 2019: The Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act passes in January 2019. However, unlike other areas in the US, bills in DC must be submitted to the US Congress before being confirmed as law. This procedure concluded in May 2019 — and thus began DC's legal sports betting industry. 
• 2020: Despite legalizing sports betting one year earlier, the first sportsbook takes an entire year to launch due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2020, DC finally opens its first-ever online sportsbook in the shape of GambetDC. Unfortunately, bettors are left bemused by the operator's incredibly poor odds. 
• Then comes William Hill. Despite requiring players to bet at a retail venue, the sportsbook achieves a greater share of sports handle compared to GambetDC. A William Hill sports betting platform arrives in December, further tightening the operator's grip on the nation's capital. 
• 2021: Renowned sports betting operator, BetMGM, ventures to DC in the summer of 2021. With GambetDC now competing against two industry titans, it seems only a matter of time before the operator's bubble bursts. 
• 2022: FanDuel takes its first steps in DC with a retail location at Audi Field. During the same year, Caesars reveals that the 'Caesars by William Hill' platform will be shuttered and replaced by an updated Caesars sportsbook app.
• 2023: In a controversial move, DC lawmakers repeal a ruling that had ensured guaranteed funding for gambling problem initiatives. The decision is met with furor from responsible gambling agencies and organizations.
• 2024: In March 2024, FanDuel announces that it will replace GambetDC in the spring and promises to accrue greater revenue for the capital. 

Washington DC Sportsbooks Hoping to Launch Soon 

With FanDuel replacing GambetDC rather than becoming the fourth sportsbook in the capital, two more sports betting apps can set up shop. DC's strict geolocation laws may put some operators off — but I expect further additions over the next few years. 

Here, I detail some of the most likely sportsbooks to arrive in DC. 

Although the deal is all but complete, FanDuel is yet to officially take the reins from GambetDC. When the site does eventually hit the capital in spring 2024, expect fluid and competitive odds, enticing promotions, and tens of sports to bet on. With live betting facilities and all of the nation's favorite markets on display, FanDuel looks set to be a popular pick among bettors.

DraftKings Sportsbook 

There's not much to discuss in terms of news on a deal here, but that doesn't mean talks haven't taken place. DraftKings Sportsbook stands as one of the very best gambling operators in the business — boasting new offers every month, some of the best odds you'll ever see, and a unique rewards program for consistent punters. If and when DraftKings lands in DC, I recommend checking it out to grab its latest welcome bonus. 

BetRivers Sportsbook

Albeit smaller in stature compared to the operators mentioned so far, BetRivers remains a solid choice for sports bettors of all interests. The sportsbook prioritizes simplicity over all else — with its 'Prop Central' being one of the hottest features I've come across in recent times. Just pick your preferred sport and add picks from a variety of different markets to create customizable prop bets quickly. Plus, the site consistently publishes bonus bet packages for brand-new registrants.

Best Sportsbook Promo in Washington DC

As GambetDC and FanDuel iron out the fine details of their upcoming switch, just two sportsbooks offer guaranteed promotions right now. In this section, I break down a couple of the best bonuses in the DC sports betting scene.

Caesars Sportsbook $1,000 First Bet Back

Use the bonus code 'CZR1000' when signing up with Caesars Sportsbook to activate a $1,000 bonus bet package. With this offer, Caesars protects your first wager up to $1,000 if it lets you down — allowing you to get off on the right foot the second time around. 

As DC sports bettors are restricted to mobile online sportsbooks while wagering at Caesars, you'll need to download the operator's iOS or Android app to get involved. Once you've entered the bonus code, deposited, and wagered up to $1,000 on any sports market, you'll receive your bonus bets within 48 hours. 

Funds earned from this exclusive Caesars promotion must be played through within 14 days of being awarded. Considering you can activate the offer up to 30 days after creating an account, I view Caesars' time restrictions for this deal in a positive light.

BetMGM $1,500 Bonus Bets Welcome Offer

Jamie Foxx is the face of BetMGM's latest new customer offer. The legendary actor advertises a $1,500 bonus bet welcome package for players who wager online for the first time with the ever-popular betting site. 

To get in on this deal, deposit $10+ upon creating an account. Bet on any sports market of your choice — NFL, MLB, NHL, MBA, and MLS included — and await the outcome of your wager. If the punt loses, BetMGM credits up to $1,500 in bonus bets to your account. The exact value of your bonus bets depends on how much money you initially wagered, as the sportsbook matches that amount to the penny. 

Once awarded, you have 7 days to play through BetMGM's bonus bet offer. 

Requirements to Play at Washington DC Sports Betting Sites

• Age Limits — All DC sports betting users must be at least 18 years old to wager online.
• Inside State Lines — Players must be located within the Entertainment Sports Gambling Restriction Zones to bet. Specifically, these are Capital One Arena, Nationals Park, Audi Field, and Entertainment and Sports Arena near Fort Circle Park. A shared territory between Nationals Park and Audi Field also provides an area for legal sports betting.
• One Account Only — Each of DC's sports betting platforms stipulates that players can only hold one account per platform.

Popular Sports & Leagues to Bet on in Washington DC

Sports fans in DC regularly feast on a deluge of elite major league action. The US capital is home to teams in all four of the nation's top professional divisions, with college events also proving popular. See below for a detailed view of the best leagues and teams to follow in DC.

Washington DC Sport Leagues

The NFL, MLB, NHL, and NBA carry an impressive DC following. The district's teams have proven successful since their respective inceptions — making the capital a haven for players chasing silverware. The same goes for the MLS and college sports — although bettors are restricted from backing their favorite university teams at retail sportsbooks and online betting platforms. 

Washington DC Teams to Bet On

DC hosts some of the nation's most impressive and historically relevant professional franchises. The Washington Nationals, DC United, Washington Wizards, Washington Commanders, and Washington Capitals are five of the most popular outfits in the area, while the Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles have also amassed a decent following.

Betting Types Available At Washington DC Online Sportsbooks

• Moneyline - A bet involving one pick. 
• Parlays - A wager comprised of two or more outcomes.
• Totals - Bet on the total number of times a particular action will take place during an event.
• Point Spreads - One team is handed an advantage to maintain by the sportsbook, while the other is brandished a deficit. If the team with a disadvantage overcomes the sportsbook's set deficit, your wager wins. Should the side with an advantage come out on top in the game, bets on that selection will win.
• Futures - Predict the winner of an award set in the future. Examples include the Super Bowl, season MVP, and Playoff qualifiers. 
• Prop Bets - A bet that does not directly impact the result of the game but instead focuses on a particular player or team. For instance, Player A to score X number of touchdowns is a popular type of player prop bet.
• Live Bets - Follow updated odds that are refreshed in accordance with in-game events. A bet placed during a game is known as a live bet. 

What You Can't Bet On In Washington DC

The District of Columbia is open to most forms of sports betting markets, but not all. Here are some events that you cannot put money on in DC.

• DC College Teams — You're not allowed to bet on collegiate sports if a DC team is involved in the event or the game is held in the district.
• Politics — Political wagers are restricted across the entire nation. 
• Injuries — Although there's no law against injury-based markets, none of the district's sportsbooks support wagers of this ilk.

Can you bet on Washington DC College Sports?

College sports betting is permitted as long as the event takes place outside the district and doesn't involve a state-based team. As such, you can bet on NCAA tournaments — like March Madness — when sides from other states face off. 

Responsible Gaming in Washington DC

The OLG — Office of Lottery and Gambling — is wholeheartedly committed to providing a betting environment for all sports betting consumers. The regulatory authority released a 9-page document outlining its desire to improve the district's relationship with gambling, in which it detailed specific requirements that sportsbooks must follow.

These include deposit limits, wager limits, session limits, cool-off periods, loss limits, and the ability to self-exclude from betting. Moreover, the OLG explains that it regularly examines each sportsbook's management and operations to ensure that each operator serves customers fairly and that all facilities are up to scratch.

Other Types of Gambling in Washington DC

• Real Money Casino - Retail and online casino gaming are not allowed in DC.
• Sweepstakes - You can legally play sweepstakes casino games without betting real money in the District of Columbia.
• Horse Racing - There are no off-track betting facilities or licensed online racebooks in DC. However, bettors can venture to Maryland or Virginia — both states offer legal racing markets.
• Poker - Playing poker for real money is illegal in DC. 

Upcoming States to License Online Sports Betting Sites

• Alabama - A bill that had proposed to legalize sports betting passed during Alabama's 2024 legislative session. However, the bill was greatly amended in the lead-up to the vote — with the final draft leaving out any mention of sports wagering. Despite this drawback, lawmakers could introduce an improved sports betting bill in 2025. Come here for the latest news on Alabama sports betting.
• Georgia - Discussions on sports betting are currently being held within the Georgia Senate. Bill SR 579 is on the table and would legalize sports wagering, but a vote is yet to take place. If the bill fails, expect another to arrive in 2025. Keep up to date with everything Georgia sports betting related here. 
• Missouri - A sports betting bill, titled HB 2331, is making its way through Missouri's legislature right now. If it passes, we could see Missouri betting sites by the start of 2025, or earlier. We will keep you updated on Missouri sports betting here.
• Minnesota - Sports gambling could launch in Minnesota before the end of 2024. Bill SB 1949 is being reviewed by the state's lawmakers as we speak, with a decision on the motion expected very soon. Watch this space. Come here for the latest news on Minnesota sports betting.

Overview of Washington DC Sports Betting Sites

DC sports betting may be a small industry, but the quality of the district's sportsbooks is undeniable. The exit of GambetDC in exchange for FanDuel means that the region will boast three of the nation's favorite sports betting platforms — with BetMGM and Caesars already supplying great odds and rewarding promotions. 

The US capital endured a rocky start — one plagued by a sportsbook that was actually losing money — but a bright future stands before bettors. As DC awaits the arrival of FanDuel, sign up with one of its sports betting apps today to activate an exclusive welcome bonus.

Washington DC Sports Betting FAQ