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Unexpectedly, the Washington, D.C.-based Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) is considering a significant makeover for GambetDC, their sports gambling app. The OLG is looking at the possibility of giving a private operator with a more respected and established platform the faltering platform.
The decision was made during a D.C. Council meeting. Since its May 2020 inception, GambetDC has seen a number of difficulties, such as technological problems, poor odds, and a tarnished reputation among local gamblers. The software hasn’t generated as much money as anticipated, despite being a part of a no-bid deal that expires in July with the Greek gambling business Intralot.
The OLG’s Frank Suarez has worked with Intralot to find a possible subcontractor to handle these difficulties. City officials, who were talking about GambetDC’s future throughout the hearing, are now questioning the sudden action.
Suarez wants to bring in a private operator with a good brand in order to increase the competitiveness of the sports betting sector in the District. He emphasized the need for change to make D.C. more competitive with surrounding states and stated the necessity for a platform that players are used to and really delighted with.
“We want a bigger brand. We want something that players are used to and highly satisfied with, which is why we’re looking to make the change,” Suarez stated during the hearing.
Councilman Kenyan R. McDuffie voiced doubts about Suarez’s suggestion to change the contract with Intralot and look for a subcontracting agreement. McDuffie outlined the major flaws with GambetDC, pointing out problems with usability, customer service, and diminishing benefits for the city.
“Simply put, sports betting in the nation’s capital is not working. Tell the public what’s gone wrong, and more importantly, what precisely they intend to do to fix the mess that’s been made,” McDuffie added.
The OLG has submitted a proposal to modify Intralot’s contract, considering a subcontracting deal with specific conditions. Suarez did not disclose the identity of the potential subcontractor or revenue projections, citing the need to maintain the integrity of the process.
Although commercial operators such as DraftKings and BetMGM supported the idea of allowing sports betting in D.C. in a manner akin to that of Maryland and Virginia, Suarez issued a warning over the possible adverse effects on retail establishments that run GambetDC kiosks.
According to Suarez, the planned reform may be put into effect by the end of February. It is thought to be a quicker path to improvement than the drawn-out process of rebidding contracts. On February 14, lottery representatives are scheduled to provide more testimony on the subject as part of the council’s yearly monitoring procedure.