5BTC or 111% + 111 Free Spins!
New players only. Exclusive 111% Welcome Bonus + 111 Free Spins
On July 15, FanDuel and BetMGM were scheduled to open their sportsbook services to all prospective clients in Washington, DC. Nevertheless, because of the local government’s inaction, these plans are currently on hold. On July 16, FanDuel, the only provider of sports betting in the city, stopped taking bets. This halt is due to the fact that the budget for the fiscal year 2025, which contains provisions for maintaining sports betting in the city, has not yet been signed by Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Previously, in April, FanDuel replaced Gambet DC, which failed to successfully launch citywide sports betting. BetMGM was also slated to go live on July 15 but can now only accept bets near Nationals Park. BetMGM even had to cancel a promotional event due to this delay.
Similarly, Caesars sportsbook intended to expand citywide on July 15 but currently restricts bets to areas near Capital One Arena, where it operates a physical sportsbook.
Despite these setbacks, FanDuel’s brick-and-mortar location at Audi Field remains operational for wagers.
FanDuel addressed the situation in a statement to The Washington Post, expressing readiness to resume operations once the 2025 DC budget receives final approval. The DC Council had already approved the $21 billion budget in June, which includes a bill to enhance sports betting by offering up to seven new licenses.
The delay in signing the budget has left the sports betting landscape in Washington DC in a state of uncertainty, impacting not just operators but also potential bettors who were looking forward to expanded betting options.
This stall in sports betting activities has broader implications for the city’s economy and sports betting enthusiasts. With the halted operations, potential revenue generation and job creation opportunities are currently in limbo. The situation underscores the critical role of timely government action in facilitating new business operations and services.
Once the budget is approved, the city could see a resurgence in sports betting activities, with multiple operators entering the market and enhancing competition and service offerings. Until then, the sports betting community in Washington DC remains in a state of anticipation.