The Washington Nationals and BetMGM recently announced BetMGM will open a sportsbook this summer at Washington Nationals Park. The deal makes Nationals Park the second D.C.-area professional sports venue to house a retail sportsbook, following Capital One Arena, and the second baseball stadium to announce an on-site sportsbook, after the announcement last summer by the Chicago Cubs and DraftKings for a yet-to-open sportsbook at Wrigley Field.
Lerner Sports Group Chief Operating Officer Alan Gottlieb stated, “The Nationals are thrilled to expand our strong partnership with MGM Resorts into the sports betting realm. As our official sports betting partner, BetMGM will further enhance the greatest in-venue fan experience in Washington, D.C. through its state-of-the-art entertainment products and services.”
The Nationals Park sportsbook will be located at the current Center Field Social space, previously used for special events. The 3,787-square-foot venue will have betting windows, electronic betting kiosks and a restaurant, and “provide a luxury viewing and sports betting experience that complements the existing experience at the MGM National Harbor Dugout Club, an 8-seat premier luxury sports box located on the field adjacent to the team dugout,” according to a statement. The sportsbook will not be accessible from inside the stadium but will be in a “non-ticketed space, which will allow it to remain open and operating 365 days a year,” officials said.
The multi-year deal also will include the use of BetMGM’s mobile wagering app within the area surrounding the ballpark, including a 2-block exclusion zone outlined under the District’s sports betting law of 2019. In addition, BetMGM will have signage inside the ballpark noting its affiliation with the Nationals as the team’s official sports betting partner. BetMGM also will create unique benefits for sportsbook players in its M Life and Red Carpet Rewards programs.
“This new partnership with the Nationals is our most in-depth partnership with a team and showcases the multitude of ways we’re able to engage fans in and out of stadiums. We’re extremely excited to work together to create unique experiences for Nationals fans and the broader D.C. metro area during and after games,” said Matt Prevost, chief revenue officer at BetMGM, a 50-50 joint venture between MGM Resorts and Entain PLC. Live in 11 states, BetMGM is Major League Baseball’s official gaming partner.
MGM National Harbor President Jorge Perez commented, “I can’t think of a better extension to MGM National Harbor’s longstanding partnership with the Washington Nationals. Fans will have the opportunity to experience America’s pastime in the most innovative and exciting way possible. We are thrilled to continue bringing world-class entertainment to the DMV.”
