D.C. Budget Approval to Expand Number of Sportsbooks

Washington D.C. righted the sports betting ship by bringing in FanDuel. The city’s next move is to expand the number of operators, and thus the amount of income generated. The budget passage sets the stage.

D.C. Budget Approval to Expand Number of Sportsbooks

The Washington D.C. Council passed the FY2025 budget, which includes Kenyan McDuffie’s Sports Wagering Amendment Act of 2024. Council member McDuffie still needs the mayor’s signature to make the package ready to go.

The big takeaway is expanding the number of sportsbooks in the city. Right now, FanDuel has the only mobile citywide option. They’re not exactly overjoyed by the prospect of competition.

In an open market, BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook could be two entrants.  BetMGM has a retail presence in Nationals Park while Caesars Sportsbook has a retail outlet in Capital One Arena. Both companies are allowed to offer mobile betting that is geofenced to certain zones.

DraftKings and Fanatics Sportsbook have inquired about the details, according to Sports Handle.

McDuffie’s act requires online sportsbooks to form a partnership with a local sports franchise. The Washington Spirit, of the NWSL, praised the move by the council and what it could mean for women’s pro sports in the capital.

“In a competitive market, multiple sportsbooks would vie for the chance to partner with organizations like ours, expanding the opportunities for everyone involved,” Spirit CEO Kim Stone said in support of the bill.

“Across the sports industry, women’s sports lag behind in terms of where companies spend their marketing and partnership dollars. This would help narrow this gender gap and encourage sportsbooks to invest more in women’s sports in D.C.”

McDuffie also amended the amendment to help small businesses who depend on sports betting kiosks.

All operators would be able to provide kiosks to businesses who want them. The set-up would be identical to the current kiosk deals with FanDuel.