District of Columbia Councilman Jack Evans recently introduced the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018, which would allow sports betting Washington, D.C. Evans said five other council members are co-sponsoring the bill, along with Democratic Mayor Muriel E. Bowser and Democratic City Councilman Phil Mendelson. The bill was been referred to the Finance and Revenue Committee, where Evans serves as chairman. Laws passed by the 13-member city council are subject to Congressional approval.
Evans said, “Today, we take the first steps towards capturing this exciting new stream of revenue, instead of watching District resident dollars fill the coffers of other jurisdictions. The District of Columbia will be the leader in a fast-growing industry. The city should take advantage of our ability to act before the Maryland or Virginia legislatures to create a thriving sports betting market, which will attract consumers to the District and generate revenue for District residents.”
Under Evans’ bill, sports betting operators would pay a $50,000 licensing fee and a 10 percent tax on sports betting gross revenue. Athletes, coaches and game officials would be prohibited from placing sports bets. Revenue would be divided between early childhood education programs and the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, with any surplus funds directed to the city’s general fund.
Evans added, “The legislation’s purpose is to legalize sports betting in the District of Columbia, while also creating strong regulatory structures that ensure consumer confidence. The Councilmember’s office worked closely with the District’s Lottery to craft legislation that would maximize the revenue realized by the District. Residents and visitors will be able to bet both online or in person, and the Lottery will have broad powers to ensure the integrity of the system.”
Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey S. DeWitt’s spokesman David Umansky stated, “The lottery has worked with Councilman Evans providing technical assistance in order that it will be able to regulate and operate the program should the council and mayor approve it in a way that maximizes the return to the District.”
Neither Maryland nor Virginia has moved toward legalizing sports betting yet. However, sports wagering is legal in nearby New Jersey, Delaware and West Virginia, and soon will be available in Pennsylvania. The sports book at Hollywood Casino in Charles Town, West Virginia is less than 65 miles away.
