The D.C. Lottery launched its retail program on July 30, with self-service kiosks at four popular sports bars: Dirty Water, Ben’s Next Door, Lou’s City Bar and Takoma Station. Players 18 years and older can place sports bets and cash in their winnings at any kiosk. They operate on the GambetDC platform.
Dirty Water Owner Chris Defelice said, “We want to provide the best sports watch experience. We’ve got a ton of TVs. We do lots of drink deals, a lot with Bud Light, but adding the sports gaming is a next-level venture.” Takoma Station Co-Owner Mel Florez added, “Sports betting is a form of entertainment, and we offer entertainment.”
Nicole Jordan, director of marketing and Communications at the D.C. Lottery, commented, “I like to say that each of these locations has their own sportsbook that happens to be run by us in the background. Our tagline is, ‘Bet on D.C.,’ and it is a bet on D.C., but it’s also a bet on our community.”
Revenue from the machines goes to the D.C. General Fund, which helps finance infrastructure, education and other services in the District. Host businesses also earn a 5 percent commission off sales.
The self-service kiosks in D.C. offer wagering on National Basketball Association, National Football League, National Hockey League and Major League Baseball games, plus horseracing and some international competitions. Currently, players can bet on some Olympics events.
Jordan said more kiosks are planned for other locations, convenience stores.
