Washington DC
Sports Betting
6 licensed online operators, live since May 2020. Operator tax 10-30% GGR. Read on for legal status, current operators, and how to bet here.
Our dedicated Washington DC site has deeper coverage: full operator reviews, complete timeline, every sportsbook bonus, and state-specific FAQs.
Visit bettingindc.com →Sports betting in Washington DC
Washington DC stands out from other US sports betting markets. The minimum age is 18 instead of 21. There are three license classes (A for pro venues, B for small businesses, C for citywide mobile). Betting on DC-based college teams and on political events is prohibited. Launched May 2020 as GambetDC monopoly before FanDuel replaced it April 2024. 6 citywide operators as of April 2026.
Legal Status
Sports betting is fully legal in Washington DC, including both retail and online/mobile wagering. The market is regulated by the DC Office of Lottery and Gaming. The minimum age to bet is 18, and bettors must be physically located within Washington DC state lines to place a wager; residency is not required.
Tax and Regulation
Washington DC taxes sports betting operators at 10-30% GGR of adjusted gross revenue. The state has 6 licensed sportsbook operators serving the market. The first sportsbooks launched in May 2020.
How to Start Betting in Washington DC
To place a legal sports bet in Washington DC, you must (1) be at least 18 years old, (2) be physically located within the state (verified by geolocation), and (3) create an account with a licensed operator. Most major sportsbooks including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars are available in most legal states. Check the operator list specific to Washington DC for the most current options.
Sportsbooks Available in Washington DC
The following 5 sportsbooks are currently licensed and active in Washington DC. All operators are regulated by the DC Office of Lottery and Gaming.
FanDuel
Took over GambetDC contract from Intralot in 2024
Welcome offerGet $300 Back in Bonus Bets, 10 Days of No-Sweat Bets
National · 26 states→FanDuel
Nationals Park partner
Welcome offerGet $300 Back in Bonus Bets, 10 Days of No-Sweat Bets
National · 26 states→DraftKings
Audi Field sportsbook
Welcome offerBet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets + NCAA Tournament Profit Boost
National · 30 states→BetMGM
Nationals Park sportsbook
Welcome offerFirst Bet Offer Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets
National · 26 states→Caesars
Capital One Arena sportsbook
Welcome offerBet $1, Double Your Winnings Next 10 Bets (up to $25 per token)
National · 26 states→Operator comparison · Washington DC · sorted by editorial rating
| # | Operator | Rating | Welcome Bonus | Washington DC note | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FanDuel Flutter Entertainment plc (NYSE: FLUT) | Get $300 Back in Bonus Bets, 10 Days of No-Sweat Bets | Took over GambetDC contract from Intralot in 2024 | Read review → | |
| 2 | FanDuel Flutter Entertainment plc (NYSE: FLUT) | Get $300 Back in Bonus Bets, 10 Days of No-Sweat Bets | Nationals Park partner | Read review → | |
| 3 | DraftKings DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ: DKNG) | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets + NCAA Tournament Profit Boost | Audi Field sportsbook | Read review → | |
| 4 | BetMGM MGM Resorts International & Entain plc (50/50 JV) | First Bet Offer Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets | Nationals Park sportsbook | Read review → | |
| 5 | Caesars Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CZR) | Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Next 10 Bets (up to $25 per token) | Capital One Arena sportsbook | Read review → |
All operators above are licensed by the DC Office of Lottery and Gaming and accept bets only from inside Washington DC state lines (verified by geolocation). Tax rate: 10-30% GGR. Minimum age: 18. See where Washington DC's sports betting tax revenue actually goes →
Best sportsbook in Washington DC → Compare Washington DC welcome bonuses →
Washington DC Operator Comparison · Who Wins What
Five decision axes across the top 4 licensed operators in Washington DC. We compute the winner per axis from operator metadata (rating, bonus dollar amount, app store rating, payout speed, payment-method count). Use this as a shortcut when you want one operator for one specific reason.
- Editor's pick Best overall ratingFanDuelRating 4.8 / 5
- Biggest bonus Highest headline dollar valueBetMGM$1,500
- Best mobile app Combined iOS + Android ratingFanDueliOS 4.8 · Android 4.7
- Fastest payout Quickest verified withdrawal pathFanDuelPayPal (under 1 hour)
- Most payment methods Widest deposit / withdrawal rangeFanDuel9 methods
Bottom line for Washington DC: FanDuel is our top pick at 4.8 / 5. Polished mobile app and the SGP+ builder, which lets bettors create same-game parlays faster and with better correlation pricing than at competitors. Different bettor profiles may prefer the category-specific winners above (sharp parlay players favor the SGP+ leader; small-stake casuals usually do better with whichever operator carries the lowest rollover requirement).
Need help? You're not alone
Sports betting in Washington DC is for adults 18+. If gambling stops being fun, or you're worried about someone else, these DC-relevant resources are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Washington DC defers to the national 1-800-GAMBLER helpline. The DC Office of Lottery and Gaming maintains responsible-play resources.
Helplines
- 1-800-426-2537 1-800-GAMBLER (National Problem Gambling Helpline) Text "HELPLINE" to 800GAM (800426) ncpg.org ↗
Warning signs include: chasing losses, betting more than you can afford, hiding bets from family, or feeling anxious when not betting. Self-exclusion programs are available through every licensed Washington DC operator and through the DC Office of Lottery and Gaming.
Pro teams based in Washington DC
Washington DC is home to 3 major professional teams across the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. Click any team for a dedicated betting guide.
How to bet on sports in Washington DC
A step-by-step walkthrough for placing your first legal sports bet in Washington DC.
- 01
Choose a licensed sportsbook
Washington DC has 5 licensed online sportsbooks, with FanDuel the largest national operator. National books like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars use a single account that works across all legal states.
- 02
Verify you are 18+ and a US resident
Sign up online with your legal name, date of birth, address, and last four of your SSN. Operators verify your identity through a soft credit check; this does not affect your credit score.
- 03
Confirm your location is inside the state
Operators use device geolocation to confirm you are physically inside Washington DC at the moment of betting. Residency is not required; visitors can bet here. You cannot bet from outside the state, even if your account is registered to a Washington DC address.
- 04
Fund your account
Most operators accept ACH bank transfer, debit card, credit card, PayPal, Venmo, online banking, and pay-by-app methods like Apple Pay. Deposits typically clear instantly.
- 05
Place your first bet
Pick a market (moneyline, spread, total, or prop), set your stake, and review the bet slip before submitting. Most operators show your potential payout inline before you confirm.
Washington DC Sports Betting Timeline
Key milestones in the Washington DC legal sports betting market, from the federal PASPA ruling through launch and ongoing regulatory changes.
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PASPA struck down
Supreme Court ruling in Murphy v. NCAA returned sports betting authority to the states.
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Washington DC launches sports betting
Market goes live under DC Office of Lottery and Gaming.
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FanDuel replaces GambetDC in Washington DC
FanDuel took over the DC mobile sports betting contract from Intralot in April 2024, ending the troubled GambetDC monopoly that had launched in 2020. Six citywide operators now serve DC.
Washington DC Sports Betting FAQ
Is online sports betting legal in Washington DC?
Yes, online sports betting is fully legal in Washington DC. The market launched in May 2020 and is regulated by the DC Office of Lottery and Gaming. 6 licensed operators currently serve the state.
What is the minimum age to bet on sports in Washington DC?
You must be at least 18 years old to place a legal sports bet in Washington DC. Operators verify age via SSN and ID checks during account registration.
Which sportsbooks are available in Washington DC?
Washington DC has 5 licensed online operators including FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel.
What is the sports betting tax rate in Washington DC?
Washington DC taxes sports betting operators at 10-30% GGR of adjusted gross revenue. This is paid by the operator, not the bettor, but it does affect promo offers and pricing competitiveness.
Do I have to live in Washington DC to bet there?
No, residency is not required. You only need to be physically located inside Washington DC state lines when placing the bet; the sportsbook verifies your location via geolocation. Visitors from other states can bet in Washington DC.
Can I bet on college sports in Washington DC?
Yes, Washington DC allows betting on college sports including in-state college teams.
Full Washington DC sports betting guide
This page gives you the essentials. If you want the complete picture (detailed sportsbook reviews, promo codes, market data, timeline, FAQs specific to Washington DC, and more), visit our dedicated Washington DC site at bettingindc.com. It's built specifically for bettors in Washington DC with all the local details we couldn't fit here.
Visit bettingindc.com →Other legal US states
Explore sports betting guides for other US states where wagering is fully legal.