Bettors in Washington DC are likely pretty disappointed this week. We reported that the DC online betting market would open up this Monday with the launch of Caesars Sportsbook and BetMGM. That didn’t come to pass though. In fact, even FanDuel is now down while operators await state budget approval.
FanDuel has offered sports betting in DC since April, when the four-year monopoly of underwhelming operator GambetDC ended. FanDuel’s subsequent monopoly was due to end July 15 after a final round of testing for Caesars and BetMGM, but FanDuel confirmed that operators are awaiting approval for the FY 2025 budget. This allows for sports betting to continue in the District.
She has until July 25 to approve the budget
Budget approval needs the sign-off of Mayor Muriel Bowser. She has until July 25 to approve the budget, so there could be a small wait for bettors.
While there might not be any online options for DC bettors, they can still wager in-person. BetMGM already has a retail sportsbook at Nationals Park, launched in January 2022, while Caesars has a similar facility at the Capital One Arena, live since May 2021. FanDuel operates a retail sportsbook at Audi Field and offers a sports betting bar called Sports & Social DC.