Washington D.C. Online Sports Betting Guide 2024
What’s the best way to bet on sports in Washington D.C.? With so many independent regions in the country, gambling laws in the US can be confusing.
This is especially true given the freedom that individual states and territories have when regulating the activity. It is important to fully understand the legality of betting in your region before you sign up at a Washington D.C. sports betting operator and start wagering.
We’ve put together a comprehensive Washington D.C. sports betting guide to help you master the basics. We’ll cover the laws surrounding online sports betting in Washington D.C., the best places online and in person to wager, along with some useful tips and strategies. So, let’s get to it!
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Discover if online sports betting is legal in Washington D.C.
- Learn about the top DC sports betting sites and DC sportsbooks mobile apps.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Washington D.C.?
Is online sports betting legal in Washington D.C.? Yes, it is! Retail sports betting is also legal. The Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018 (D.C. ACT 22-594) is the main piece of legislation governing the activity in the territory. Sports betting was legalized on May 3, 2019, and the market launched the next year in 2020.
The journey to legalization in D.C. was a rather long one. Despite prior attempts to allow sports betting in the region for years, it is only relatively recently that any headway has been made. Since the decision to legalize the activity, however, things have moved rapidly. Both retail and online sports betting markets opened just a year later, and more than 10 retail bookmakers have opened since.
Regarding online sports betting in D.C. specifically, the good news is that the market is continuing to grow. There are specific apps you can use to bet on sports online, including FanDuel and BetMGM.
Check out our dedicated guide to learn more about other states with sports betting in the US.
10 Quick Facts About Washington D.C.’s Sports Betting Laws
We’ve collected 10 of the most important sports betting in Washington D.C. facts we could find and pulled them together for you in this list:
- Washington D.C.’s law: The Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018 (D.C. ACT 22-594) is the main Washington D.C. sports betting legislation that bettors should understand before wagering on their favorite team. Both retail sports betting and online sports betting are legal in D.C.
- Legal age: Residents of D.C. must be at least 18 years old to wager on sports. Minors are not permitted to bet and are typically restricted from entering sportsbooks or commercial gambling locations.
- State borders: Washington D.C. is an interesting region in the US because it is a territory, not a state. It does not belong to any US state either but is rather its own entity. The territory is bordered by Maryland to the northwest, northeast, and southeast, and Virginia to the west and southwest. Both have legalized online and in-person sports betting.
- Retail bookmakers: Retail sports betting in D.C. is legal, and bettors over the age of 18 can visit the variety of physical sportsbooks available in the territory. Some of the most popular include:
- BetMGM Sportsbook at Nationals Park
- FanDuel Sportsbook at Audi Field
- Caesars Sportsbook at Capital One Arena
- Taxes: Winnings from Washington D.C. sports betting must be claimed on your yearly tax return as ‘other’ income. Federal taxes come into effect if you win $600 or more, and you will be taxed at 24%.
- Online betting: Online betting in D.C. is legal. The market launched on May 20, 2020, and remains a vibrant industry.
- Mobile apps: While online gambling in D.C. is allowed, there are only three officially sponsored apps:
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill
- FanDuel Sportsbook.
- Regulatory body: In Washington D.C., sports betting wagers are overseen by the Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG). This regulatory body is responsible for managing both retail and mobile-based bookmakers.
- Betting markets: Sports betting in Washington D.C. allows wagers on a wide variety of domestic and international sports markets. The exception is in-state collegiate sports. Bettors are not permitted to wager on in-state colleges, but betting on out-of-state schools is legal in most cases.
- Responsible gambling: The OLG is committed to providing D.C. bettors with comprehensive responsible gambling tools. If you are struggling with your gambling, consider reaching out to the office for more help via its website.
How to Bet on Sports in Washington D.C.?
Betting on sports in Washington D.C. is simple! I remember how excited but nervous I was with my first bet, and I want to make sure that you understand exactly how to wager. There are really only a few steps to master, so you’ll be making your first bet in no time:
- Find a bookmaker: The first step to betting on sports in D.C. is finding the right sportsbook. Decide whether you’d like to bet online or in person, and then narrow down your options. Pick a provider that offers the betting markets you’re interested in, and also check out its listed odds.
- Visit or register: If you’ve selected a retail sportsbook, you must visit the location to place bets. If you’ve chosen a bookmaker with an app available district-wide, then you should visit the website or download the app and register. Be prepared to provide basic identifying information such as your full name and address.
- Place a bet: Once you’ve arrived at the sportsbook or are registered and online, the last step is to place a bet. To achieve this, pick the sport or event you’d like to wager on. Decide how much money you’re willing to bet at the given odds, and either turn in your bet slip (if in person) or place your bet via your bookmaker’s app.
That’s all there is to it. Cross your fingers and hope for a win!
Top Washington D.C. Sports Betting Sites and Apps
Washington D.C. sports betting is a relatively new market, especially when it comes to internet-based bets. This means that there is not an abundance of Washington D.C. sports betting sites to consider, but some operators cannot be ignored.
We’ve collected the best Washington D.C. sports betting sites here for your consideration!
FanDuel Sportsbook
- Welcome Offer: Up to $200 in Bonus Bets if you Win.
- Minimum Deposit: $5
- Wagering Requirement: Place your first cash wager of a minimum of $5 and receive $200 if your bet wins to use on further bets.
FanDuel Sportsbook is the main provider of online sports betting in D.C. A popular name in the industry, FanDuel offers bettors access to a wide variety of betting markets designed to attract international and domestic fans alike.
The bookmaker also offers one of the best Washington D.C. sports betting promos. New users can claim up to $200 in bonus bets if their first wager of at least $5 wins!
Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill
- Welcome Offer: Get up to $1,000 back as a bonus bet if you lose your first wager.
- Minimum deposit: N/A
- Wagering Requirement: Register with an eligible promo code and the first bet qualifies. If you lose, you’ll get your bet back as a bonus bet (up to $1,000) to use on further wagers.
Caesars Sportsbook is a big name in mobile sports betting. With both retail and online betting options and an incredibly diverse array of betting markets, it’s easy to see why so many bettors choose Caesars as their bookmaker of choice. Caesars offers D.C. residents a mobile app for easy wagering. However, it is only available for use within two blocks of the Capital One Arena.
Its app offers a bonus bet welcome offer that is one of the most generous on the market: if your first wager loses, you’ll get your money back as a bonus bet up to a whopping $1,000!
BetMGM
- Welcome Offer: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet loses.
- Minimum Deposit: $10
- Wagering Requirement: Only available to new players whose first bet loses and is credited to your account as bonus bets to use on sports wagers.
BetMGM Sportsbook is incredibly popular in D.C. and beyond. It is only fitting that such a well-respected bookmaker offers one of the best new-user Washington D.C. sports betting bonuses we have encountered.
New users depositing at least $10 can claim bonus bets worth up to $1,500 on their first qualifying bet if the bet loses.
Popular Sports and Teams in the Washington D.C. Betting Scene
Washington D.C. is home to a vibrant sports community. Both collegiate and professional sports teams enjoy wide success in the region, with thousands of fans tuning into the latest matches and games. Some of the most popular sports in the region are football, basketball, and baseball, among others. Despite its small size, D.C. has plenty of teams.
Football
Perhaps the most well-known football team in D.C. are the Washington Commanders. With a long and storied history in the region, the team has been around for roughly 100 years and has had multiple Super Bowl wins.
The Commanders draw tens of thousands of spectators to D.C. every year, with average attendance numbers ranging from nearly 90,000 (2008) to roughly 60,000 (2023). It might seem as though the number of attendees is decreasing over the years, but 2023’s numbers are the best they’ve been since before the pandemic and seem poised to continue to increase.
Basketball
Basketball fans in D.C. flock to the Washington Wizards. Playing in the NBA, the Wizards often have exciting seasons filled with unexpected ups and downs. The team might not be the best fit for bettors interested in reliable results, but they’re a great fit for anyone looking for a challenge. D.C. also hosts the Washington Mystics, a WNBA team that has garnered quite a bit of attention over the past few years.
What could possibly be better than a solid D.C. baseball team? It seems fitting that the nation’s capital is home to one of the best teams in the country. Fans in the area typically support the Washington Nationals. The team’s games are a summer staple in the area, with many fans even showing up to post-season and off-season events.
Collegiate Sports
Collegiate sports are also popular in the region. While Washington D.C. sports betting laws forbid wagering on in-state teams, collegiate athletics in D.C. have more than their fair share of fans.
The Georgetown Hoyas are one of the most well-known teams in the area. Basketball fans, in particular, will appreciate the well-respected roster of coaches and players. Other college sports teams worth noting include the George Washington University Revolutionaries (football) and American University Eagles (basketball).
The Impact of Local Teams on Sports Betting
With so many professional teams in the area, you might wonder how locals decide whom to bet on. In short, they pay attention to Washington D.C. sports betting news. By staying updated on the latest game and player outcomes, bettors can cut through the noise and make the smartest bets possible.
Player performance is a big factor in team popularity and exposure. Teams with skilled players tend to capture more attention and increase betting activity. That’s why the news of Kyle Finnegan, for example, one of the Nationals’ best players, joining the National League All-Star Team has such a big impact on team support.
Player moves like this increase bettor expectations and ultimately lead to increased betting activity in the local market.
Upcoming Events
If you’re looking for a non-stop Washington D.C. sports betting update on local and national events, you’re in luck! We keep event information up to date so that you don’t ever miss an important game. Remember to check back often to stay on top of your favorite team’s schedule!
Are There More Gambling Options in Washington D.C.?
Interested in D.C. betting, but not necessarily sports betting? Unfortunately, your options are limited. Online casino gambling and horse racing are prohibited, but there are a few in-person casinos to play table games such as poker and baccarat. These include:
- BetMGM Sportsbook at Nationals Park
- FanDuel Sportsbook at Audi Field
- Caesars Sportsbook at Capital One Arena
The territory also offers a local lottery. Known as the DC Lottery, it offers players many gambling options, such as daily scratchcards and more lucrative weekly and monthly draws.
Maximizing Your Bets
What Washington D.C. sports betting guide is complete without a few tips from experienced bettors? I’ve been in the world of sports betting for a long time, and there are some things you should know to help maximize your bets.
Tips and Strategies for Washington D.C. Bettors
Washington D.C. sports betting has the potential to be fun, but you must be smart about the way that you bet. Don’t charge into an event and drop money in a panic!
Here are my top three tips to make your bankroll last as long as possible and get better at sports betting:
- Do your homework: If you were writing a report on a topic that’s unfamiliar to you, you would probably do some research and fact-checking, right? The same should be true of sports betting. Look into the events that catch your eye, the teams taking part in them, and the players that power the team. Which team is doing the best, and which players are poised to win national titles?
- Research odds: Once you understand the broader picture behind the sport you want to bet on, look into the odds. Not all bookmakers have the same odds, so look into which provider has the best numbers. If you aren’t sure what odds to pick, you can always do some extra research into what popular pundits in the sport recommend.
- Create a budget and stick to it: When you know exactly how much you have to spend and where you want to spend it, it’s more difficult to make emotionally charged choices.
Understanding Taxes and Payouts
Along with legalizing retail and online betting in the territory, the Washington D.C. sports betting bill set forth some tax implications for the activity. First, note that any wins above $600 will be reported to the IRS directly from the bookmaker in question, and 24% of the funds will be withheld for taxes.
You have to claim your tax winnings on your annual tax returns. This is typically done by filing Form W-2G ‘Certain Gambling Winnings’. You’ll include when and where you won along with winning amounts. D.C. residents will pay income tax on their wins.
Our dedicated guide to sports betting taxes takes a more detailed look at the subject.
What About Physical Sports Betting Locations?
There are a number of retail sportsbooks in Washington D.C., but which one is the best? Well, the top three choices are:
- BetMGM Sportsbook at Nationals Park
- FanDuel Sportsbook at Audi Field
- Caesars Sportsbook at Capital One Arena
All three sportsbooks feature excellent technology and spaces big enough for groups of fans, but some of them stand out from the others.
Personally, I think BetMGM Sportsbook is the best choice in the region. Not only does the bookmaker offer in-game betting, but it also has 4,000 square feet of bars, betting windows, and betting kiosks in addition to drinks and food.
As one reviewer for USA Today notes, BetMGM is a solid choice for sports fans:
Overall, I enjoyed my experience. It’s definitely a place I’d visit again, though I feel like I picked the perfect time to go. BetMGM at Nationals Park serves its purpose of creating a nice atmosphere to get lost in sports and make some bets.
Anonymous review from USA Today
So, Will You Bet from Washington D.C. Tonight?
Now that you understand the basics of Washington D.C. sports betting, you can dip your toes into the market. Keep the information we’ve collected here in mind as you search for the perfect sportsbook and start wagering.
If your curiosity is still running wild we’d suggest you learn more about betting tools. Learning about these tools can definitely improve your bets and fatten up your bankroll.
