Washington DC was an early mover in legalizing online sports betting. For those who live in the nation’s capital, there’s never been a better time to get into online sports betting as it’s permitted under certain conditions and a great way to inject some intrigue into games.
Interested in getting started? This Washington DC sports betting page will share everything you need to know before signing up with the best sports betting sites in the District of Columbia. We’ll talk about the different sportsbook options, all the ways you can place bets, and even the nuts and bolts of creating an account and making a deposit. By the time we’re through, you’ll be fully armed with the knowledge you need to start laying down some action.
History of DC sports betting
The journey of legal betting in DC has been a bit different than it has been in most states that have made sports betting legal. We can’t say we’re surprised, as DC is unique in not only its status as a district rather than a state but also in the presence of the DC Lottery previously acting as the sole regulator and provider of online sports betting in DC.
Like many states, DC really got the ball moving toward legalization in 2020 and, after a few self-inflicted stumbles, has made steady progress ever since.
DC sports betting timeline
Let’s take a closer look at some key events in DC’s sports betting timeline:
- May 2020: Legal online sports betting launches in DC for the first time, with GambetDC as a district-exclusive operator.
- June 2021: BetMGM Sportsbook launches in Nationals Park and is active in the surrounding area.
- August 2021: Caesars Sportsbook launches in Capital One Arena with similar restrictions to BetMGM.
- October 2021: Grand Central DC launches its retail location as the sole retail-only location in the district.
- March 2024: FanDuel replaces GambetDC as the district-wide mobile platform.
How does sports betting work in Washington, DC?
Even if you’re familiar with online sports betting in various states across the country, Washington DC has a few quirks. Let’s take a look at some of the key factors you’ll need to keep in mind when betting in the District.
Top online sportsbooks in DC
Washington DC doesn’t have the breadth of options you might find in some states, but with in-person venues associated with the biggest operators available in the District, you can access a highly personalized and integrated betting experience provided you’re ready to take a Metro ride to one of the retail sportsbooks.
Let’s talk about the major sports betting operators that are now in the area, and how each one might fit your sports betting needs.
FanDuel Sportsbook DC
FanDuel Sportsbook has a unique situation in Washington, DC, as it’s the only sports betting operator accessible to mobile users throughout most of the District. An in-person location at Audi Field serves as a center of operations of sorts within the city.
FanDuel Sportsbook may have started as purely a daily fantasy sports platform, but it’s grown into so much more, as sports betting revenue is the company’s main driver at this point. With a top-notch mobile app providing an unbeatable user experience, it’s hard to go wrong with this fan-favorite platform.
BetMGM Sportsbook DC
This sportsbook is perfectly suited to the unique betting landscape of Washington DC, as it has roots in brick-and-mortar gambling locations but has adapted beautifully to become a fixture in the online betting world. In the district, BetMGM is a favorite of baseball fans due to its retail location in Nationals Park and close partnership with the MLB ballclub.
BetMGM is only available for online use within a couple of blocks of the stadium, but it’s still certainly worth opening an account. Its same-game parlay builder tool is one of the best you’ll find in the industry, and its customer support options can help even brand-new gamblers have a smooth betting experience.
Caesars Sportsbook DC
Another brand with its roots in casinos and in-person betting, Caesars Sportsbook is suited for the hybrid situation necessitated by DC’s betting regulations. Its in-person location is at Capital One Arena, making the DC sports betting app a great choice for fans of the Wizards and Capitals or those who happen to live near the arena.
Caesars is known for its industry-best rewards program, allowing users to cash in on big bonus offers and perks within the online sportsbook and at in-person Caesars locations. With special NFL live-streaming options to go along with the integration of the local NBA and NHL teams, Caesars is a great choice for multi-sport fans who want to get into betting.
DC retail sports betting locations
While betting online is certainly convenient, several retail locations are available for those who prefer an in-person sports betting experience.
Let’s take a look at a few of the places that fall into this category, where you can place wagers and watch games.
- BetMGM Sportsbook at Nationals Park (1500 S Capitol St. SE), open since 2022
- Caesars Sportsbook at Capital One Arena (601 F St.), open since 2021
- FanDuel at Audi Field (100 Potomac Ave SW), open since 2022
- FanDuel at Sports and Social bar/restaurant (1314 U St. NW), open since 2024
- Grand Central Sportsbook DC (2447 18th St. NW), open since 2021
- Grand Central Sportsbook & Cafe (625 H Street NE), open since 2024
How to sign up for DC sports betting
While the exact process will differ slightly from sportsbook to sportsbook, the general steps to get started with DC sports betting are similar across the board. Let’s discuss these steps so that both brand-new and experienced bettors can feel comfortable launching their DC sports betting journey.
One thing that’s worth noting before we get started is that only FanDuel Sportsbook offers users the opportunity to register and start betting from anywhere in the district. With other operators, you’ll have to go to their affiliated retail locations to register, even for the mobile sportsbook app.
- Navigate to the desktop online sports betting site or download the mobile app.
- Find the sign-in screen and follow the prompts to create your account.
- Input your personal and contact information, such as your date of birth, full name, social security number, phone number, and email address. The sportsbook will use this info to create a unique and secure account for you while also verifying your identity and legal sports betting eligibility.
- If applicable, this is when you’ll need to input the bonus code for the welcome offer you’re looking to access.
- Agree to the usage of geolocation software so the sportsbook can confirm where you are located when you sign up, access offers, and place wagers. This factor is especially key in Washington DC, where different zones of the city come with different eligibility.
- Verify your information to officially launch your account.
- Link a payment method so that you can make an initial deposit of funds into your account. If you’re accessing any promotions such as first-bet matches by way of bonus bets, be careful to adhere to the terms and conditions of the offer as you make this first deposit
- With funds in your account, it’s time to bet! If any promotions are tied to a first wager, make sure to keep those parameters in mind as you start to play.
Professional sports teams in DC
Even though the entire district is just one city, DC has as much sports history and culture as many entire states do.
Let’s discuss some of the key sports teams in the area that DC residents can root for and, of course, wager on.
NFL – Washington Commanders
Founded in 1932, the Commanders might technically play in Maryland, but they are certainly DC’s oldest team. As fierce competitors in the historic NFC East division, they have won three Super Bowl titles and are frequently in the mix to make the playoffs.
The Commanders seem to have a bright future ahead of the 2024 season thanks to new quarterback Jayden Daniels set to start his career and Dan Quinn kicking off his tenure as head coach. If you think they can make the playoffs in year one with the new regime, be sure to place some futures. Otherwise, there will be plenty of Commanders betting action available all fall.
MLB – Washington Nationals
One of the DC teams competing in the big four North American sports leagues, the Nationals secured a memorable World Series title in 2019. They may not be top contenders in the NL East right now, but in a constantly dynamic division, they can never be counted out.
So, even though the summer sports calendar is otherwise fairly nondescript, there’s action every day of the dog days. Gamblers can wager on every Nationals game, inning, and even pitch with DC’s top sportsbooks.
With a BetMGM location at Nationals Park, there is a great opportunity for a uniquely integrated watching and betting experience, something to keep in mind as you plan an afternoon at the ballpark.
NHL – Washington Capitals
The Nationals aren’t the only Washington team to recently secure a historic first championship; the Capitals ended a long wait and finally lifted the Stanley Cup in 2018, ending a true saga for legends like Alexander Ovechkin.
The Capitals made it back into the playoffs in 2024 but were dispatched in short order by the juggernaut New York Rangers. They haven’t escaped the first round since winning that 2018 title, but be sure to invest in some futures if you think they can end the drought next season.
The Capitals play at Capital One Arena, the site of the city’s Caesars Sportsbook retail site.
NBA – Washington Wizards
Washington’s basketball team hasn’t won a title in over 40 years, but that hasn’t stopped them from providing memorable and exciting moments for DC fans in the time since. However, it’s been tough going recently, as Washington hasn’t made the playoffs since 2021 or won a playoff series since 2017.
Of course, in the NBA, either of those droughts can end at any time. If you believe that the Wizards’ rebuild is almost complete, fire in some playoff futures as you should be able to get them at a premium price given the team’s recent history.
Like the Capitals, the Wizards are tenants of Capital One Arena, so there’s an opportunity for a spectating and wagering experience when you go to see a game.
WNBA – Washington Mystics
The WNBA saw a surge in popularity in 2024, allowing Washington’s team to enter an exciting new era. Eric Thibault seems to be filling the shoes of his father quite well, as championship-winning Mike Thibault retired in 2022. With Eric now at the helm to keep the good times going, he helped the team make the playoffs in 2023, his first season on the job.
With first-round pick and UConn star Aaliyah Edwards starting her WNBA career in 2024, there has never been a more exciting time to follow the Mystics.
MLS – DC United
After a couple of dreadful seasons, United seems to be on the upswing. Even though recent years haven’t been so kind to this squad, they have plenty of history, with stars like Wayne Rooney having worn the kit and four MLS Cups in the trophy case.
There’s rarely ever been more hype around the MLS than there is now, with stars like Leo Messi coming over to lend their talents to the league, making the sports betting opportunities broader than ever. With action just about every week of the summer, keep an eye out for DC United’s match lines as they look to keep defying the odds and finding success.
United plays at Audi Field, home of the FanDuel retail sportsbook location, so be sure to take advantage of this amenity if you go to catch a game.
NWSL – Washington Spirit
The Washington Spirit topped the NWSL in 2021 after finishing as runners-up in 2016.
Spirit also plays at Audi Field, a big opportunity for fans, as NWSL betting isn’t the most well-developed market. At this venue, you’ll have the chance to place wagers that are accessible to few players across the country.
DC sports betting markets
Once you’ve opened an account with any of these DC online sports betting operators, you’ll want to get started with placing some bets. Let’s talk about some of the different ways to play, and when each one might be a good option for different bettors.
Moneyline bets
There’s no more straightforward way to get started with sports betting than with moneyline bets. For these wagers, all you do is project the outright winner of a game.
The odds (and thus payout) will vary based on the projected likelihood of each outcome, but the mechanics are as simple as can be; correctly pick the game’s winner, and you’ve won your bet.
Spread bets
This is a slightly more technical but still very traditional way to play. A point spread is a projected margin of victory for the favored team in a game; a spread bettor has to choose whether or not the favorite wins by more than that amount, also known as covering the spread.
If you gamble on the favorite, they need to cover for you to win. If they win but fail to cover, or lose outright, a spread bet on the underdog would win.
Totals betting
If you’re not sure who will win a game but have an idea of what pace to expect, consider totals betting. These lines project the sum of the two teams’ scoring throughout the game, and bettors must project whether there will be more or less scoring than the number indicates.
This is known as picking the “over” or the “under,” leading to the alternate name of “over/under” betting. Simple as they are, these are another good approach for new players, although they can still provide value for a true gambling veteran.
Prop bets
These highly granular wagers allow players to hone in on specific aspects of a game and cash in on correct leans. Likely the most popular types of props are player props, which deal with individuals’ performances in a game. For instance, you might bet on a quarterback to throw an interception, a batter to record a certain number of hits, or a basketball player to score a certain number of points.
Futures wagers
A futures wager involves projecting long-term outcomes, usually over an entire season. For instance, you might pick who will win a championship or project a team’s playoff qualification or win total.
Player futures are also popular; you can gamble on season-long overs and unders, like touchdowns or home runs. Futures bets are also available for winners of individual awards like MVPs.
Parlays
This is a fairly advanced type of wager, as it involves plenty of moving parts. In a parlay wager, you make multiple selections and pull them into one wager, with odds determined by compounding those of the individual bets. The catch is that if a single bet loses, the entire parlay loses.
Traditional parlays are made up of spreads, moneylines, and totals from different games, but same-game parlays have become popular in this era with sports betting legal for so many players. These special bets make it possible to dive deeply into a game, with the opportunity to pull both props and lines into your same-game parlay.
Ever since mobile betting first launched, parlays have skyrocketed in popularity due to the ease of putting them together at home as opposed to at betting kiosks or other in-person methods. Once you’re comfortable with these DC sportsbooks, think about putting one together to grab some elevated value.
Live betting
This category includes several of the above, like moneylines and spreads, but with a twist; you can place them mid-game, using lines that are constantly changing based on the live action. For instance, if a team goes down 3-0 in a baseball game, their odds will be longer than they were before the game started. If you think the team just got off to a rough start, you could grab some extra value.
This type of betting requires you to make quick decisions, so it’s not particularly advisable for beginners, but if you know how to find it, there’s plenty of value on the table with these fast-moving lines.
DC sports betting compared to Virginia and Maryland
DC is a unique place for sports betting, even compared to neighboring states Virginia and Maryland. Firstly, there is the matter of specific betting zones for different sportsbooks, something you don’t have to consider in those nearby states. Then, perhaps the biggest difference is a lower legal gambling age; it’s 18 years in Washington DC, compared to 21 in the Virginia and Maryland sports betting markets.
There are also a couple of administrative differences that might not affect your day-to-day experience but are nonetheless important. DC uses a lottery-based model to run its sportsbooks, while the neighboring states employ casino-style methodology. The operator taxes on sports betting revenue also work a bit differently; it’s friendlier in DC compared to Maryland and Virginia sports betting operator taxes.
Banking options for DC sports bettors
Of course, you can’t gamble on sports without depositing funds into a sportsbook account, and there’s little point in playing if you can’t withdraw your winnings. These functions are very important to the online betting experience and are worth considering in our review of DC betting.
Every sportsbook will offer different options for deposit and withdrawal, but there are a few key methods that you’ll find quite frequently; let’s talk about these most popular options.
Deposit options at DC sportsbooks
Fund your account at DC sportsbooks with these payment options:
- Online banking
- Credit card
- Debit card
- e-wallet methods like PayPal
- Wire transfer
Withdrawal options at DC sportsbooks
You can usually take money out of your DC sportsbook account via the following methods:
- Paper check
- Online banking
- Debit card
- e-wallet methods like PayPal
- Wire transfer
DC sports betting and responsible gambling
While betting on sports can be lots of fun, and even profitable if things go well, it’s important to keep responsible gambling practices in mind. This means never gamble more than you can afford to lose given your financial means. If you fail to practice responsible gambling, your personal, social, and professional pursuits can all suffer, so be proactive by practicing good gambling habits.
It’s vital to always step away from the table rather than chase losses; there is no guarantee that things will turn around, and the situation often only becomes worse.
Tools for safe gambling
Many online sportsbooks offer in-house responsible gambling tools, such as account time-outs, or limits on session time, wagering amounts, or losses.
If these resources aren’t sufficient and you feel that you or someone you know is dealing with a gambling problem, be sure to call 1-800-GAMBLER for 24/7 support from the National Problem Gambling hotline.
You can also attend a Gamblers Anonymous meeting if support groups appeal to you. GamTalk offers a similar resource but in an online context for bettors who are more comfortable approaching things that way.
DC sports betting customer service experience
Every online sportsbook has a unique system for customer service, but there are some common methods for getting in touch with an operator’s support team.
The most common avenues are email, phone lines, and online text chatting, so more often than not, you’re able to access support at any time of the day or night.
Pros and cons of DC sports betting
Ever since Washington, DC, launched mobile betting, the market has developed a unique bunch of pros and cons. Let’s wrap up our discussion on sports betting in the nation’s capital with a summary of each:
Pros
- Lower legal sports betting age than surrounding states
- Lower tax rate on sports betting
- Several in-person retail locations
- A fun way to enjoy your favorite DC sports teams
- Bonuses and boosts available to capture extra value
Cons
- Limited sportsbook options and betting zones
- Only one online sportsbook available
- Potential for problem gambling habits
Washington DC sports betting FAQs
Can you bet on sports in DC?
Absolutely. DC has several online sportsbook options available for you to use. FanDuel Washington DC is accessible from the comfort of your home, while other books are available at specific betting locations.
Is sports betting legal in DC?
Yes, sports betting is legal in DC and has been since May 2019.
How can you bet on sports in DC?
There are both in-person retail and online sports betting options for bettors in DC; the sign-up process will differ for each, but all DC residents 18 years of age or older can get started.
Is FanDuel legal in DC?
Yes, FanDuel is not only legal in DC, but it’s also the most widely accessible sportsbook in the District.
How old do you have to be to bet in DC?
You must be at least 18 years old to gamble on sports in DC.
What online sports betting options are there in DC?
There are three traditional online sportsbooks available in DC, each with an associated retail location. Grand Central DC runs two in-person venues.
Where is BetMGM allowed in DC?
BetMGM is active within the confines of Nationals Park as well as a two-block radius of the venue.
