Washington D.C.’s 2025 fiscal year budget contains a provision to open a competitive online sports betting market in the District. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Washington, D.C. could be getting a competitive districtwide online sports betting market sooner rather than later due to a provision in the 2025 fiscal year budget. The D.C. Council unanimously signed off on the plan on Tuesday that will come into effect on July 15 once Mayor Muriel Bowser gives it her seal of approval.
FanDuel is the only operator currently allowed to accept customers from the District
FanDuel is the only operator currently allowed to accept customers from the District because of its exclusivity deal with the D.C. Lottery. Despite the Flutter Entertainment-owned brand threatening to withdraw from its existing arrangement if other operators are let in, the D.C. Council plowed ahead with its plans.
The provision could see operators with existing retail sportsbooks at stadiums like Caesars and BetMGM soon have online platforms available. FanDuel currently pays 40% of its revenue in tax through its monopoly arrangement, a rate which would halve if the budget provision goes into effect.
Many people have pushed for an open market in D.C. over the years to create more choices for bettors and boost tax revenue.
