Top Washington Sports Betting Sites: Best Sportsbooks in Washington for 2024
The sports betting landscape in Washington, DC is one of the most distinctive in the U.S. For several months, FanDuel was the region’s sole online sportsbook. However, recent decisions by local lawmakers have expanded the market, now permitting other major U.S. betting platforms — including BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings — to offer legal online sports betting.
Our guide to DC sportsbooks will keep you informed on the latest bonuses, news, promotions, and betting opportunities from The District's top sports betting platforms in 2024.
| Sportsbook | Bonus | Availability | Claim Offer |
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$1,000 First Bet on CaesarsTerms & conditions apply |
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20% Deposit Match up to $1,000New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place daily first bet of min. $5 and get up to a $100 bonus bet for 10 consecutive days. Daily bonus issued within 72 hours. |
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Claim Offer
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First Bet Offer up to $1500Bonus bets expire in 7 days. One new customer offer per user. Additional terms apply. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. |
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Deposit $50 play with $100Terms & conditions apply |
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Claim Offer
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Washington sports betting updates
Here is a summary of DC sports betting updates, highlighting the key milestones in the District's journey toward legalized sports wagering:
Key Events in DC Sports Betting Timeline:
- Aug. 13, 2024: The DC Attorney General's office requests documents from Intralot as part of an investigation into the former sports betting operator.
- Aug. 6, 2024: FanDuel dominates with 78% of DC’s sports betting handle in June, totaling $23.2 million in wagers.
- July 23, 2024: DraftKings Sportsbook prepares to launch, becoming the fourth online sportsbook in DC.
- July 17, 2024: DC officially offers multiple online sportsbooks, as BetMGM and Caesars allow mobile bets without proximity to a retail location.
- July 5, 2024: DC hits a new record with $36.34 million in sports betting handle, the highest since FanDuel's introduction.
- June 17, 2024: FanDuel threatens to leave DC after lawmakers expand the betting market, allowing for more operators.
- April 15, 2024: FanDuel officially goes live in DC, marking a new phase in the city's sports betting evolution.
Historic Milestones:
- May 26, 2021: William Hill opens the first U.S. retail sportsbook inside Capital One Arena.
- Dec. 29, 2020: William Hill launches its mobile app in DC, allowing bets within a two-block radius of Capital One Arena.
- Jan. 23, 2019: DC Mayor Muriel Bowser signs Bill 22-944, laying the foundation for DC’s sports betting legislation.
This timeline highlights the rapid growth and transformation of DC's sports betting industry, particularly with the recent expansions in 2024.
Is sports betting legal in Washington?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Washington, DC. The Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018 — Act 22-594 — officially legalized sports betting, allowing both lottery-run mobile betting and third-party retail sportsbooks.
On January 23, 2019, Mayor Muriel Bowser approved the district's sports wagering bill, which became law after Congress chose not to intervene within the 60-day review period.
Initially, GambetDC, a platform powered by Intralot, held a monopoly on mobile sports betting in the district. However, it failed to meet revenue expectations, with retail sportsbooks like Caesars and BetMGM becoming more popular.
In April 2024, FanDuel replaced GambetDC, marking a turning point for DC bettors by offering a more user-friendly online sports betting experience. Following this, DC lawmakers expanded the sports betting market, allowing more operators to enter. BetMGM and Caesars launched their mobile platforms on July 17, 2024, with DraftKings and Fanatics Sportsbook joining shortly thereafter.
Who is eligible to bet on sports in DC?
Anyone aged 18 or older and physically present in DC can place sports bets within the district. You can visit a physical sportsbook or use a computer or mobile device to place bets online, but some restrictions apply based on the operator.
Here's what you need to know before making your first sports bet in DC.
Minimum Age
You must be at least 18 years old to place a legal wager in DC. However, BetMGM and Caesars require bettors to be at least 21 years old.
Mobile Betting
BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics Sportsbook, and FanDuel are mobile betting options in DC. However, FanDuel users cannot place bets on federal land, including areas like the National Mall and the White House.
Remote Registration
DC users can sign up for sportsbooks remotely from anywhere in the district, sharing personal details, including the last four digits of their SSN.
In-District Betting
Mobile bets must be placed within DC. Geofencing technology ensures that bettors are within district lines before placing wagers.
Retail Sportsbooks
DC bettors can visit retail sportsbooks at Capital One Arena (Caesars), Nationals Park (BetMGM), Audi Field (FanDuel), Grand Central Restaurant, Bar, and Sportsbook, and Over Under Sportsbook Rooftop Lounge.
Taxable Winnings
Winnings over $600 are reported and taxed. Federal tax is 25%, and DC also imposes an 8.5% tax on sports bet winnings.
The pros and cons of DC sports betting
DC benefits from fully mobile sports wagering, meaning residents and visitors can place legal bets from anywhere in the district. However, there are some limitations to consider.
GambetDC replaced by a competitive market- Retail betting at major sporting venues
- Legal betting age of 18
GambetDC replaced by a competitive market- Limited mobile betting options
- Difficult to shop betting lines
- Restricted areas where mobile betting is unavailable
How to start betting in DC
DC bettors have three options for betting online and can take advantage of sign-up bonuses and seek out the most favorable betting lines available. Follow these steps to get started:
Select a sportsbook
Before placing a wager, sports bettors will need to decide where they want to bet. If gambling remotely, FanDuel, Fanatics, Caesars, DraftKings, and BetMGM are available options in DC.
Register in person
DC bettors can register with an online sportsbook in just a few clicks or taps. After providing personal information and verifying the account, you’ll be ready to place your first bet.
Claim a bonus
New bettors in DC can claim a welcome bonus. Be sure to explore the sportsbook's website and app to get the best offers available for your first wager.
Deposit funds
DC bettors can fund their sportsbook account with various methods such as credit cards, debit cards, Skrill, Play+, and VIP Preferred ACH/e-Check. Most deposits appear immediately, though some may incur fees.
Choose your bet types
DC offers a variety of popular bet types, including moneylines, point spreads, Over/Unders, live betting, props, and parlays, ensuring bettors can find what they’re looking for.
Start betting
After familiarizing yourself with the available bets and terms, you’ll be ready to confirm your selections and place your wagers.
Withdraw funds
Withdrawals can take a few days to process and appear in your bank account. Be sure to check your sportsbook’s terms and your financial institution’s policies to avoid delays or fees.
Reading the odds
American odds indicate the favorite and underdog for an event and potential payouts. Favorites are shown with a minus (-) sign and indicate how much you need to bet to win $100. For example, if the Washington Nationals are -300 favorites, a $300 wager would return $100.
Underdogs are accompanied by a plus (+) sign, showing the amount you would win for a $100 bet. For example, betting $100 on the Washington Commanders at +200 odds could net you $200 in profit.
If you prefer to see odds as decimals or fractions, use an odds converter to switch between American, decimal, and fractional formats.
What you can't bet on in DC
While DC offers many sports betting options, there are a few notable exceptions where betting is not allowed. These include:
Politics
DC bettors cannot wager on political events. Betting on politics is prohibited in every U.S. jurisdiction.
Entertainment award ceremonies
Betting lines on popular awards shows, such as the Emmys or Academy Awards, are not posted by DC sportsbooks.
esports
At this time, there is no option to bet on esports through DC sports betting platforms.
Other types of gambling
DC passed the first online gambling law in U.S. history in 2011, but repealed it in 2012. Currently, aside from sports betting, all other types of online gambling are illegal in the district.
