Best DC Sportsbooks April 2024
Wondering when and if you can place sports bets online in Washington D.C.? Then you’ve come to the right place. Our DC Online Sports Betting Guide provides everything you need to know about legal sports wagering in DC, in one convenient location!
You're in the luck because the BetMGM sports betting app is now available in Washington DC, but only in a 2 block radius around Nationals Park. Additionally, there's a bill on the table in DC that would allow providers to offer betting throughout the district: we've got all the info you need right here!
| Book Offer | Legal States | |
|---|---|---|
***The Welcome Offer in DC is currently on hold. Additionally, the BetMGM app is available for mobile wagers in Washington DC, but only at Nationals Park.
Updated on : 04/25/2024
| Online Sportsbooks · States · Washington DC |
IS ONLINE SPORTS BETTING LEGAL IN WASHINGTON DC?
Yes, Washington DC has legal online sports betting. However, it's one of only two states offering a unique, geofenced form of betting. How does it work, betting in DC? Well, you can download the BetMGM sportsbook app and bet legally, but only at Nationals Stadium. However, legislators are working on a bill that would legalize betting district-wide; we'll keep you up to date on that below.
CONTENTS
- DC Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
- DC Retail Sportsbooks
- Washington DC Sports Betting Sites Features
- Recent DC Betting News
- DC Betting Laws
- DC Online Sports Betting: Events & Betting Markets
- Common Payment Options
- DC Online Sports Betting FAQ
- Final thoughts on Betting in DC
DC DAILY FANTASY SPORTS (DFS)
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is a new way to play on major league sports teams and players in Washington DC. Try your sports knowledge skills by playing DFS, on a variety sports events like NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL PGA, MLS, and more.
| DFS Offer | Legal States | |
|---|---|---|
| Legal In DC?✅ | ||
| Legal In DC?✅ | ||
| Legal In DC?✅ |
DC RETAIL SPORTSBOOKS
The District of Columbia has recently expanded its retail segment for legal sports betting. Caesars Sportsbook is connected to Capital One Arena. This is home to the NBA’s Washington Wizards and the NHL’s Washington Capitals. Not to be out done, BetMGM Sportsbooks teamed up MLB’s Washington Nationals through Nationals Park.
There is a mixture of Class A and Class B retail licenses in the District. The two mentioned above are Class A. Two examples of Class B retail licenses would be Audi Field and St. Elizabeths East Entertainment and Sports Arena. Certain bars and restaurants may be eligible for a Class B license.
RECENT DC BETTING NEWS
- ? DC Sports Betting Could Benefit from Change, Sep. 13, 2021
- ? Washington DC Sports Betting Set for Expansion, Sep. 8, 2021
DC SPORTSBOOKS BETTING LAWS
The DC Council approved a Bill in late 2018, that would allow for legalized sports betting in the nation’s capital. The bill authorized both land-based and online/mobile sports betting and has since been formalized into law. The Office of Lottery and Gaming can begin accepting applications for the two types of licenses, Class A and Class B.
Land-based DC sports betting will be different from other states, as the district doesn’t have any casino presence. Instead, DC sports betting law permits one sportsbook to be located in four of the city’s major stadiums as well as within authorized retailers.
The four major stadiums that can apply for a Class A sportsbook license are: Capital One Arena, Audi Field, Nationals Park and the St. Elizabeth’s East Entertainment & Sports Arena. Class B licenses are available to select establishments not located within two blocks of a stadium.
Mobile betting has been delegated to the DC Lottery. The lottery approved a single vendor, Intralot, to be the official provider of sports betting in the district. The lottery’s sports betting app is the only option available across the city, however the four stadiums may also offer mobile wagering on-premises.
As a matter of fact, Nationals Park has gone live with BetMGM sportsbook, offering bets in a two-block radius around the stadium. BetMGM is the second non-lottery operator to provide betting in the city. There's also Caesars Sportsbook, offering bets out of Capital One Arena (home of the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals).
In late 2022, DC Councilmember Elissa Silverman proposed that online betting be available all throughout Washington DC, not just at sports stadiums. The bill is gaining momentum in the DC City Council, but hasn't resolved just yet. Here's hoping that Silverman and company are able to sway their colleagues to offering legal, online betting everywhere in DC!
Check out current offers in Washington DC and how each sportsbook stacks up below!
WASHINGTON DC SPORTSBOOKS FEATURES
| Operator | In-Play Betting | Live Streaming | Parlays | Same-Game Parlays | Prop Bets | Loyalty Rewards Program | Mobile App |
| BetMGM |
DC ONLINE SPORTS BETTING: EVENTS & BETTING MARKETS
DC online sports betting features a similar selection of betting markets as neighboring states:
COMMON TYPES OF BETS
Moneylines
The simplest form of betting, money lines offer the chance to bet on the winner of a matchup. In select sports a three-way betting card will be provided with the possibility of a draw. Moneylines can vary greatly in betting odds based on the matchup.
Point Spreads
The Spreads are different from the moneylines, as you’re not betting directly on who will win a game or match. Instead, you’re betting on which participant will ‘cover the spread.’ The spread is a number provided by the bookmaker which attempts to give both participants approximately equal favorites betting odds. To do this favorite is deducted a certain amount of points, and an underdog is given the same number points.
When you back a favorite on a points spread, you’re betting that they will win by a margin greater than the size of the spread. When you back an underdog, you’re betting that the player/team will win or lose by a margin that’s less than the size of the spread.
Over/Unders
For over/under wagers, the bookmaker sets a line for the total number of points, goals, or runs to be scored in a matchup. Bettors may then choose whether they think the score will be over or under that number. Betting odds for over/under bets are generally around the even money mark.
Future/Outrights
Future/outright wagers refer to bets made on the overall winner of a tournament or league. Example: Super Bowl Winner, NBA Finals Champions, Winner of French Open.
Prop Bets
Propositional bets are wagers made on ‘propositions’ that don’t affect the outcome of a matchup. For example: Highest Scorer, First Team To Score, Player With Most Touchdowns etc.
Parlays/Accumulators
DC online sports betting provides parlay betting, allowing bettors to combine wagers for better betting odds.
MOST POPULAR SPORTS TO BET ON
A wide range of sports and leagues are available for DC online sports betting, including:
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Football
- Soccer
- Ice Hockey
- MMA
- Golf
- Tennis
Expect the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB to be particularly popular in DC, along with NCAA basketball and football.
POPULAR DC EVENTS
Popular DC sporting events will no doubt be a large part of the betting culture in the district. The district holds several major sports venues including Capital One Arena, RFK Stadium, FedExField, Audi Field, and Nationals Park. Some of the most popular events to look forward to are:
- NFL Washington Red Skins Home Games
- MLB Washington Nationals Home Games
- WNBA Washington Mystics Home Games
- NBA Washington Wizards Home Games
- NHL Washington Capitals Home Games
BEST TEAMS TO BET ON
DC online sports betting is available for all of the DC-based teams. The teams include:
- Washington Commanders (NFL)
- Washington Capitals (NHL)
- D.C FC (MLS)
- Washington Mystics (WNBA)
- Washington Wizards (NBA)
- Washington Nationals (MLB)
Washington-based NCAA college basketball and football teams are available for sports betting during their seasons.
COMMONS PAYMENT METHODS
DC online sports betting will provide bettors with a number of different secure and hassle-free payment options. Most options will likely provide the ability to make instant deposits. Payment fees may be incurred by service providers.
Some common payment methods we can find with DC online sportsbooks are:
- Visa/MasterCard
- Discover
- Paypal
- ACH/Online Bank Transfer
- PayNearMe
*Note that not all payment options will be available for both deposits and withdrawals.
DC ONLINE SPORTS BETTING FAQ
Use the following DC online sports betting FAQ section for answers to a number of commonly asked questions:
ARE SPORTS BETTING WEBSITES LEGAL IN THE US?
The legality of sports betting websites vary based on state law. At the moment, DC online sports betting law provides basis for legal mobile-based/online betting. Online betting will go through the DC Lottery and gaming app, GamBetDC (which will be taken over by FanDuel Sportsbook). You can also bet with BetMGM sportsbook and Caesars sportsbook while using the app at local sporting venues.
WHAT DO I NEED TO REGISTER AT TOP ONLINE BETTING SITES IN DC?
Top online betting sites are available to anyone over the age of 21 physically located in DC. A valid SSN and mailing address are required for registration.
IS IT SAFE TO DEPOSIT AT SPORTS BETTING SITES IN DC?
DC online sports betting sites will all be vetted by the DC Lottery, ensuring secure deposits. Top online betting sites to enter the market are also expected to provide similar safety and privacy.
CAN I SET BETTING LIMITS?
Betting limits are available at most if not all the DC online sports betting sites. Betting limits should be available daily, weekly and monthly.
IS DC ONLINE SPORTS BETTING LIVE?
Online sports betting in DC is live as of summer 2020. There is only one statewide provider: GamBetDC (which will be taken over by FanDuel Sportsbook). You can also get online with a number of solid providers like BetMGM at local sporting venues.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON BETTING IN DC
Mobile betting is available in DC, though your options are relatively limited. If you want to bet from somewhere in the state that isn't a local sporting venue, you'll be restricted to using the lottery-run app called GamBetDC. (Soon, FanDuel Sportsbook will take over the GambetDC app-- stay tuned for info on promo codes and offers there!)
If you want access to a more well-established platform, you should try heading over to Nationals Park and placing a bet with BetMGM. You can also head to Capital One Park for bets with a well-established platform: Caesars sportsbook.
Be sure to check back for more updates on DC online sports betting!
