Are online sportsbooks legal in Washington, DC?
When sports betting first launched in Washington, DC, only one online platform was available in the District — GambetDC, which was operated by the DC Office of Lottery and Gaming. Commercial sportsbooks were allowed to operate, but you could only access online sports betting within two blocks of a sportsbook’s retail location.
However, new legislation passed in 2024 that allows any operator licensed to operate in DC to provide sports betting across the District.
Top 5 DC sportsbooks
There are five online sportsbooks in DC, with the potential for seven operators to launch. Below, we’ve provided overviews of the best platforms currently available.
| Sportsbook ⭐ | Best for 🏆 |
| FanDuel | Overall experience |
| BetMGM | Building parlays |
| DraftKings | Leading sports betting app |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Rewards program |
| Fanatics | Apparel-based promotions |
1. FanDuel Sportsbook DC
🌟 If you need more information on one of the best sports betting apps in the nation, head over to our FanDuel review.
2. BetMGM Sportsbook DC
Up to $1,500 back in Bonus BetsClaim bonusOne new customer offer only. Place your first wager and receive up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if it loses. Bonus bets will be available once your initial wager settles as a loss. Bonus bets expire in 7 days. Add’l terms apply. 21+ and located in WA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gambler.net.
🌟 Oddspedia's BetMGM review has everything you need to know about one of the most popular DC betting apps.
3. DraftKings Sportsbook DC
- Bet $5, Win $150 + 1K Deposit BonusNo code required Claim bonus
If your first bet wins, DraftKings will give you six (6) $25 bonus bets instantly. Incl. 20% deposit match of up to $1,000 for every new user. Must be 21+ years of age or older and physically located in the WA. New customers only. T&Cs apply.
🌟 Our full DraftKings review takes a deeper dive into this DC sports betting juggernaut.
4. Caesars Sportsbook DC
- Bet $1, Get 10x 100% Profit BoostsClaim bonus
New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. After the $10 minimum deposit, place an initial $1 real money wager. Regardless of the outcome, Caesars Sportsbook will issue you 10 100% profit boosts. The maximum wager for each profit boost token is $25 and must be used on markets with minimum odds of -10,000. Full terms apply. 21+ and present in WA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gambler.net.
🌟 Scroll through our wide-ranging Caesars review for a thorough look at one of the top DC sports betting sites.
5. Fanatics Sportsbook DC
- Up to $1,000 in No Sweat BetsNo code required Claim bonus
If your wager is unsuccessful you can claim up to $100 bonus bet daily for 10 consecutive days. Must be 21+ and WA resident. T&Cs apply.
🌟Oddspedia's Fanatics review covers all the bases when it comes to this DC online sportsbook.
Best DC sportsbook promos and bonuses
DC sportsbooks are always looking for new customers, so these platforms offer generous welcome bonuses to entice you to sign up. To give you an idea of what to expect when you sign up, here are all the DC sportsbook promos currently up for grabs.
| Sportsbook ⭐ | Promo code ✅ | Welcome bonus 💰 |
| FanDuel | No code required | Bet $5, win $150 + 3 months NBA League Pass |
| BetMGM | ODDSBONUS | $1,500 back in bonus bets |
| DraftKings | No code required | Bet $5, win $150 + $1K deposit bonus |
| Caesars Sportsbook | OPBONUS1000 | Bet $1, get 10x 100% profit boosts |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | No code required | Up to $1,000 in bonus bets |
18+ in DC. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
🔥 FanDuel DC promo: Claiming your FanDuel Sportsbook bonus is straightforward. Simply create your account, deposit $5 or more, and place a wager of $5 or more. If you win, you'll earn $150 in bonus bets. You'll also get three free months of NBA League Pass. No FanDuel promo code is necessary.
🔥 BetMGM DC promo: Widely regarded as one of the top DC sports betting sites, BetMGM offers the largest welcome bonus in the District. If you lose your first bet, the sportsbook will cover your stake with bonus bets, up to $1,500. To claim this offer, simply sign up using the BetMGM bonus code ODDSBONUS, deposit at least $10, and place a wager.
🔥 DraftKings DC promo: When you register with DraftKings, you can earn $150 in bonus bets by placing just a $5 wager. No DraftKings promo code is needed for this beginner-friendly offer. Just create an account, deposit $5 or more, and place a $5 bet. If you win, you'll receive six $25 bonus bets. You can also grab a $1,000 deposit bonus.
🔥 Caesars Sportsbook DC promo: Arguably the most unique promo available in DC, Caesars allows its users to snag a bet $1, get 10x 100% profit boosts reward. To access this deal, sign up with the Caesars Sportsbook promo code OPBONUSDYW, deposit $10 or more, and place your first bet of at least $1. If you win or lose, you'll get 10 profit boosts you can use to double your winnings over your next 10 wagers.
🔥 Fanatics Sportsbook DC promo: Thanks to an impressive welcome bonus, Fanatics is quickly becoming one of the best sportsbooks DC players can access. Just sign up, deposit $10 or more, and place a bet of at least $5 with odds of -200 or longer each day for the first 10 days. Fanatics Sportsbook will match your daily wagers in bonus bets, up to $100 per day. So, if you bet $100 each day for 10 days, you'll earn $1,000 in bonus money. Don't worry about inputting a Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
Legal DC sportsbooks
There are only five legal online sportsbooks in DC. The maximum number of sportsbooks that can launch in the District is seven, so the market has room to expand. Here's a list of online betting sites in DC, plus a quick look at the available retail sportsbooks.
DC online and mobile sportsbooks
| Sportsbook ⭐ | Partner 🤝 |
| FanDuel | DC Lottery |
| BetMGM | Washington Nationals |
| DraftKings | DC United |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Washington Spirit |
DC retail sportsbooks
| Retail sportsbook 🏢 | Location 📌 |
| FanDuel | Audi Field |
| BetMGM | Nationals Park |
| Caesars | Capital One Arena |
| Grand Central Sportsbook | Grand Central Restaurant, Bar, and Sportsbook |
| Handle 19 | Handle 19 |
| Over Under Sportsbook Rooftop Lounge | The Cloakroom |
Latest DC sports betting news
Nov. 20, 2024: DC reports a record $65.8 million betting handle for October.
Sept. 23, 2024: The new DC sports betting market has already beat yearlong 2023 marks.
Sept. 12, 2024: Fanatics Sportsbook launches in DC through its partnership with Washington Spirit, becoming the fifth operator to go live in the District.
Sept. 10, 2024: Caesars Sportsbook secures a retail deal in Washington, DC, adding numerous self-service kiosks to enhance the betting experience.
July 23, 2024: DraftKings Sportsbook is officially set to launch in DC, marking its entry as the fourth online sportsbook in the nation's capital.
July 17, 2024: For the first time, DC sports betting features multiple online sportsbooks, with BetMGM and Caesars accepting mobile bets, eliminating the requirement for bettors to be within a two-block radius of a retail sportsbook.
July 5, 2024: DC sports betting reaches a record high during its first full month with FanDuel, achieving a handle of $36 million.
June 14, 2024: The director of the DC Lottery resigns as the state moves forward with an overhaul of its sports betting system.
April 15, 2024: FanDuel officially launches in DC.
April 13, 2024: GambetDC announces plans to close, with FanDuel set to take over as a subcontractor.
Oct. 24, 2022: DC Council Member Elissa Silverman proposes a bill allowing third-party mobile sportsbooks to enter the local market.
July 6, 2022: FanDuel announces the grand opening of its retail sportsbook at Audi Field, the first such sportsbook located at an MLS venue in the U.S.
Jan. 31, 2022: The BetMGM retail sportsbook at Nationals Park opens after months of mobile-only wagering.
June 10, 2021: BetMGM partners with the Washington Nationals and launches geofenced mobile betting at Nationals Park.
May 26, 2021: William Hill becomes the first operator to open a retail sportsbook in a professional sports venue in the U.S. at Capital One Arena, home of the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals.
Dec. 29, 2020: William Hill launches its mobile app in DC, requiring bettors to be within a two-block radius of Capital One Arena to place bets.
Aug. 30, 2019: The Office of Lottery and Gaming finalizes the rules and regulations for sports betting in DC.
May 3, 2019: The Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018 goes into effect without Congressional intervention.
Jan. 23, 2019: Mayor Muriel Bowser signs Bill 22-944, allowing Congress 60 days to veto the district's approval of the bill, as DC is not a state.
How to choose the best DC sportsbook
Many factors determine what makes a great betting site. Here are some critical aspects we consider when choosing the best Washington, DC, sportsbooks.
Bonuses
Welcome bonuses allow you to test out a sportsbook and potentially make a profit without having to risk too much of your own money. The best DC sports betting sites will provide generous bonuses to new players and reward existing players with regular promotions.
Customer support
While top sportsbooks will often work perfectly, sometimes things go wrong. Our top sportsbooks, DC or elsewhere, will have 24/7 customer support you can access through a variety of channels, including live chat, email, and other options.
Payment options
The best sportsbooks support a wide range of payment providers. We expect all transactions to be secure and deposits to be processed instantly. We also give high marks to operators that handle your withdrawals within 24 hours.
Range of markets
A sportsbook should give you as many betting options as possible. We look for sites covering the most popular sports in the US, as well as smaller international markets. We've put together lists of the best football betting sites, NBA betting sites, MLB betting sites, and more.
How to sign up with DC sportsbooks
Since Washington, DC, sportsbooks are always looking to attract new customers, these sites make it easy to sign up. In fact, you can register and start betting in minutes.
Follow our step-by-step guide below to get started.
1. Choose a DC sportsbook
Read our mini reviews on this page to decide which of our recommended DC sportsbooks is the best for you. Follow the links on this page to continue to the sportsbook's website, or download the app to your mobile device.
2. Allow the DC sportsbook to access your geolocation
You can only play with Washington, DC, sports betting sites if you are within the District's borders. Make sure you enable location-sharing services on your device.
3. Provide your personal information
Enter your name, address, date of birth, email, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number during the registration process. Sportsbooks in DC need this information to verify your identity and protect you from fraud and underage gambling. After you've read them, agree to the terms and conditions and proceed to the next step.
4. Make a deposit
Go to the cashier section of your sportsbook and choose to deposit. Select a payment method and add the relevant details to link it to your account. Decide how much to deposit, and your funds should appear instantly. If you're claiming a welcome bonus, ensure you've deposited enough to qualify for it.
5. Start playing
With money in your account, you're free to start enjoying what the DC online sportsbook has to offer. Browse the available markets, choose something that speaks to you, and lock in a wager.
How we rate DC sportsbooks
Our experts consider a variety of factors when rating sportsbooks. We test each site ourselves, signing up, claiming bonuses, depositing, and placing wagers so we know firsthand what works and what doesn’t. We also refer to other user reviews to ensure we have a full picture before making a judgment.
Here are some of the most important things we look for:
- 🤑 Lucrative bonuses
- 🏅 Wide variety of markets and odds
- ✅ Top-notch reputation
- 📞 Helpful customer support
- 💳 Flexible banking options
Why sign up with more than one DC sportsbook
Some people don't take advantage of using multiple sportsbooks. DC players have access to five of the best in the business, and it's wise to capitalize on the benefits of shopping around. Here's why you should consider playing with multiple operators.
Find the best odds
Every sportsbook will provide different NFL odds, NBA odds, NHL odds, MLB odds, etc. You can shop between betting platforms and find the best odds if you have multiple sportsbook accounts. Maximizing your odds can really make a difference in the long run.
Claim multiple bonuses
Every DC sportsbook will provide a welcome bonus to new customers. You can claim several bonuses by signing up with more betting sites, increasing the rewards you collect and the chances of making a profit.
Access more features
Some sportsbooks offer unique features, such as rewards programs, daily contests, or live streaming. By joining more betting sites, you'll have the opportunity to explore a wider range of options.
Bet types available at DC sportsbooks
As Washington, DC, welcomes some of the biggest gambling operators in the US, it’s no surprise a wide range of bet types are available to local players. Here are some of the most popular options you’ll find when you sign up with our recommended sites.
Moneyline
Moneyline bets are straightforward wagers on which team will win a game. They are among the simplest and most popular types of bets available, and every sportsbook in DC offers moneyline options for all the sports they cover.
Spreads
Spread bets focus on the margin of victory in a game. For instance, if the Washington Commanders are favored by -2.5 points, they must win by three points or more to cover the spread. If they win by two points or fewer or lose the game outright, your bet will be unsuccessful.
Totals (Over/Under)
Totals bets involve predicting the total number of points, goals, runs, etc., scored by both teams in a game. When placing a totals bet, you choose whether you believe the combined score will be over or under the line set by the sportsbook.
Futures
Futures bets are placed on events that extend beyond a single game. These can include predictions on who will win the Super Bowl, who will be named league MVP, or how many wins a team will achieve in a season.
Props
Prop bets are wagers on specific aspects of a player or team’s performance that do not directly affect the game's outcome. These can range from predicting how many points a player will score to which team will score first, among many other possibilities.
Parlays
A parlay combines multiple bets into one wager. To win a parlay, every individual bet (or "leg") must be successful. The allure of a parlay is the potential for higher payouts compared to placing each bet separately, but it carries greater risk since losing any single leg results in losing the entire bet.
Same-game parlays
A same-game parlay combines multiple wagers from the same event into one bet. For example, you might bet on the Washington Wizards to win the game, the total to be over 215.5 points, and Jordan Poole to score 20+ points. Again, all legs must win for the bet to be successful.
Who can bet with DC sportsbooks?
To play with a Washington, DC, sportsbook, you must be at least 18 years old. Some sportsbooks, including BetMGM and Caesars, require you to be 21 or older. You don’t have to be a resident; you just have to be within DC while you are playing. Your sportsbook will require access to your geolocation technology to check this.
If you are on a gambling self-exclusion list, you won’t be able to play. Additionally, you can’t sign up if you’re employed by a professional sports team, including as a player, coach, or staff member.
What sports can I bet on in DC?
You can bet on a wide range of professional sports, including US favorites like the NFL and NBA. Additionally, competitions from across the globe are available in sports like soccer, tennis, golf, and more. College sports betting is available, but you can only wager on teams and events outside the District.
Here are just some of the sports you can expect to find on BetMGM, DraftKings, and the other top DC sportsbooks:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Cricket
- Cycling
- Darts
- Football
- Golf
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- MMA
- Motorsports
- Olympics
- Rugby
- Snooker
- Soccer
- Tennis
What DC teams can I bet on?
There are several major professional sports teams in DC, many of which are partnered with sportsbooks to provide those operators with licenses. Here are the local teams you’ll find with your chosen DC sportsbook.
| NFL 🏈 | NBA 🏀 | MLB ⚾ | NHL 🏒 | MLS ⚽ |
| Washington Commanders | Washington Wizards | Washington Nationals | Washington Capitals | DC United |
What can’t I bet on in DC?
Here are the restrictions you need to know about when it comes to DC sports betting:
🗳️ Politics — Wagering on politics is outlawed all across the US.
🏫 In-state college sports events — As mentioned, you can’t bet on any college programs from DC or college events taking place within the District.
🏆 Entertainment ceremonies — You won't be able to wager on the Oscars, Grammys, or other entertainment award shows.
DC sports betting resources
It’s essential to play responsibly while betting with DC sportsbooks. The District has several resources you can use to help yourself or support others.
- DC Office of Lottery and Gaming — DC's sole regulator of sports betting, lottery games, casinos, and all other gambling.
- DC Lottery Problem Gambling Resources
- Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018 — The law that legalized DC sports betting.
- National Problem Gambling Helpline — Call 1-800-GAMBLER; text 800GAM
U.S. states with legal sports betting
| State 🌎 | Online 💻 | Retail 🏛️ |
| Arizona Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Arkansas Sportsbooks | No | Yes |
| Colorado Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Connecticut Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Delaware Sportsbooks | No | Yes |
| Florida Sportsbooks | No | No |
| Illinois Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Indiana Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Iowa Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Kentucky Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Louisiana Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Maryland Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Massachusetts Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Michigan Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Mississippi Sportsbooks | No | Yes |
| Montana Sportsbooks | On-premises only | Yes |
| Nevada Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| New Hampshire Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| NJ Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| New Mexico Sportsbooks | No | Yes |
| New York Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| North Carolina Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Ohio Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Oregon Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Pennsylvania Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Rhode Island Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Texas Sportsbooks | No | No |
| Vermont Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Virginia Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| West Virginia Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Washington, DC Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Wisconsin Sportsbooks | No | No |
| Wyoming Sportsbooks | Yes | No |
Upcoming sports betting launches
The online sports betting landscape is continually evolving across the US, with most states now offering legal online sportsbooks. However, new states are always considering legislation to expand online betting. Several regions are rumored to be preparing laws that could soon bring betting sites to residents, including:
- Alabama
- California
- Missouri
- Oklahoma
Of those states, Missouri seems the most likely to legalize online sports betting in the not-too-distant future.
Best sports betting apps by state
If you're outside of DC and looking for the best betting apps for your specific region, check out the following links:
Best sportsbook promos by state
Sportsbook bonuses can vary across the country. Here's a breakdown of all the best deals from coast to coast.
