Washington DC Online Gambling & Betting 2022

On this page, we will cover everything you need to know about Washington DC online gambling. Sports bettors can rejoice now that online sportsbooks are legal, and we have information on the best new customer sign up bonuses.

DC Sports Betting

Sports betting in Washington D.C. works a little differently than in many other jurisdictions. With no casinos in the state, all sports bets have to be made at a retail location or on a mobile app.

The District of Columbia Council passed legislation on sports betting in December of 2018.

The only DC sports betting app that is allowed throughout the district is the one operated by the state – GamebetDC. It is powered by Intralot, which has sole possession of the license that can operate a district-wide mobile betting app.

However, that hasn’t refrained other commercial sportsbooks from entering the District of Columbia, and these sportsbooks are having much more success.

Sports betting is overseen by the DC Lottery, and you only have to be 18 years old to wager. This makes DC one of the few areas where the gambling age is below 21.

sports betting in Washington DC timeline:

May 2020: Sports betting goes live in DC after several delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 2019 – The Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act clears congressional review and goes into law.

December 2018 – The District of Columbia Council passes the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act setting the stage for legal online sports betting in Washington DC.

May 2018 – Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, paving the way for legalized online sports betting.

BetMGM Sportsbook DC

We recommend BetMGM as the best betting app in DC. It launched in June of 2021 and partnered with Nationals Park. In order to place a bet on the BetMGM DC app, you have to be within 2 blocks of the Nationals stadium.

BetMGM has everything you need as a sports bettor, from various features and a wide array of bonuses. If you are just now signing up, you can claim a risk-free bet of up to $1,000. If you lose your first bet, BetMGM will give you a refund in bonus money! Use our BetMGM DC promo code – AMERICANGAMBLER.

Once you are a customer, you will have access to tons of other promotions. BetMGM has parlay bonuses, free-to-play games with prize money, free bets for wagering $10 a week, and a $50 bonus for referring friends.

The app will use geolocation software to ensure that you are in or just outside of Nationals Park. If you are a Washington Nationals fan, this is the perfect app for you.

Plus, BetMGM customers will be a part of the M Life Rewards program. You can earn bonuses for the sportsbook and discounts for MGM properties across the United States.

DC Daily Fantasy Sports

Washington DC is one of the many areas in the US that does not specifically outlaw DFS. So, it is legal to use fantasy sports sites because of the grey area that has been created.

Companies like FanDuel, DraftKings, and Monkey Knife Fight accept customers from DC. You can play fantasy contests for real money.

These DC gambling apps can be used anywhere, unlike sports betting apps.

There are plenty of sports fans in DC since the city of home to all of the four major sports teams.

The Washington Nationals (MLB), Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Wizards (NBA), and Washington Commanders (NFL) all call the nation’s capital home.

DC Online Casinos

Washington D.C. does not allow for online casinos. Some of the sports betting operators, such as BetMGM, also have online casino platforms. However, those cannot be used in the DC area.

Without land-based casinos or DC casino apps, there aren’t any options for games like Blackjack, Roullete, or slots. The only option is sweepstakes casinos.

More states have begun to pass legislation on online casinos, but it is not moving as fast as sports betting. Online casinos are becoming very advanced, including live card games that stream a live dealer at a real casino table.

Online poker is also illegal. When states pass one, the other is often included.

DC Horse Racing Betting

Unfortunately, DC is one of the few areas in the United States that does not allow for horse racing betting sites.

TVG, Twinspires, and other horse racing platforms allow customers to bet on horse races from around the world. The most popular event, the Kentucky Derby, is America’s biggest horse race and is watched around the world.

However, there are some ways you can wager on horse racing. Instead of betting on the outcome of the race, you can use DC horse betting apps to compete in contests with other players. This is much like fantasy sports.

DC Online Lottery

If you wish there were online casino games in DC, at least you have an online lottery. The DC Lottery site has tons of casino-style games you can play, such as Vegas Cash Drop and Super Cash Buster Towers. This is in addition to the Power Ball and Mega Millions.

Customers can compete for a chance to win prizes, such as a VIP experience at a Washington Commanders game.

Legal vs. Illegal Washington DC Online Gambling Sites

All of the sports betting and fantasy sites on our page are legal to use. There’s a big difference between legal and illegal DC online gambling sites.

Legal options give you safety and security. These sites have to follow local and federal legislation. When you win, you know you are going to be paid.

There are still illegal offshore sports betting and casino sites. We do recommend using these. Not only are they illegal, but your information is not guaranteed to be safe, nor are you guaranteed to be paid.

Responsible Gaming and Self-Exclusion

One of the perks of using legal Washington DC online gambling sites and apps is the responsible gaming tools. You can set limits and control how much you are spending and how much time you are on the app.

The DC Lottery has a self-exclusion list for those who want to be banned from DC gambling sites. If you sign up, you won’t be able to log on to any of the sites on our page.

Washington DC Online Gambling FAQs

Questions about online gambling in Washington D.C.

Is online gambling legal in Washington DC?

Sports betting is legal in DC. You can use one of several apps, including BetMGM when you are within two blocks of Nationals Park.

Is sports betting legal in DC?

Yes. You can visit one of the multiple retail sportsbooks or place a bet on a DC sports betting app.

Can you play online poker in DC?

No. There are no legal poker sites that can be used in Washington DC. There are no land-based casinos that offer poker either.

Can you play online casinos in DC?

No. Online casinos are still illegal in DC. The DC online gambling legislation only included sports betting, not casino games.

Can you bet on horse racing in DC?

You can bet on horse races as long as it is a contest. Unlike other states, you can’t use TVG to simply bet on a winner of a race.