Washington DC Sports Betting – How To Bet On Sports Legally In DC in 2024
- Online Sports Betting In D.C. Via Offshore & Domestic Sportsbooks
- Limited Access Mobile Sports Betting Apps Available In Washington, D.C.
- In-Person Sportsbooks Are Now Open For Business In Washington, D.C.
For a town that has no casinos, most of our top government offices, the President's residence, and a town of its own, there is no reason why in-person and mobile DC sports betting wouldn't be allowed, right? Exactly! The District of Columbia did legislation to allow geo-fenced limited online, mobile, and in-person sports betting within the town limits.
Each domestic DC mobile betting app is only available within a limited distance from its headquartered partnership, which is typically the stadium or field of a pro team in the region. There are also in-person retail betting locations. The relationship between the nation's capital and local DC sports betting entertainment is a unique one.
Alternatively, and much more simply, legitimate internationally-based online sportsbooks and betting apps (such as the ones listed on this page) provide a safe, streamlined betting experience from anywhere in the capital region. DC sportsbooks operating legally offshore are easily the more convenient and robust option.
Is Sports Betting Legal In Washington DC in 2024?
Domestic sports betting and mobile sports betting have been passed into law, and in June of 2020, GambetDC, the District of Columbia's online lottery platform, unveiled their sports betting app available to download on all current mobile devices. This was the first betting app to launch from a local operator, but not the only one.
Major sports games and contests from around the world have betting lines featured on the app, but it will not accept wagers for games played within the District, or contests that involve D.C.-based teams. Government building enclaves and stadiums inside city limits are also non-betting areas. The app has been plagued with numerous issues and problems, causing it to become less popular than its local competition.
Bettors inside the DC area also have the option of wagering with an offshore sportsbook operating online. Because local gambling laws fail to address gambling online with a sportsbook located in a jurisdiction outside of the USA, it does not break any rules when doing so. The online betting sites recommended on this page accept members from Washington, D.C.
DC Sports Betting Laws
Washington DC passed two sports betting laws, and in June of 2020, GambetDC released an app that works on Apple devices like iPhone and iPad, as well as Android smartphones like Samsung. The app allows for betting on all contests except for those that involve D.C. teams or are played within the District. Don't expect the Super Bowl to be played there anytime soon.
DC Sports Betting Bills
As of April, 2024, the District of Columbia has not seen any legislation come through that would alter or expand the scope of sports betting within its boundaries. Most legislative bills coming through will likely be intent on refining regulatory elements and oversight or addressing fiscal matters relevant to the sports betting market there.
You can check our bill tracker page at any time to see what they have on their plate concerning sports betting.
Best Sports Betting Sites In Washington DC For 2024
Here you'll find our top recommendations for online and mobile sports betting in Washington, DC. You'll notice the local sportsbook apps are not listed. We just consider their limitations geographically and on other fronts to render them incomparable to the sportsbooks we've trusted and used for decades that don't have any of those limits for DC bettors.
| Site Name | Current Bonus | Age | U.S. | Visit Site | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | 50% Max $1,000 | 18+ |  | Visit Site Review |
| 2 |  | 125% Max $3,125 | 18+ | | Visit Site Review |
| 3 |  | 50% Max $1,000 | 18+ | | Visit Site Review |
| 4 |  | 50% Max $1,000 | 18+ | | Visit Site Review |
| 5 |  | 50% Max $1,000 | 21+ | | Visit Site Review |
| 6 |  | 50% Max $500 | 21+ | | Visit Site Review |
DC Sports Betting Details
- Legal Sports Betting: District-Regulated & Offshore
- Minimum Sports Betting Age: 18 years old
- Land-Based: Yes (Pending Launch)
- Online: Yes, Offshore
- Mobile: Yes, Offshore
- In-Play: Yes, Offshore
- State Sportsbook Revenue: $3,611,200
- Eligible Operators: GambetDC
- Commission: The Office of Lottery and Charitable Games
- Licensing Fee: $50,000
- Tax Rate: 10%-20% Gross Revenue
- Tax-Funded: TBD
What You Can Bet On In DC:
- District-Regulated: Most major professional and collegiate athletics except for those occurring within city limits or involving local teams, are allowed for.
- Offshore: All games, teams, and players across all college and professional sports are allowed when using offshore sites. We will update this section after domestic sports betting officially launches.
What You Can't Bet On In DC:
District-regulated betting apps cannot accept wagers on high school athletics, or any sports involving local collegiate or professional teams. Betting on games occurring within the district are also not allowed. Government buildings and stadiums have been marked as off-limits for mobile betting. Offshore betting sites have no betting restrictions.
Where Can I Bet On Sports In DC?
Right now, DC residents can bet using the local lottery's sports betting app, or they can wager with offshore sportsbooks that accept their members from the District.
Betting On The Washington Commanders (NFL)
The Washington Commanders (formerly the Washington Football Team/Washington Redskins) played their season of professional football in 1932 as the Boston Braves before moving to the nation’s capital in 1937. Today, Washington competes in the NFC East and plays home games at FedEx Field.
The franchise has won three championships (1983, 1988, 1992) and is always a prime preseason contender when betting on Super Bowl odds. Each of their regular season and postseason games will feature lines at legal NFL betting sites.
Sports Teams To Bet On In DC
Washington Nationals (MLB)
The Washington Nationals baseball franchise was established in 1969 as the Montreal Expos before moving to D.C. prior to the 2005 season. The Nationals play in the NL East and host home games at Nationals Park.
The franchise won their first MLB title in 2019 and they are routinely a top option when betting on the World Series each preseason. Betting on MLB games is a major pastime in the D.C. area, and the sportsbook sites we endorse for use in the District are all fair game for 18+ sports gamblers.
Washington Capitals (NHL)
The Washington Capitals entered the NHL as an expansion franchise in 1974. The team competes in the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference and plays their home games at Capital One Arena. The franchise won its first championship in 2018 and is often included in the options for betting on the Stanley Cup.
NHL Betting sites will feature lines for each of the Capitals games, as well as prop bets for player and team performances, championship futures, and more.
Washington Wizards (NBA)
The Washington Wizards established their basketball franchise in 1961 as the Chicago Packers before relocating to the District of Columbia in 1973. NBA betting sites offer odds for each of their regular season and playoff games, as well as props and futures.
The Wizards won a championship in 1978, and when betting on the NBA Playoffs, sports gamblers will often see Washington included as a contender.
Legal Washington D.C. Sports Betting FAQs
Washington DC Gambling Resources
GambetDC's Official Website
DC Council's Website
The District of Columbia provides resources for gambling addicts and strongly suggests that if you feel like you are developing a gambling problem to reach out to representatives that can help at the DC Counselors National Council on Problem Gambling.
