Legislation to authorize sports betting in DC has been signed by the district’s Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Although the bill has been signed by Bowser, it is not yet legal to place wagers on sporting events in DC.
All Washington DC council bills must be reviewed by Congress and because this piece of sports betting legislation could have a financial impact, there is a 60-day review period.
However, an emergency measure was passed alongside the sports betting bill back in December, which means that DC lawmakers could start sports betting procedures while the legislation is being reviewed.
Even with Bowser’s signature, lawmakers must decide if they will allow sports betting companies to bid for the opportunity to power sports betting in DC.
Earlier this month, an emergency measure that would have granted Intralot, the DC Lottery provider, a contract to operate sports betting in the district was withdrawn. This would have allowed Intralot to bypass the bidding procedure.
This is set to be discussed at a council meeting later this month.
Despite this, the DC sports betting bill states that the DC Lottery will be responsible for sports betting in DC.
There are no Casinos in DC and therefore sports bets will need to be placed via a mobile app.
On top of mobile sports betting, retail land-based sports betting will be permitted in four sports venues. These venues are, the Capital One Arena, Audi Field, Nationals Park and St. Elizabeths East Entertainment and Sports Arena.
