Another Sportsbook Operator Applies For DC Betting License
Washington, D.C. is experiencing a major shift in its local betting market after lawmakers approved the sportsbook expansion. Thus far, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook are live in the nation’s capital. DraftKings also announced its intention to launch in D.C. and its partnership with D.C. United. According to reports from WUSA9, the Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) has received another sports betting application alongside DraftKings DC.
DC Sports Betting Applicants Roll In
The OLG says it received two Class C license applications to launch districtwide mobile sports betting in D.C. While the OLG has not confirmed the two applicants, DraftKings’ earlier announcement of its intent to launch makes it safe to assume the operator is one of them. The second unknown applicant remains a mystery.
“Once a license is approved (or denied), OLG will then release the operator’s name,” OLG spokesperson Melissa Davis wrote in a statement.
District regulations allow operators to claim temporary Class C licenses if they provide three items to the OLG. Applicants need to grant proof of eligibility through a local team partnership, proof the applicant is a licensed operator for mobile betting, and pay the application fee. DraftKings will likely launch under the temporary license in D.C. soon. Once the OLG receives the three items, they are required to issue the temporary license within one week.
DC Expansion A Welcomed Change
Locals in D.C. are likely welcoming the variety of betting changes with the new budget signing. For years, residents had access to only one districtwide betting app, GambetDC, which constantly underperformed. Bettors could wager on mobile at BetMGM but had to be within a two-block radius of Nationals Park.
In 2024, FanDuel replaced GambetDC, and the market has only expanded since. There are now three districtwide mobile sportsbooks available in D.C. for bettors. DraftKings sportsbook and the mystery operator who also applied are likely on their way in the coming weeks. Local D.C. betting fans have more options than ever for mobile betting.
Who Could The Next Operator Be?
The attractive Washington, D.C., market will surely bring out the biggest names in sportsbooks. Operators like bet365, Fanatics Sportsbook, or ESPN BET could be in the running for the next online betting license in D.C. While the applicant remains unknown, for now, locals will soon have even more options at their fingertips.