Washington D.C. saw a record-breaking month for sports betting in August.
With the top sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM operating across the district, the total amount wagered hit an impressive $40.6 million. This figure surpassed the previous high of $35.4 million, which was set in May when FanDuel had its first full month as the official sportsbook partner of the D.C. Lottery.
The D.C. Lottery and the Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) released these latest revenue numbers, highlighting the growing popularity of sports betting in the district. Despite the record handle, the combined gross sports betting revenue for August was $4.5 million, which fell short of the $5.4 million collected in May. But don’t fret.
The varying tax rates and GambetDC’s revenue generated over $1.1 million in receipts, marking the 11th time the district’s monthly total reached seven figures.
Online Sports Betting Plays a Crucial Role
FanDuel reported $35.4 million in May, its first full month as the District of Columbia Lottery’s official partner. In July, the district allowed all operators to offer mobile sports betting, so FanDuel switched back to its license at Audi Field, home of DC United.
This change allowed DraftKings to enter the market. After launching on July 26, DraftKings accepted $7.4 million in wagers in August. The total handle for the district in 2024 exceeded $200 million. Caesars and BetMGM are also up and running.
In the first full month of open competition in Washington, DC, bettors chose FanDuel, which took in almost $22 million in bets during the time that the four operators were live online and in direct competition.
More D.C. Sports Betting Options on the Way
Caesars announced that the OLG approved it to offer self-service sports betting kiosks to 53 businesses in D.C., replacing GambetDC.
On top of that, Fanatics Sportsbook will launch in the market next month through a partnership with the Washington Spirit, becoming the official sports betting partner of the NWSL pro women’s soccer team.
Sports Betting Future Appears Bright in D.C.
For the D.C. Lottery and OLG, these numbers are a positive sign of the potential for future growth.
Looking ahead, the D.C. sports betting market is poised for further growth. As sportsbooks continue to refine their offerings and attract new customers, the district could see even higher handles and revenues. The key will be to sustain this momentum while managing the challenges that come with a competitive and dynamic market.
August’s record of nearly $41 million in sports wagers marks a significant milestone for Washington D.C.’s sports betting industry. If the district can match the $1.1 million in receipts from August as an average over the final four months of the year, it would finish with $9.8 million in tax revenue — $1.25 million more than in 2023. The overall trend points to a thriving market with plenty of growth opportunities.
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