Sports fans throughout Washington, D.C., can now place bets on the BetMGM mobile app.
BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, has made a bold move by launching its mobile sports betting operations across the nation’s capital.
“After three years of delivering unparalleled, omnichannel experiences to sports fans and supporting the D.C. metropolitan community through our partnership with the Washington Nationals, fans can now bet on their favorite teams with BetMGM across the District using our award-winning mobile app,” said Adam Greenblatt, Chief Executive Officer of BetMGM.
D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie led efforts for the establishment of a competitive online sports betting marketplace within the District. McDuffie’s vision aligns with successful models in neighboring Maryland and Virginia, emphasizing the potential for increased tax revenue through a multi-app system.
The launch follows the D.C. Council’s approval of its FY2025 budget, which included a provision to open the digital sports betting market, and transition from a monopoly to a competitive landscape.
BetMGM Joins FanDuel and Caesar’s Sportsbooks
Previously, operators could only offer their platforms within designated exclusion zones. The new budget includes provisions for broader market access. Despite a two-day delay, the operators waited for the budget’s enactment. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser returned the budget to the D.C. Council without signing or vetoing it, enabling the citywide launch.
So, now BetMGM, FanDuel, and Caesar’s Sportsbook also accept online wagers in the District. Since April, only FanDuel has been allowed to accept mobile bets across Washington, D.C. Ironically, Caesar’s launched on the same day BetMGM did, pushing the online sports betting options from 1 to 3, virtually overnight.
“D.C. sports fans have always displayed an incredible passion for their teams,” Caesars Digital president Eric Hession said in a press release. “Expanding access to our mobile sports betting app across the district will only enhance their fan experience.”
DraftKings and Fanatics Sportsbook have expressed interest in entering the Washington, D.C. sports betting arena. While their plans are in motion, they await the green light to launch. Before going live, both platforms must secure partnerships with local sports franchises and undergo regulatory scrutiny by the lottery.
BetMGM Keeps Exclusivity Near Nationals Park
They may not own the market, but BetMGM continues to hold exclusivity within a two-block radius surrounding Nationals Park, where it operates a sportsbook. This exclusivity is part of a multi-year partnership with the Washington Nationals.
As BetMGM expands into new markets, company leaders say it maintains a strong focus on responsible gambling education. The company provides resources to help customers play responsibly, including GameSense, an industry-leading program developed and licensed to MGM Resorts by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation.
The launch of BetMGM and Caesar’s online sportsbooks marks a significant milestone for Washington, D.C.’s betting market. With the transition from a monopoly to a competitive landscape, bettors now have more choices and opportunities to engage in their favorite sports.
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