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DC Sports Betting: Best DC Online Underscoreg Sites 2024

In Washington, DC, there are three top sportsbooks to choose from: BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel. However, their availability is somewhat restricted as BetMGM and Caesars can only be accessed inside or near professional sports venues such as Nationals Park or Capitol One Arena.

DC Underscoregs

#1

100% Match up to $10 in Bonus Cash

100% deposit match up to $10 in Faceoff bonus cash with a $10 deposit. Users will be credited within 72 hours. Expires December 31, 2024.

4.5/5

Features

  • Monthly new customer rewards
  • Quick and easy deposits
  • Mobile app available

FanDuel Faceoffis a new DFS platform from betting giant FanDuel. This US-based betting platform lets you get started right away with a welcome offer, and various games to play.

Features

#2

100% Deposit Bonus of up to $100

Features

  • Easy game types
  • Exciting sports betting app

ParlayPlay Review

Once you join the site, you’ll be treated to a two-tier welcome bonus — a $5 no-deposit bonus and a 100% match on your first deposit, up to $100.

Features

#3

Free $3 of Sweeps Coins + 3000 Free Coins

4.2/5

Features

  • Free to play social sportsbook
  • Mobile only
  • Diverse gaming options
Play Now

Thrillzz a new DFS platform for the free-to-play user. This US-based betting platform lets you get started right away with a welcome offer, and various games to play.

Features

#4

No Sweat First Entry up to $100

Features

  • Great App
  • Great selection of contests

Boom Fantasy Review

Boom Fantasy is a DFS platform that began its US operations in 2015. This New York-based betting platform lets you get started with a $100 welcome bonus by entering the Boom promo code.

Features

#5

100% Deposit Match up to $250

3.8/5

Features

  • Easy to use app
  • Lots of contest options

ThriveFantasy Review

Thrive Fantasy is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) platform launched in 2016. The NY-based operator offers a unique DFS experience, focusing on player props instead of setting salary caps for player drafts.

Features

DC betting apps

BetMGM Underscoreg

BetMGM has been successful in cultivating positive relationships with DC sports bettors through various initiatives such as live streaming for a variety of sports, frequent promotions, and a Parlay Plus promotion that boosts payouts for successful parlays. With improvements in customer service, BetMGM has the potential to maintain its top position in the market for an extended period.

Take a look at our review of the BetMGM sportsbook.

Caesars Underscoreg 

Caesars excels in nearly every aspect, from top-notch customer support to a generous welcome bonus. With its strong brand reputation worldwide, it is no wonder that Caesars is one of the leading betting operators in the United States.

Take a look at our review of the Caesars sportsbook.

FanDuel Underscoreg

FanDuel consistently ranks among the top sportsbooks for its exceptional mobile app, competitive odds, generous bonuses, and outstanding customer service. Recently replacing GambetDC, FanDuel provides DC bettors with a refreshing new choice.

Check out our detailed review of FanDuel for additional information.

DC sports betting quick facts

Launch Date       May 2020
# of Betting Sites       Three
Online Sports Betting       ✅ Yes
Retail Sports Betting       ✅ Yes
Online Casino       ❌ No
Retail Casino       ❌ No
College Sports Betting       ✅ Yes (but not on in-district teams)
2022 Population (est.)       5.3 million
2021 Betting Handle       $143.2 million
Tax Rate       10 percent

How to bet in DC

Choose your sportsbook

Check out our top list above to find the best sports betting options in DC. Our interactive list lets you filter sportsbooks by criteria like banking options, bonuses, and customer service quality.

Before making your decision, it’s important to gather more information. Check out our thorough and impartial reviews of the top sportsbooks in DC to learn more about their bonus offers.

Register online or in person

Each sportsbook has slightly different registration requirements, but they generally follow similar protocols. Make sure to have your personal information (such as your name, address, and phone number) and credit card details (including your card number, expiration date, and CVV) readily available.

Deposit and claim your bonus

After understanding the details of your sportsbook’s new signup bonus, it is time to deposit funds and redeem any available bonuses, although the options are limited for incentives at DC sportsbooks.

Select and finalize your bet

Well done! You are now prepared to make a bet. Before you get started, take a moment to become familiar with the app, kiosk, or physical sportsbook setup. While most operators make it simple for new sports bettors to find their way around, it’s always helpful to know where everything is located.

Afterwards, you have the freedom to place any kind of bet you prefer, with the most common options being moneyline, spread, or total bets. Additionally, you can explore team or player props, or start off with a futures bet.

After confirming the desired wagers on your betting card, double-check to make sure you have selected the options you want. If everything looks good, proceed to place your bet by selecting “Bet” on your app or kiosk, or finalizing your bet at a retail location. And you’re ready to go!

Let’s take a look back at the history of sports betting in DC.

2018: DC Lottery to Run Sports Betting

Shortly after the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in May, DC Councilman Jack Evans proposed Bill B22-0944. The bill aims to legalize both retail and online sports betting in the district, with the DC Lottery taking on the responsibility of regulating and overseeing mobile wagering.

After three amendments were added in December 2018, the bill was sent to Mayor Muriel Bowser. There was great optimism that legal sports betting would be implemented in DC in early 2019.

2019: Bill Signed Into Law

Bowser followed through as anticipated by signing off on Bill B22-0944 in January, paving the way for the introduction of legal sports betting in DC. However, before the bill could be officially enacted, it would first have to receive approval from the US Congress, a step that most typical states in the US do not have to undergo.

After Congress approved the sports betting bill, it became legal in May. Two months later, the DC Office of Lottery and Gaming established the district’s rules and regulations, allowing for legal wagering to begin.

2020: GambetDC Debut Panned

GambetDC, which faced several delays, finally launched in Washington in May, marking the start of legal sports betting in DC. Despite debuting during a time when the sports calendar was mostly shut down due to COVID-19, the app has received criticism for offering some of the lowest odds compared to other operators in the country.

In July, dissatisfied sports bettors are given a new choice when William Hill debuts at Capital One Arena. Rebranded as Caesars Underscoreg, this popular sportsbook can accept bets on-site or within a two-block radius, quickly becoming the preferred option over GambetDC.

2021: Big Players Enter the Space

Following the successful launch of its mobile app in DC in December 2020, William Hill/Caesars was quickly joined by BetMGM in the sports betting market. BetMGM introduced its geo-restricted app and retail sports betting services at Nationals Park. These two prominent brands surpassed GambetDC, which continued to offer inferior odds.

In 2021, a new sportsbook entered the DC sports betting scene with a smaller presence. Grand Central Restaurant and Bar introduced its own sportsbook in October 2021, featuring two betting kiosks and a staffed betting window for in-person wagers.

2022: More Trouble for GambetDC

Once again, GambetDC faced a significant setback as its app failed to function for an unspecified number of iOS users during the Super Bowl. In response, GambetDC provided affected users with a $10 in-game bet and compensated the district with $500,000. The incident further tarnished the company’s reputation.

2024: Hello, FanDuel

FanDuel acquired the online betting license from GambetDC in April 2024, much to the delight of DC bettors who had criticized GambetDC for its lack of competitiveness and frequent technical issues.

It was evident by May 2024 that FanDuel and DC were a successful partnership, as shown by the $26.6 million handle and $2.845 million in revenue generated in April. FanDuel’s revenue accounted for more than 80% of the total revenue earned by all sportsbooks in April.

Responsible Gaming in DC

Similar to many U.S. states, Washington, D.C. has implemented measures to guarantee that individuals who participate in betting have options to address any potential issues they may encounter.

The main resource for players in the DC area seeking help with problem gambling is the DC chapter of the National Council on Problem Gambling, which offers access to treatment programs, screening tools, and a variety of self-help resources.

Go to the website for the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Sports leagues to bet on

DC bettors can expect to find a wide variety of major professional and amateur sports to bet on, including but not limited to:

  • NFL
  • NBA
  • NCAA Football
  • NCAA Basketball
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Golf
  • Auto Racing
  • Tennis
  • Soccer
  • MMA

There are only three major markets in which betting in DC is not allowed, leaving very few restrictions on wagering.

  • Politics
  • Esports
  • Entertainment (including awards shows)

Sports bettors have the option to explore the best sportsbooks for individual sports, leagues, playoffs, and categories.

DC teams to bet on

DC’s distinctive sports betting regulations have turned the district’s top sports venues into prime betting destinations. Not only can fans of DC’s local sports teams place bets within these venues, but they also have access to dedicated sports betting areas sponsored by major sportsbook companies.

Here are the four main professional sports teams that call DC home and play their games there:

Washington Wizards betting

On May 26, 2021, Capital One Arena made history by becoming the first sports venue in North America to open a sportsbook on site. William Hill was the operator, signing a 10-year deal with Monumental Sports, the arena’s owner. Shortly after, Caesars acquired William Hill and rebranded the arena in tribute to the Roman emperor.

Washington Nationals betting ⚾

Could the BetMGM Underscoreg at Nationals Park set the standard for sports betting bars and lounges at other MLB stadiums? This innovative sports bar features numerous large screens, six betting windows, 17 kiosks, and a 40-foot bar all within its 4,000 square feet of space. With street-level access, it has the potential to operate year-round.

Washington Capitals betting

The Caesars Underscoreg at Capital One Arena is a massive two-story venue with easy street access, allowing it to remain open for extended periods. Guests are welcomed by a 1,500-square-foot LED screen outside the sportsbook, and once inside, they can enjoy numerous big-screen TVs, 17 betting windows, and 12 self-serve kiosks.

Washington Commanders betting

The NFL reigns supreme in North American sports, and the Washington Commanders are a key player in this kingdom, despite the dysfunction within the franchise. The team calls FedEx Field, located just five miles from Washington, D.C., home. Despite not making it past the Wild Card round of the postseason since 2005, the Commanders have a strong following in the area.

DC retail sportsbooks

Due to the lack of casinos or other gambling establishments, Washington DC has had to think outside the box when it comes to sports betting. Only sportsbooks affiliated with major sports venues in the city are allowed to operate, and they are limited to offering app services within a two-block radius of these locations.

These are the locations in DC where you can place bets in person:

  • Caesars Underscoreg at Capital One Arena (Caesars Underscoreg, 601 F St NW, Washington, DC, 20004)
  • Grand Central Restaurant, Bar and Underscoreg (Grand Central Underscoreg, 2447 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009)
  • Nationals Park (BetMGM Underscoreg, ​​1500 S Capitol St SE, Washington, DC, 20003)

DC sports betting tax & handle

In DC, the number of sports betting patrons using retail locations is higher than those using mobile wagering, making it a unique trend compared to other regions in the United States. Unless GambetDC improves, this pattern is likely to continue.

Let’s examine the monthly sports betting handle in DC starting in 2020, split between commercial operators and GambetDC.

2023

Beginning in 2023, we integrated the commercial betting handle with the GambetDC handle, which was previously reported separately by the Office of Lottery and Gaming.

MonthBetting Handle
January         $8.7 million
February        $5.7 million
March        $6.5 million
April        $14 million
May        $12.5 million
June        $11.2 million
July        $7.7  million
August$8.1 million
September $14.5 million
October $16.4 million 
November$17.1 million
December$15.3 million
Total$169.8 million

2024

MonthBetting Handle
January         $15.9 million
February        $11.9 million
March        TBD
April        TBD
May        TBD
June        TBD
July        TBD
AugustTBD
September TBD
October TBD
Total$27.8 million

Underscoregs are required to pay a 10 percent tax rate on their gross gaming revenue to the district.

Growth of sports betting 📈

In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to repeal PASPA led to a significant increase in the popularity of legal sports betting in the United States. Nearly thirty states have now passed laws legalizing some form of sports betting, with many allowing online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps. Visit our legal sports betting tracker for information on the status of sports betting in any state you’re curious about.

In the last two years, Ohio and Massachusetts have seen tremendous success with their online betting launches. This has provided sports fans with a new avenue to connect with their favorite teams, while also generating significant revenue for the states through licensing fees and taxes.

Legal sports betting in North Carolina officially launched on March 11, 2024, introducing eight top sportsbooks to the Tar Heel state. With major events like the Copa America and Euro 2024 soccer tournaments taking place throughout the summer, the thrill and possibilities for sports betting fans are expanding.

DC sports betting FAQ

Can I legally wager on sports in DC?

Yes! GambetDC, a proprietary betting app, finally accepted the first legal wagers in DC in May 2020 after experiencing a few delays due to COVID.

 

Am I permitted to bet in DC even if I don’t live there?

To access your account and use any active sportsbook in DC, you must be within district borders. Make sure to complete all transactions, including account creation, deposits, bets, and withdrawals, before leaving the district. Once outside the district, you will no longer have access to your account(s).

Can I bet on esports in DC?

Betting on esports is not currently allowed in DC.

How big is the DC sports betting market?

The population of Washington, D.C. is estimated to be 718,355 people in 2022, ranking it at number 50 among U.S. states and territories.

Who is responsible for overseeing sports betting in DC?

The DC Office of Lottery and Gaming is responsible for overseeing sports betting in the district. The website provides a wealth of information, including regulations and licensing details, resources for responsible gaming, and information on compliance and enforcement measures.

Which online sportsbook operators will be the next to launch in DC?

You can expect the industry’s other heavy hitters to come banging on the door if DC decides to open the playing field further. BetMGM and Caesars both joined the party, and FanDuel took over for BetgamDC in April 2024, leaving DC bettors with three great options.