FanDuel Crushes First Two Weeks After DC Launch

Mitchell Parker of the Washington Nationals pitches in the first inning as we look at the financials from FanDuel's first two weeks of operation in the District — Mitchell Parker of the Washington Nationals pitches in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Nationals Park on May 08, 2024. Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images via AFP.

The DC sports betting scene has been underwhelming since 2020, but FanDuel’s recent launch in mid-April has brought new hope to residents of the Nation’s Capital. Access to one of the best sports betting sites can make a significant difference for a city.

FanDuel officially replaced GambetDC on April 15 and the initial numbers from the first two weeks of operation for the sports betting giant are in, showing promising results.

According to a spokesperson from the District’s Office of Lottery and Gaming, the launch has exceeded expectations, not just meeting them.

The transition from GambetDC

The DC sports betting industry has faced challenges since its inception in 2020, with GambetDC being the sole city-wide betting app due to a deal signed by its operator, Intralot, with the DC Council in 2019.

However, the app encountered various issues following its launch, including frequent complaints, interface problems, uncompetitive odds, and usability issues. These factors combined to create a negative betting experience for users.

Adding insult to injury for the solitary city-wide app, it must also contend with competition from top sports betting apps such as BetMGM and Caesars, which are permitted to operate within close proximity to the stadiums they are affiliated with.

The scene has significantly changed now that one of the nation’s top two competitors is in play instead of GambetDC.

The numbers

During the two-week period from April 15 to April 28, FanDuel received $13.5 million in bets. Although this amount may not be as impressive as other numbers reported in the New York sports betting industry, it is still considered a respectable figure. In comparison to GambetDC’s performance during the same period in 2023, FanDuel saw a significant 371% increase in handle.

The handle produced $2.3 million in gaming revenue, showing a 1.325% growth compared to the previous year.

If residents are interested in exploring the latest addition to the District, they should take advantage of our DC sportsbook promotions and utilize our FanDuel promo code.

According to a spokesperson from the District’s Office of Lottery and Gaming, not only were the financial results impressive during the first two weeks of operation, but players have also shown enthusiasm for the switch to FanDuel.

This is shown by the return of 22,000 active users to the DC sports betting market. These users may have been discouraged by problems with GambetDC or may have chosen to place their bets in Virginia or Maryland instead.

The future

Lawmaker Kenyan R. McDuffie has been advocating for a complete overhaul of the current system, which he believes is flawed. While starting from scratch may be easier, McDuffie is determined to push for necessary changes. He strongly believes that increasing competition in the city’s sports wagering program is essential, as it is a demand from consumers that he fully supports.

The Sports Wagering Amendment Act of 2024 hosted public hearings on May 6, allowing residents to voice their opinions. The Act aims to legalize several DC sports betting apps and diminish FanDuel’s monopoly.

McDuffie’s plan includes the possibility for the District’s professional sports teams, including the Washington Wizards, Washington Capitals, Washington Spirit, and others, to form individual sponsorships with sportsbooks, following the trend seen in other sports betting markets across the country.

Written By:
Evans Makayla

Andrew is a Publishing Editor at Underscoreg Review. He graduated from Acadia University with a degree in Kinesiology, working as a personal trainer and in injury rehab, and then attended the College of Sports Media in Toronto to attain a diploma in Radio and Television Sports Broadcasting. Andrew has been involved in the sports betting and fantasy sports space since joining the FNTSY Sports Network in 2014, where he worked as a producer, director, and occasional on-air talent on various shows focusing on sports betting and DFS content. Prior to joining SBR, he spent multiple years with the USA Today Network as an editor and writer. Living in Newfoundland, Andrew frequents grey market sportsbooks, but in the past, when he’s lived in regulated areas, he’s become well-versed with all of our best sportsbooks. As strictly a casual bettor, he enjoys making touchdown parlays with friends (bro-lays), sweating out golf cut parlays during majors, playing same-game parlays for fun, and chasing long-shot bets. He also enjoys using sportsbooks that have solid iGaming and casino platforms. As the old guy on staff, he has an affinity for industry news, which confuses some, but shh … quiet … the news is on.