Several industry operators could soon be granted mobile access in Washington D.C.

In Washington D.C., FanDuel is the only industry operator that has District-wide wagering access. Two months ago, FanDuel gained full access to the mobile gambling market in the nation's capital. They replaced Gamebet DC. According to reports, the Washington D.C. Council has moved closer to implementing a competitive online sports betting marketplace. Their District FY2025 budget includes the Sports Wagering Amendment Act of 2024. However, the budget still needs to be approved by the council and mayor. 

Kenyan McDuffie is one council member who’s voiced his opinion and has pushed for more mobile betting apps in Washington D.C. Currently, BetMGM and Caesars have retail sportsbook locations but have zero access to to mobile betting. DraftKings and Fanatics Sportsbook are two industry operators who want to join the Washington D.C. marketplace when it expands.

There has been pushback against expanding the betting market in Washington D.C.

At a council meeting last week, the expansion toward an open sports betting market was debated. Zachary Parker is a councilmember in Washington D.C. and he questioned why a sports betting bill was being moved through through the budget. Rather than the council committees. Parker tried to strip the bill of its sports betting language but he did not succeed. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie emphasized the need for D.C. to move quickly and allow other industry operators other than FanDuel. 

Before FanDuel was given full access to the mobile sports betting market in Washington D.C., Kenyan McDuffie wanted the D.C. Lottery to move faster. He wanted Intralot to have full control over the market. However, Intralot allowed FanDuel to become a subcontractor. They only one in D.C. as of now. That’s what lawmakers and legislators are working to accomplish.

A notable shift is happening in the D.C. Lottery

Executive Director Frank Suarez is set to leave his position on July 31 to join the Connecticut Lottery. Keyan McDuffie and Frank Suarez often butted heads, especially when it came to the expansion of mobile sports betting. For many years, Suarez argued that Gamebet DC was the best option. Eventually, Suarez changed his mind, and Gamebet DC was replaced by FanDuel. Now that Suarez is set to leave this summer, the expansion of mobile gambling in Washington D.C. should happen in the next calendar year.