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Welcome to our guide to Washington DC state sports betting. In this article we’re going to reveal everything that you need to know about the DC online sports betting scene. We’ll start with a list of the best DC sportsbooks – each the sites recommended are licensed and safe to play.

  • All

Up To $1000 Paid Back If First Bet Loses

28/04/23

Up To $1000 Paid Back If First Bet Loses

  • Best Promo Code Offers
  • Fun and Interactive Features
  • Regionalized Promotions and Bonuses
9.7
5 Stars
NO CODE REQUIRED
Claim Bonus
0

$1250 Sign Up Bonus

28/04/23

$1250 Sign Up Bonus

  • Staple in The American Betting World
  • Live Streaming Available On App
  • Microbetting For Serious Sports Bettors
9.7
5 Stars
NO CODE REQUIRED
Claim Bonus
0

Up To $150 in Bonuses When You Deposit Min. $5

28/04/23

Up To $150 in Bonuses When You Deposit Min. $5

  • Top 2 Sportsbook for Daily Fantasy Sports
  • Awesome and Easy To Use UX
  • 24/7 Customer Service
9.7
5 Stars
NO CODE REQUIRED
Claim Bonus
0

Bet $5, Get $150

28/04/23

Bet $5, Get $150

  • Second Biggest Sportsbook in US
  • App With Lots Of Great Betting Features
  • Best For Daily Fantasy Sports
9.7
5 Stars
NO CODE REQUIRED
Claim Bonus
0

Best Washington DC Sports Betting Sites List

DC sports betting fans have at least legal, regulated sportsbooks to enjoy, and our experts have tried and tested them all to help you find the best ones – below, you’ll see their top five picks.

  1. BetMGM – No.1 sports betting site in Washington DC with a $1,000 risk-free bet
  2. Caesars Offers the most competitive sports betting odds in DC
  3. DC State Lottery – Strong customer support & a risk-free bet up to $1,500
  4. FanDuel – DC sportsbook with the most exciting props betting
  5. DraftKings – Excellent for mobile betting, plus over 20 sports markets

The Latest Washington DC Sports Betting News

Several years have passed since sports betting in Washington DC went live in 2018, and there have been some key news items regarding wagering in the state. Here are some of the very latest:

  • May 2023 – The DC City Council decides against spending a portion of its sports betting tax revenue on problem gambling treatment programs
  • April 2023 – Sports betting in Washington DC hit $14.5m in March, down 21.2% from $18.4m in April 2022
  • December 2022 – D.C. Council’s Business and Economic Committee discussed a Bill that would give District-wide mobile access to betting operators like BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and FanDuel

The Best Betting Sites in Washington DC Reviewed

Now it’s time to take an in-depth look at our recommended DC sports betting websites.

1. BetMGM – No.1 betting site in Washington DC with a $1,000 risk-free bet

BetMGM NBA

Our Verdict: 5/5

The MGM DC sports betting website boasts a crisp and clear design. It’s a pleasure to use and BetMGM offer their users plenty of features such as Edit My Bet, Cash Out, One Game Parlay and Live Streaming. We feel the all-round service delivered by BetMGM makes them the number one choice in DC.

As for security and trust, online use is limited to within a couple of blocks from the Nationals Park retail sportsbook area. This means that there is geotracking software employed to determine your whereabouts, which can be a frustrating experience.

Sports Betting Options: 4.9/5

There are 18 sports listed in the A-Z. The likes of baseball, basketball, football and hockey are covered in depth, with the coverage of niche sports proving to be perfectly adequate. BetMGM have a number of one game parlay suggestions listed on the homepage, which is useful. Things to add in the future include a racebook and eSports coverage.

Payment Options: 4.8/5

There’s plenty of payment options including AMEX, Apple Pay, Borgata Cage, Check by Mail, Discover Card, GAMEON CARD, Mastercard, PayNearMe, PayPal, paywithmybank, TAPPP, Visa and Wire transfer. BetMGM really just need to add cryptocurrency to the menu.

BetMGM’s odds compare very well with the competition. We found that’s the case whether it’s pre-game online bets or live markets, or whether it’s big leagues or smaller events.

Customer Support: 5/5

We couldn’t be more impressed by the customer service on offer. There’s 24/7 support available, which includes live chat, email and phone contact. The FAQ section has the answers to plenty of questions that might arise.

Bonuses & Promos: 5/5

There’s a decent welcome bonus, with BetMGM giving you a $1000 risk-free bet to get your account off to a flying start. Yet it’s the range of promos for existing users that is really impressive. There’s lots of options including parlay insurance and bonuses, free bets, BetMGM rewards and plenty of one-off deals based around big events.

Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Bitcoin accepted?
Sports Sign-up Offer Up To $1000 Paid Back If First Bet Loses INSIDERS N/A $10

Pros:

  • Great range of features
  • Lots of regular promos
  • First-class customer service and banking

Cons:

  • Online use limited to area around Nationals Park

2. Caesars – Offers the most competitive sports betting odds in DC

The Caesars online sports betting site

Our Verdict: 4.9/5

After Caesar’s 21 purchases of the famous British brand, the operator decided to do away with the William Hill name and rebrand their sportsbook to a fresh and improved Caesar’s sports betting brand. The newly improved Caesars sportsbook DC is packed to the gills with attractive bonuses and promotions and thrilling bet boosts.

Caesars is one of the biggest names in US betting. They have a well-designed and easy to navigate website, along with a quality app. A Cash Out facility is widely available at Caesars, giving users a much better chance of making profits with their betting. Other features include same-game parlays and live streaming.

When it comes to security and reliability, Caesars is another sportsbook that can only be used within the vicinity of the retail outlet in DC. If and when legislation changes, they can perhaps expect a higher score in this category.

Sports Betting Options: 4.9/5

There’s a wide range of betting markets across a number of different sports. All the ones that you’d expect to be popular amongst DC audiences are covered in depth, along with plenty of smaller sports.

Both pre-game and live odds are very competitive and that’s true across the biggest sports and smaller events. There’s also plenty of daily odds boosts for the top US leagues.

Payment Options: 4.8/5

There’s plenty of different payment methods available, including the Caesars Sportsbook Prepaid Play+ Card, which gives instant access to your winnings. It is prudent to analyse which withdrawal method is best to use at Caesars, as we found some withdrawals took as long as 72 hours.

Customer Support: 4.6/5

If you have a problem the customer service team are available 24/7. You have the choice of live chat, email or phone in terms of contact options. We’d like to see a wider range of languages supported, with English being the only option.

Bonuses & Promos: 5/5

There’s a risk-free bet on offer for new users up to $1250. There’s also plenty of offers for regular users. This includes the aforementioned odds boosts, a parlay boost of up to 50%, the Caesars Rewards Program and various bonuses centred on big games.

Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Bitcoin accepted?
Sports Sign-up Offer 100% of stake back as a Bonus Bet up to $1,250 INSIDERS N/A $10

Pros:

  • Very competitive prices
  • Daily odds boosts
  • Cash Out widely available

Cons:

  • Can only be used within vicinity of the Capital One Arena

3. DC State Lottery – Strong customer support & a risk-free bet up to $1,500

gambetdc

Our Verdict: 4.8/5

GambetDC are the DC Lottery’s sportsbook platform. They have the advantage of being the only online sportsbook that is available to users throughout Washington. That’s quite a big plus for GambetDC, but they are competing with major brands that operate throughout the US and are part of bigger gaming companies that trade across the world.

On the security front, like their competitors there is geotracking employed but, with the DC State Lottery / GambetDC, it’s merely checking that you are within Washington DC, rather than in a specific area of the city. That makes a big difference.

Sports Betting Options: 4.9/5

There was only 14 sports available when he made our review, which is a little less than we found elsewhere. Fortunately, the big events had plenty of market depth, so if you’re not too bothered about more niche sports, you might not experience a problem.

This is an area where GambetDC particularly struggle against their competitors. Their odds just do not compare with those offered across DC by other sportsbooks.

Payment Options: 4.7/5

You can use credit and debit cards, eWallets, ACH bank transfer and prepaid cards. While there’s plenty of payment methods available, the maximum deposit amount of $2000 is pretty low and may discourage high-rollers.

Customer Support: 4.9/5

This is an area where GambetDC and the DC State Lottery excel. The FAQ section will have the answers to many issues that may arise. Should you need to contact the customer service they are available 24/7, with live chat, email and phone all available as contact methods.

Bonuses & Promos: 4.9/5

Of all the risk-free bets available in Washington, the GambetDC offer is the most generous, with your first bet protected to the tune of $1500. There’s more risk-free bet options for existing users and parlay boosts available, but they don’t offer quite the range of regular promos as the big brands.

Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Bitcoin accepted?
Sports Sign-up Offer xxxx xxxx N/A $xx

Pros:

  • Biggest risk-free bet for new users
  • Online sportsbook available across DC
  • Play the State Lottery as well
  • Strong customer support

Cons:

  • Odds do not compare with rivals

4. FanDuel – DC sportsbook with the most exciting props betting

FanDuel

Our Verdict: 4.7/5

Famed for their Daily Fantasy Sports product, FanDuel cannot currently offer this service in Washington, where DFS betting is banned. They do however, have a sportsbook based at the Audi Field soccer stadium in DC, so one would hope that this development may help to change the legislation regarding DFS. For now, let’s take the FanDuel sportsbook through its paces and see how it fares.

For now, you can only use FanDuel online within a couple of blocks of the Audi Field. With their DFS product completely unavailable within DC, there’s currently a lot of restrictions for FanDuel in Washington that are really holding it back.

Sports Betting Options: 5/5

We found over 20 sports to bet on, with the popular US sports covered in great depth and lots of other sports from around the world covered, such as cricket and snooker. Live streaming is in place and horse racing is available through the racebook. If you are looking to bet on racing, then our Horse Racing Betting Systems And Strategies could be worth a look.

The odds at FanDuel are very generous. Whether it’s pre-game or live, big event or small, you should find that the prices at FanDuel are competitive.

Payment Options: 4.7/5

Payment methods include debit and credit cards, PayPal, FanDuel gift cards, Green Dot MoneyPak, PayNearMe, money orders or checks, and bank wire transfers. The latter will incur a $15 charge though and we’d like to see cryptocurrencies supported.

Customer Support: 4.7/5

There’s decent customer support that’s available 24/7. We found live chat, email and phone contacts, along with an FAQ section.

Bonuses & Promos: 4.6/5

FanDuel will give you a $1000 risk-free bet when you open an account with their sportsbook. There’s plenty of promotions for regular users such as free bets and parlay bonuses, but one thing that’s missing that we’d like to see in the future is a loyalty program.

Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Bitcoin accepted?
Sports Sign-up Offer Up To $150 In Bonuses INSIDERS N/A $10

Pros:

  • Live streaming of events
  • Horse racing covered with racebook
  • 20+ sports

Cons:

  • DFS not yet available in Washington

5. DraftKings – Excellent for mobile betting, plus over 20 sports markets

DraftKings

Our Verdict: 4.7/5

Like their fellow DFS specialists FanDuel, the core product of DraftKings is not available yet for online gambling in Washington. In September 2022, the DraftKings sportsbook deputed at the Tulalip Resort Casino and Quil Ceda Creek Casino within Washingston, offering online availability if you’re in the vicinity of their retail outlets. Here’s how we rate that sportsbook.

As for security and trust, there is geotracking in place to ensure that you only use the site within the proximity of DraftKing’s DC retail sportsbook.

Sports Betting Options: 4.8/5

There were 17 sports covered when we checked, with the emphasis very much on the big four leagues and college sports. A racebook is something that’s lacking, while eSports coverage would be a good addition. However, there is room for improvement. Though generally competitive enough, we struggled to find standout prices.

Payment Options: 4.7/5

Our review found debit and credit cards, electronic gift cards, DraftKings gift cards, PayPal, Play+, VIP preferred and wire transfer, all available as payment options. Crypto would be a good addition.

Customer Support: 4.5/5

We found the help section to be difficult to find, which is the last thing a user needs when they have a problem to resolve. When we did reach it, we found 24/7 live chat and email contact, but there’s no phone number to call, with a callback service in place for major problems.

Bonuses & Promos: 4.7/5

Unlike most of the welcome offers available, which take the form of risk-free bets, DraftKings give you a deposit bonus of 20%. The maximum bonus that you can claim is $1000, which would require you to initially deposit $5000. Though that offer isn’t as generous as it first appears, existing users get plenty of deals including enhanced odds, parlay deals, free bets and refer a friend offers.

DraftKings sports bonuses & promos:

Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Bitcoin accepted?
Sports Sign-up Offer Bet $5+ and get $150 INSIDERS N/A $5

Pros:

  • Existing users get good range of promos
  • Betting picks from DraftKings Nations site
  • Lots of sports to bet on

Cons:

  • Customer service lacking

FAQs

Does DC have online sports betting?

Who governs sports betting in DC?

How old do you have to be to bet in DC?

Can you play daily fantasy sports (DFS) in Washington DC?

Where could DC improve online gambling?

Comparing Washington DC State Sports Betting Sites

Now that you’ve read our reviews of the best Washington DC sports betting sites, the chart below displays a little more information about what they have to offer.

DC Sports Betting Sites Betting App Live Betting Live Streaming Racebook
BetMGM
Caesars
DC State Lottery/ GamBet DC
FanDuel
DraftKings

Is Sports Betting Legal in DC?

A lot of people will come to the article because they’ve got the same question on their mind. Is sports betting legal in Washington DC? Sports betting in Washington DC was legalized in January 2019, but the COVID-19 crisis pushed back the planned rollout.

The D.C. Law 22-312 Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act took place in 2018, before sports betting operators in the state were finally launched in the summer of 2020. DC sports bettors can enjoy gambling through the means of retail, online and mobile sportsbooks. The DC Lottery oversees all Washington DC legal sports betting activity.

Who Can Legally Bet on Sports in DC?

Gambling laws in DC are more relaxed than elsewhere in the US, as the state remains one of only a handful which allows players aged 18 and over to place a wager on sports betting. Individual retail sportsbooks and casinos may, however, require patrons to be 21 if they are serving alcohol.

How to Bet on Sports Online in DC

If you’re new to sports betting in DC then you may be wondering how you go about signing up with a bookmaker. These are the steps that you will need to take.

Step 1: Register

Go to your sportsbook of choice and click to start the registration process. You’ll have to enter your personal details, select a username and password and agree with the terms and conditions.

BetMGM Step 1

Step 2: Verify

You’ll need to prove that you’re over 18 and generally verify your identity. Sportsbooks tend to request a form of ID such as a driving license.

Step 3: Deposit

Once your account is set up and verified, you can deposit some funds. Go to the banking section, select a payment type and make a deposit.

Betmgm deposit method

Step 4: Bet

Now the fun begins. With money in your sportsbook account, you can place a bet. Select the event that you’re interested in, choose a bet, add your stake and confirm your first bet.

Previous Washington DC Sports Betting Bills

When the United States Supreme Court overturned the federal sports gambling ban in 2018, DC state wasted no time to legalize sports betting. We highlight the key sports betting bills.

  • SB 55872023-2024: Another attempt by Senators allowing sports betting to take place at cardrooms and racetracks
  • SB 52122021-22: A bill to try and allow sports wagering at cardrooms and racetracks, although it prohibits wagers on collegiate sports, eSports, and competitive video games outside of a sanctioned Tribal Casino
  • HB 26382020: A House Bill to legalize retail sports gambling only at Tribal Indian Casinos is signed, although it doesn’t allow wagering on state college and minor league games

Tax on Washington DC Sports Betting Winnings

Washington DC state doesn’t have an income tax or gambling or sports betting tax, although winnings go down as income to be taxed equally as part of federal tax rates at 24% – a percentage that can go up to 28% if not registering a social security number with the sportsbook/casino; note, bettors using offshore betting accounts don’t pay any tax.

Bonuses Available at Washington DC Sports Betting Sites

Offshore sites for sports betting in Washington DC offer a selection of promotions and rewards for Washington DC bettors. In general, sportsbooks offer such promos as a way for new bettors to sign up, and also for existing players to return. The bonuses really benefit bettors too, boosting their bankrolls so they can try new markets without risking their deposited funds. With that in mind, we next take a look at a range of promos and free bets provided.

Promotion About Best Brands
Welcome Bonuses
  • Encourage new bettors to sign up
  • Offered as match deposits to match a deposit up to a specific amount
  • BetMGM – $1,000 risk-free bet
Existing Customer Promotions
  • Offered mainly as rebates or reloads, and sometimes as odds boosters
  • Aimed to thank existing bettors for their loyalty in visiting the site
  • DraftKings – daily, weekly & monthly promos
No Deposit Bonuses
  • Rare compared to other offers
  • Used to allow bettors with accounts to fund their accounts
  • Bettors receive complimentary credits for risk-free bets
  • DraftKings – $35 casino credit
Free Bets
  • Bettors can place risk-free bets
  • Presented as reload/welcome promos
  • Generally offered on specific sports
  • FanDuel – Free Bets & Boosts offered on different sports

Comparing Sign-Up Bonuses

Each of the top Washington DC sportsbooks on our list offers a different sign-up bonus with its own promo funds, wagering requirements, and minimum qualifying deposits. So, to help find the promo that most meets your needs, we created the following comparison table:

Sportsbook Sports sign-up bonus Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Bitcoin accepted? Expiration date
DraftKings Bet $5+ and get $150 INSIDERS N/A $5 7 Days
BetMGM Up To $1000 Paid Back If First Bet Loses INSIDERS N/A $10 7 Days
DC State Lottery 1st Bet Insured up to $500 INSIDERS N/A $10 30 Days
Caesars $1250 Sign Up Bonus INSIDERS N/A $10 14 Days
FanDuel Up To $150 In Bonuses INSIDERS N/A $10 14 Days

One of the primary perks offered by Washington DC sports betting sites is promotions. In some cases, these bonuses boost a bettor’s bankroll or allow them to place a risk-free wager, increasing their chances of winning. So, let’s review some of the best bonuses offered by sports betting sites in Washington DC.

Match Deposit Bonuses

One of the most common promotions offered by DC sports betting sites is the matched deposit, which betting sites use to reward players for funding their accounts. In this case, the sportsbook matches a bettor’s deposit up to a specific amount, often doubling their wagering funds. For instance, a sportsbook offering a 100% matched deposit of up to $3,000 will give a bettor depositing $2,500 an additional $2,500 to spend.

No Deposit Bonuses

While a matched deposit bonus requires bettors to fund their accounts first, the No Deposit Bonus rewards bettors for simply signing up with the sportsbook. In this case, the Washington DC sports betting site gives a bettor complimentary credits that allow them to place risk-free wagers. However, bettors usually deposit their own funds to continue wagering once the credits run out, securing a new bettor for the sportsbook.

Free Bets

Free bets are another exciting bonus offered by Washington DC sports betting sites. In this case, the sportsbook gives a bettor a coupon, voucher, or site credits, allowing them to place a risk-free wager. In other words, if the bettor loses the bet, they don’t risk any of their own funds, and if they win, they can keep their earnings. For instance, DraftKings may offer a $50 free bet on the next MLB game.

DraftKings Bonuses

Types of Payment Methods at DC Sports Betting Sites

The top sites offering online sports betting in Washington DC make it simple for bettors to fund their betting accounts by accepting an assortment of payment methods. Further, this casts a wider net that allows more bettors to sign up and enjoy the available markets. So, let’s review the most common payment options online Washington DC sportsbooks offer.

Payment Method About Examples
Traditional Payment Methods
  • Controlled by banks
  • High transaction fees
  • Can take up to 7 days to process and clear a payout
  • Visa, MasterCard (credit cards), bank wire transfers, money order
eWallets
  • Work as intermediaries between a player’s bank and sportsbook accounts
  • Less fees than traditional procedures
  • PayPal, Skrill & Neteller

eWallet Betting Options

Another secure payment method that DC sports betting sites do accept is eWallet systems. Since these providers act as an intermediary between a bettor’s sportsbook account and their bank account, they offer a barrier against fraud. As a result, eWallets are popular among bettors, and many regulated sportsbooks work with eWallet providers like Paypal, EcoPayz, Skrill, and Neteller. So for the best PayPal betting site in DC, visit DraftKings.

Traditional Payment Methods

Although new payment options are becoming available, many bettors prefer using traditional methods to fund their sportsbook accounts. As a result, the top Washington DC sports betting sites accept options like credit cards, debit cards, bank wire transfers, online banking, checks, and money orders. So, if you want to fund your DC sports betting account using MasterCard or Visa, you’ll find any of the Washington DC sportsbooks on our list an excellent option.

Below is a more in-depth guide as to the payment methods and the process period for transactions:

Payment Method BetMGM FanDuel DraftKings DC State Lottery Caesars
Debit card Within 24 hours Within 24 hours Within 24 hours Within 24 hours Within 24 hours
Credit card Within 24 hours Within 24 hours Within 24 hours Within 24 hours Within 24 hours
eCheck 2-4 business days 3-5 business days 1-3 business days 3-5 business days 3-5 business days
PayPal Within 24 hours 3-5 business days Within 24 hours 3-5 business days 24 hours to 3 business days
GreenDot MoneyPak Up to 48 hours
PayNearMe 2-4 business days Up to 48 hours 2-4 business days Up to 72 hours
Sportsbook Prepaid Card Within 4 hours Up to 24 hours 2-4 business days
Money Order
Check 2-4 business days 1-3 business days 1-3 business days  3-5 business days 1-3 business days
Wire Transfer 2-4 business days 1-3 business days 1-3 business days  3-5 business days 1-3 business days

Deposit Options

Bettors looking to fund their accounts have a range of options, although only some can be used for depositing – for instance, debit/credit cards may be used to deposit funds, but not withdrawing them. And, with that in mind, the following table lists the depositing guidelines:

Sportsbook Bitcoin Bitcoin Cash Ethereum Dogecoin Debit/Credit Cards Bank Transfer PayPal
Draft Kings
BetMGM
DC State Lottery
Caesars
FanDuel

Withdrawal Options

When it comes to withdrawing funds, then once again, there are options, although they do vary per sportsbook in accordance to the following guidelines:

Sportsbook Bitcoin Bitcoin Cash Ethereum Dogecoin Debit / Credit Cards Bank Transfer PayPal
Draft Kings
BetMGM
DC State Lottery
Caesars
FanDuel

Popular Sports to Bet on in Washington DC

The leading sites offering sports betting in DC provide a range of sports markets, from America’s favorites like the NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB, to less common options like darts, golf, lacrosse, and jai alai. So, let’s look at the more common sports offered in Washington DC and the different betting markets players can enjoy when wagering on them.

Bets Available at the Best Washington DC Sports Betting Sites

Sportsbook Moneyline Spreads/ Totals Alternative Spreads/Totals Props Futures Parlays Same Game Parlays Live Betting
Draft Kings
BetMGM
DC State Lottery              
Caesars
FanDuel

Washington DC Legal Sports Betting Timeline

If you’re interested in how DC sports betting became legal, then here is a timeline detailing the steps that were taken.

  • 2018 – Act 22-994 is passed authorizing DC sports betting in all forms
  • 2019 – Act 22-994 is signed into law after being passed by congressional review
  • 2020 – DC Lottery launches its online betting site Gambet DC
  • 2021 – William Hill launches the Capital One Arena sportsbook. It is followed by bar-based sportsbooks
  • 2022 – Many standalone sportsbooks are set for launch, with several bars and two DC sports stadiums offering sports betting

Licensed Partners of Washington DC Sportsbooks

DC sports betting apps are available to users in Washington, but only within the vicinity of a partnered retail sportsbook location. The following chart shows the licensed partners of every Washington DC sports betting app.

Best DC Sports Betting Sites Retail Partner Platform
BetMGM Nationals Park GVC
Caesars Capital One Arena William Hill
DraftKings Tulalip Tribes SB Tech
FanDuel Audi Field Flutter
DC State Lottery / GambetDC DC Lottery Outlets Intralot
Grand Central Sportsbook Grand Central Restaurant Bar & Sportsbook Elys Game Technology

Popular Markets at Washington DC Betting Sites

In this section we’re going to run through some of the sports, leagues and events that you can expect to be available to bet on, when using DC sportsbooks.

The Big Leagues

The focus for Washington DC sports betting websites are the big four US sports leagues. They are MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL. Baseball, basketball, football and hockey are the most popular sports for users of DC online sportsbooks and this is clearly reflected in the amount of promos based around those sports, the market depth and how they’re prominently displayed on the websites. Because these leagues are the most popular, there tends to be strong odds for them, whether you want to be pre-game or live.

College Sports

For fans of the big four sports that want to further scratch that itch, the college sports scene provides plenty of extra games and markets to bet on. It’s college basketball that tends to be the most popular event for DC sports betting, with March Madness seeing the best college teams fighting it out in a month-long culmination of the season.

Other Sports

In just about every other country in the world, soccer is the most popular sport to watch and bet on. It’s now pretty popular in the US too, with DC having one of the all-time most successful MLS franchises in DC United. Soccer competitions from overseas such as the EPL and Champions League are well covered by DC sports betting websites. When it comes to individual sports, golf, tennis and combat sports such as boxing and MMA are all popular.

eSports

Across the world, eSports betting is one of the biggest growth areas in the sports betting industry. With competitive video game competitions a big deal in the US, eSports betting is destined to be big in the US too. Not every DC sports betting website offers eSports betting at the moment, but you can be sure that this will change in the years to come.

Daily Fantasy Sports

DFS is explicitly banned in DC, so fantasy fans in Washington will have to wait for legislation to change before they’re able to enjoy such games. With fantasy sports you can bet on the real-life performance of athletes. Major US betting companies such as DraftKings and FanDuel sportsbook Washington DC, started out offering daily fantasy sports, before adding sports betting to the mix.

DC Sports Betting Lines

We’ve just taken a look at some of the things that you’ll be able to bet on at the best Washington DC sportsbooks. Now it’s time to examine the types of sports wagers and betting lines that you’ll see when doing some District of Columbia sports betting.

  • Moneyline – Click on any sporting event and the moneyline is the market that you’re likely to first see. You are simply betting on who will win an event.
  • Parlays – With this type of bet, you can accumulate a number of wagers together. They all need to be successful for the parlay to be a winner. This can be a good way to utilise wagers with short odds, bringing them together to make one bet that offers some value.
  • Points Spread – Moneyline markets can often have an unsatisfactory set of odds when there’s a heavy favorite. With a points spread, the market is made more even. The favorite gets a points handicap, while the underdog is given a points head start.
  • Props – A props bet gives a proposition which can be bet on. Such as will a football team score over a certain points threshold? Or will there be a sending off in a soccer game? Player props bets are also popular at DC sports betting websites, with users given the opportunity to bet on the statistical performance of individual players.
  • Futures – If you want to bet on an event in the future, like a team to win the Stanley Cup, or a player to win the US Open tennis, then futures markets are where you’ll find such wagers.

DC Sportsbook Team Sponsorship

More than is the case in most US cities, there are some very close ties between Washington’s sports teams and betting companies. Sportsbooks have partnered up with franchises, stadiums and arenas throughout DC, to provide retail betting space. Here’s the lowdown on some of those partnerships.

Baseball

The MLB team in DC is the Washington Nationals, who won the World Series in 2019. Their stadium, Nationals Park, is also the home of the MGM sportsbook DC. It’s the first retail sportsbook connected to a Major League Baseball team, with the MGM DC sportsbook open all year round for Washington bettors and not just on days when there’s baseball games on. Online MGM sports betting in DC is limited to within around two blocks of Nationals Park.

Basketball

DC’s NBA team are the Washington Wizards. They play at the Capital One Arena and since May 2021, it has also been home to the Caesars DC sportsbook. There’s a restaurant and bar area, where sports bettors can relax while placing bets, along with a number of self-serve betting kiosks. Again, online use of the Caesars sportsbook Washington DC, is limited to within a couple of blocks from the venue.

Football

The Washington Commanders are the NFL team representing DC. Formally known as the Redskins, they are three-time Super Bowl winners. As yet, the Commanders have not announced a betting partnership for their home at the FedEx Field. They were awarded a Maryland sports betting license in August 2022, so it’s surely only a matter of time before a betting partnership is announced. And if you’re new to NFL betting, then check out our Top 5 NFL Betting Tips.

Hockey

Along with the Washington Wizards and Caesars, the Capital One Arena is also home to NHL team the Washington Capitals. Hockey fans can place a bet at Caesars when they’re at the game and on any other day of the year.

Soccer

DC United are one of the biggest names in the MLS. They’ve won the MLS Cup four times and have numerous other titles to their name. They play their home games at the Audi Field, which is also home to the sportsbook from FanDuel. Once more, this is a service that’s available all-year round and not just when DC United’s games are on, with online users able to access the FanDuel site and app, nearby the stadium.

Washington DC Sports Betting Apps

Though sports betting in DC is mainly retail based, there are still some of the best sports betting apps available. Some of them have to be used within or very near to physical sportsbooks. This is obviously pretty inconvenient for users, who have to deal with geotracking technology to determine their location, which can make for a frustrating experience.

The whole point of mobile sports betting apps is for the user to be able to bet wherever they are. Currently the DC lottery sports betting app is the only app that is available everywhere in Washington.

For that reason, the DC State Lottery/GambetDC is clearly the best Washington DC sports betting app right now. In time, we hope that the situation with mobile wagering can change, so that there can be more competition from other sportsbooks.

Tips for Sports Betting in DC

If you’re going to be betting with online sportsbooks in DC then it makes sense to have some strategies to fall back on. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using Washington DC state sports betting sites.

Tip 1: Do Your Homework

If you’re interested in betting on an event, make sure that you are completely up to date with the latest news surrounding it, such as whether there are any injuries. Take a look at the statistics for events you want to bet on. You’ll find that when you do, certain bets will naturally stand out.

Tip 2: Take Advantage of Features and Offers

If betting live it’s recommended that you watch the event in question, so look out for whether live streaming is available. When betting live or on a futures market, you could be offered the opportunity Cash Out by bookmakers that have that feature available. Bet Builder is a feature that can help you to add a little value to a wager, as it allows you to make same game parlays. Make sure that you also take full advantage of the various promos and bonuses available, as they will give you some extra cash to play with.

Tip 3: Follow Tipsters

There are pro tipsters out there that devote their time to giving out betting advice. Follow their tips and see if they make profit over time. If they do, then you can safely follow their advice and place a bet. Some sportsbook companies have their own content sites which feature betting tips and advice.

Popular Markets at DC Betting Sites

Sportsbook Moneyline Spreads/ Totals Alternative Spreads/Totals Props Futures Parlays Same Game Parlays Live Betting
Draft Kings
BetMGM
DC State Lottery
Caesars
FanDuel

Live Betting with DC Sports Betting Site

The good news when it comes to live betting on sports is that each of the DC sites offering sports betting allows players not only to place pre-game wagers, but also get involved with live betting, too. In this case, DC bettors who like to take a view once a game is underway can therefore place wagers on sports matches already in-play.

One of the biggest differences with pre-match betting and live betting is that the odds can be more volatile, but that also brings more excitement in offering a nail-biting experience that keeps bettors interested until the final minute of a match. Additionally, DC sportsbooks offer live-streaming in which sports bettors can watch the action unfold live via the website or app, making it easier to spot any key moments in an event, while placing live wagers.

As for which of the DC sportsbooks offer the best live betting site, then it really is a close call, but the vote goes to DraftKings, who not only beam the action live with fluent markets, but they offer excellent in-play odds.

Bets that are Illegal in DC

The majority of sports betting types in DC, bar a few, namely DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) and college games. However, there is a path to accessing both via an offshore betting site, with the likes of XBet being at the top of the list for DFS and college events.

How DC Sports Betting Compares to its Neighboring States

Idaho and Oregon are the two main borders to Washington DC, and both have contrasting laws. Oregon is similar to DC in having legalized sports betting, while most licenses are linked to tribal casinos. Idaho residents on the other hand, need to travel to Washington DC to gamble on sports as sports betting is currently banned in their own state, except for horse racing.

Casinos with Sports Betting in DC

Besides offering online sports betting, the state of DC boasts a number of land-based sportsbooks, which can be found at various locations, such as sports stadia, retail casinos, and racecourses – Emerald Downs is one example of a sportsbook retailer in Auburn. The number is also expected to grow as there are around 35 casinos in the state, and the popularity of sports betting could see the majority of them offering odds and markets.

But for now, we’ve short-listed the top three best land-based sportsbooks in the state, as follows:

Ilani Casino Resort

  • Address: 1 Cowlitz Way, Ridgefield, 98642, USA
  • Opening Hours: 24/7

Since opening in 2017, the Ilani Casino Resort has proven very popular and offers a huge gaming area featuring around 75 table games, 2,500 gaming machines, and of course a sportsbook. There is also the chance to stay for a weekend break, courtesy of the 250 rooms in its hotel.

Northern Quest Resort and Casino

  • Address: 100 N Hayford Rd, Airway Heights, 99001, USA
  • Opening Hours: 24/7

This excellent resort first opened in 2000 in Airway Heights near the Idaho border, although it had to wait until 2021 for the sportsbook to open its kiosks. Not only was that good news for sports bettors, but there is also the option of over 35 table games and 1,600 gaming machines in the casino, which is actually located just off the sportsbook. The sportsbook also has a host of modern digital screens and comfortable seating to enjoy the action.

Silver Reef Casino Resort

  • Address: 4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale, 98248, USA
  • Opening Hours: 24/7

The doors to the Silver Reef Casino first opened in 2002 near the Canadian border, and covers over 100,000 sq/ft. Sports betting players are catered for in the Portage Bat Sports Bar, which is active from 6am until last orders, while the casino floor offers 1,000 gaming machines and 17 table games. There is also a hotel featuring over 100 rooms.

The Best Sportsbook in DC

We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best Washington DC sports betting sites. Our absolute favorite sportsbook in DC is BetMGM. The BetMGM sportsbook DC offers a great all-round betting product for users.

Dan Fitch

Dan is a sports journalist who has written for the likes of ESPN and FourFourTwo. Also a regular tipster for Betfair, Dan has been writing about sports betting for some of the biggest names in the industry, over many years.