BetMGM and Caesars Expand Sports Betting Services Across Washington D.C.

BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook are set to launch citywide operations that will drastically change the mobile sports betting landscape in Washington D.C. The two platforms will expand their services across the entire District following an extension of the current restriction which limits BetMGM’s operations within the two-block radius of Nationals Park. By July 15, 2024, Caesars Sportsbook is also expected to go live in all parts of the city.

DC Council’s Fiscal 2025 Budget Amendment Paves Way for Multiple Operators

This comes after a recent resolution by DC Council to create a more competitive market for mobile sports betting. An amendment proposed by council member Kenyan McDuffie as part of the fiscal 2025 budget seeks to allow multiple operators into the market thus ending FanDuel’s monopoly. The move is projected to promote competition which may generate millions of additional annual revenue for the city.

Leveraging on this legislative change, BetMGM has already announced a media event at Nationals Park where it will unveil its app that covers the whole city. The company has had a retail presence at the stadium since last year and its entrance into wider-ranging mobile betting is expected to attract more customers. A new app will be available from noon on July 15 after a morning celebration that features live music performances.

Also on this day, Caesars Sportsbook confirmed that it would be expanding its mobile betting services throughout Washington DC following similar actions taken by other providers who see such moves as creating better opportunities for bettors within these areas as well as making sure there is fair play among different operators.

FanDuel Faces Competition as Market Opens Up to New Players

FanDuel dominated Washington DC’s mobile sports-betting market until now. FanDuel took over from GambetDC, a platform managed by Greek gaming company Intralot, leading to a significant rise in bets placed. According to May 2024 figures the market saw almost $30 million wagered via the FanDuel app up from the previous year’s $5.4 million through GambetDC.

Having expressed dissatisfaction with regards to opening up the market to other players, FanDuel has hinted that it could terminate its exclusive contract with the Office of Lottery and Gaming District. The company had earlier stated in communication to the DC Council that they would rethink their partnership if other operators were allowed into this space.

Besides DraftKings, Fanatics is among other major players who have shown interest in entering the Washington D.C. sports betting market but they will need to partner up with professional sports teams as required by the new regulations before doing so. BetMGM and Caesars are already through all required licensing processes hence they can launch immediately.

As the market expands, small businesses hosting sports betting kiosks have raised concerns about potential revenue losses. Despite these worries, the DC Council’s decision is seen as a step towards a more dynamic and lucrative sports betting environment in the nation’s capital.