In a bid to revamp Washington D.C.’s struggling Sports gambling program, D.C. Council member Kenyan R. McDuffie has introduced the Sports Wagering Amendment Act of 2024. This legislation aims to breathe new life into the city’s lackluster sports betting operation by overhauling the licensing system and paving the way for sports venues and teams to offer citywide, mobile sports betting.
The current sports gambling program in Washington D.C. has been underperforming, with GambetDC, the city’s sole sports betting provider, bringing in just over $4.3 million since its launch in 2020, far below the initial projections of $84 million. In response to these disappointing results, the Office of Lottery and Gaming has announced plans to replace GambetDC with a more popular provider, FanDuel, in an effort to improve financial returns.
However, McDuffie believes that simply changing providers is not enough to address the underlying issues with the sports gambling program. His legislation would allow for greater competition by granting new mobile sports betting licenses to sports teams playing at venues with existing sportsbooks. This move could significantly expand the options available to bettors in the city.
Moreover, the bill proposes allocating a portion of the sports betting revenue towards initiatives to prevent and treat gambling addiction, as well as investing in youth extracurricular programs. McDuffie’s comprehensive approach to revitalizing the sports gambling program has garnered support, as it aims to address the shortcomings of the current system and provide a better experience for consumers.
As the legislation progresses through the council, discussions will also ensue regarding the extension of Intralot’s contract, the company behind GambetDC. While some may advocate for extending the contract to allow the FanDuel plan to take effect, McDuffie is adamant about the need for more significant changes to improve the overall competitiveness and effectiveness of the sports gambling program in Washington D.C.
