At the end of 2023, Washington D.C. sports bettors had little reason to be excited about wagering in the District.
Their mobile Caesars Sportsbook at Capital One Arena.
Those fortunes changed dramatically in early 2024.
A new online sports betting system – or at least a new primary betting app – is on its way to Washington D.C.
The D.C. Lottery wants BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and FanDuel.
Regardless of which plan is implemented, both ideas look like improvements for Washington D.C. bettors. GambetDC, which had a subpar existence, is expected to leave the District and be replaced by another betting app as early as this summer.
Wizards, Capitals staying in D.C. 5d5h1r
Ted Leonsis, the owner of the Wizards and Capitals, made a push earlier this year to move the two franchises into Virginia. His effort failed in the Virginia legislature, and the two teams are expected to remain in Washington D.C. for the foreseeable future.
It’s good news for Washington D.C. and Caesars Sportsbook.
The retail betting facility is the biggest in the District, and it drives the most betting action of any retail sportsbook in Washington D.C. Losing the Wizards and Capitals to a new location would’ve dramatically reduced foot traffic into Capital One Arena’s sportsbook.
While the teams staying is a major plus, the sportsbook could benefit significantly from the Wizards playing better. They’re one of the NBA’s worst teams this season, sitting at 14-61 on the season and going an abysmal 6-31 at home. The sportsbook’s $3.3 million handle in February was its lowest in several months, and the Wizards being a bottom-feeder doesn’t help.
Still, the Wizards being terrible is a fixable problem.
Even if the Wizards are years away from being a playoff contender, fans will soon be able to fade them from a respectable betting app. That’s an improvement from a few short months ago.
