Washington DC Sports Betting: Is Online Sports Betting Legal in DC?

By Victor Arum - Tuesday 3rd June 2025 2:31 PM

Washington DC sports betting is legal and, until recently, you could only place bets on GambetDC, the district’s sole sportsbooks. A 2024 legislation change opened up the DC betting scene, allowing seven more state-licensed sportsbooks to provide sports betting in Washington DC; however, you still have to deal with geolocation and college betting restrictions if you want to participate in DC legal sports betting.

Fortunately, several top betting sites licensed outside Washington DC allow residents to bet on Georgetown, the Nationals, Commanders, or Wizards from anywhere. These Washington DC sportsbooks provide thousands of betting markets for local and international events, bigger value bonuses, and features like prop builders and same-game parlays. We’ll cover the best Washington DC sports betting sites but firstly, let’s explore the legal sports betting options in the federal capital of the United States.

Washington DC Sports Betting Sites June, 2025

Is Sports Betting Legal in Washington DC?

DC residents can legally participate in sports betting in Washington DC, with the district providing both retail and online options to place your wagers. Betting on professional and college sports is allowed; however, you legally can’t wager on any college teams based in DC. The table below provides an overview of the legal Washington DC sports betting options.

Type	Availability
Retail Sports Betting	✅
In-State Online Sportsbooks	✅
Tribal Casinos with Sportsbooks	❌
Horse Racing	❌
College Sports Betting	✅ (No wagers on DC-based college teams)
Esports	✅
Politics	❌
Entertainment	❌

Current Legal Standing of DC Sports Betting

Washington DC sports betting is fully legal and regulated by the DC Office of Lottery and Gaming. The district allows retail and online sports betting in DC, and residents can legally bet on college and pro sports. You must be at least 18 years old to place bets at any of the retail and online sportsbooks in DC. District regulations also permit most wager types, including moneylines, spreads, totals, parlays, teasers, in-game betting, and props.

Recent Washington DC Sports Betting Legislation Changes

The Sports Wagering Amendment Act of 2024, which was passed on June 25, 2024, ended the district’s single-operator system by allowing the DC Lottery to license up to seven online sportsbooks. Before this bill was passed, Fanduel was the only sportsbook licensed to provide online Washington DC sports betting. Subsequently, operators like BetMGM and Caesars launched their sports betting Washington DC sites.

This 2024 Amendment Act also established the framework for class-based licensing by the DC Lottery and tax rates for sportsbook operators. Retail and online sportsbooks in DC were to be classified as Class A for existing operators, Class B for retail-only sportsbooks, and Class C for platforms affiliated with teams and district facilities. Class A sportsbooks are to pay 20% tax on sports wagering revenue, while the tax rates for classes B and C DC sports betting platforms were set at 10% and 30% respectively.

When Did Washington DC Legalize Online Sports Betting?

Washington DC online sports betting became legal in December 2018, when the D.C. council passed the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018. This bill was signed into law in mid-January of 2019 by Mayor Muriel Bowser, and it authorized the operation of sports wagering and related activities in D.C., which was then known as the District of Columbia. The bill also put online sports betting in Washington DC under the regulatory oversight of the D.C. Lottery.

The first Washington DC sports betting app was introduced on May 1, 2020, following the launch of GambetDC. Subsequently, operators like BetMGM and FanDuel launched their Washington D.C. legal sports betting platforms and, today, there are five licensed online sportsbooks in the district.

How Do the Gambling Laws in Washington DC Compare with Neighboring States

The Washington D.C. district is bounded by two states: Maryland on the north, east, and west, and Virginia to the south. Sports betting is legal in all three regions, with residents able to wager on most forms of pro and college events. Here’s an overview of the sports betting laws in D.C.’s neighboring states:

Maryland

Maryland sports betting became legal in 2020 after a public referendum. The state legislature and governor approved HB0940 in May 2021 to facilitate the establishment of retail and online sports betting platforms. That said, there are currently 11 online betting sites and 12 retail sportsbooks with licensed sports betting in Maryland. Unlike Washington DC with restrictions on college sports betting, Maryland bettors can wager on pro sports and in-state college teams.

Virginia

Governor Ralph Northam signed SB384 in April 2020, which made it legal to bet on sports in Virginia. There are currently 13 state-licensed online sportsbooks for Virginia sports betting; however, retail wagering in the state is available at only two physical locations. Residents can place single-game wagers, moneylines, teasers, parlays, in-play, and prop bets on pro and college sports; however, betting on Virginia-based college teams and youth sports are prohibited.

Can You Play at Online Sportsbooks in Washington DC?

Washington DC is home to five state-licensed sportsbook apps; however, you can equally wager on the Commanders and Wizards at any of our recommended offshore betting sites. We’ve played at these betting sites for several years and can vouch for the quality of their Washington DC sports betting service. These sportsbooks hold valid licenses from reputable international regulators, feature the latest security protocols, and have consistently paid out player winnings. Our recommended betting sites also offer higher bonuses compared to state-licensed DC sportsbook apps, providing you with more free funds to wager with.

Furthermore, betting on local college sports, college events held in DC, and non-sporting events, are prohibited when using state-licensed DC sportsbooks. However, with offshore betting sites, you can wager on college teams like Georgetown University, Howard University, American University, and George Washington University. Also, you can place bets on political events, entertainment award shows, and reality TV competitions.

How We Rank the Best Washington DC Sports Betting Sites

Our expert team evaluates DC sportsbooks against several criteria before recommending platforms that are best suited for Washington DC sports betting. Some of the factors we consider include the sportsbook’s licensing, DC sports betting markets, the ease of making payments, and site security. For a full breakdown, check out our ‘How We Rank’.

The image below shows the exact factors we score and how they contribute to each sportsbook’s overall rating.

Top 3 Washington DC Sports Betting Sites for 2025

Our mini reviews provide a good starting point if you’re looking for the best Washington DC sports betting sites to wager on any of the district’s pro and college teams. We’ve explored each site’s DC betting markets and features, the available payment options, and  bonuses that can boost your Washington DC sports betting budget.

BetOnline – Overall Best Washington DC Sports Betting Site

• Welcome Offer: 50% up to $250 in free bets
• Promo Code: FREE250

BetOnline has established itself as the best Washington DC sports betting site with its full suite of excellent sportsbook features, including a user-friendly website and thousands of pre-match and live betting markets. The platform has operated as a top sportsbook since its launch in 1991, way before online sports betting in DC became legal, and has consistently provided secure and reliable betting options. BetOnline uses the highest level of encryption technology and you can enjoy 24/7 customer support through human agents. You can bet as low as $1 on BetOnline and customize wagers with the props builder, odds boosters, and same-game parlays.

DC residents can legally wager on the top U.S. leagues with BetOnline providing betting options for all events. These include futures, game lines, and player props for the MLB, NHL, NFL, and NBA. You can also bet on the Citi Open, support D.C. United to win during their MLS games, or wager on niche markets like lacrosse and table tennis. BetOnline also provides odds for politics and entertainment events, which are otherwise prohibited on sports betting apps in DC. The sportsbook’s also provides NCAA betting lines, so you can wager on Georgetown during March Madness.

BetOnline accepts deposits and processes payouts through 17+ cryptocurrencies, making it the best site for crypto sports betting in DC. You can also make fiat payments through credit cards, Moneygram and Money Order, or request payouts through ACH, bank wire, and courier checks. Most deposit methods are free to use, and you can pay up to $1,000,000 for Washington DC sports betting with crypto. BetOnline has several ongoing promotions for DC bettors, including a $15,000 daily cash race, insurance offers for the NHL, NBA, UFC, and major soccer events.

BetUS – Early Cash out on your DC Sports Bets

• Welcome Offer: 100% up to $2,500
• Promo Code: JOIN125

BetUS is licensed in the Comoros Union; however, you can register for Washington DC sports betting on the site without any restrictions or geolocation blocks. The DC sportsbook stands out for its loyalty program, which rewards consistent deposits with free payouts, free monthly tournament entries, higher reload bonuses, and customer support through an exclusive, toll-free number. You can also receive up to $500 in free play whenever you move between the BetUS loyalty tiers. BetUS TV provides expert analysis and betting predictions, while the sportsbook’s free contests allow you to potentially win bonus cash for betting on the Washington Wizards.

BetUS has over 25 categories for sports betting in DC, which includes football, basketball, ice hockey, baseball, and esports. Each major sports category contains game odds for the week, allowing you to wager on the Nationals and Commanders when they’re playing in their respective leagues. Furthermore, you can bet on season awards for league specials like the Number 1 Seed for the NFL, regular season wins futures for Washington, as well as conference and division futures. The sportsbook offers in-play betting, early cashout, daily odds boosts, a prop builder, and same-game parlays.

You can deposit funds on BetUS for Washington DC sports betting through credit cards, crypto, or PayPal. BetUS supports the Bitcoin Lightning network for instant BTC deposits and you can contact customer support by phone, chat, or email to make payments. The sportsbook offers 24-hour payouts through bank wire transfers and Bitcoin, making it one of the fastest-paying DC sportsbooks. BetUS crypto deposits attract a 100% re-up bonus, but you can equally claim 50% extra as free play when you deposit with credit cards.

MyBookie – Live Streams of the Washington Wizards and Washington Commanders

• Welcome Offer: 50% up to $1,000
• Promo Code: MB50

MyBookie’s moneybag feature lets you enjoy boosted odds for select markets from the Big 4 U.S. leagues, but that’s not all there is to this DC sports betting site. The sportsbook is favored by DC bettors because of its simple interface, regular bet boosts for games involving the Washington Commanders, Washington Wizards, and the Nationals. Furthermore, MyBookie is one of the few DC sportsbooks with live streaming and virtual sports.

You can place straight moneyline bets, build same-game parlays, or wager on in-game markets for 35+ sports categories, including the NFL, NHL, and MLB. Asides from the professional leagues, MyBookie has dedicated betting sections for NCAA basketball, football, and baseball, providing you with multiple Georgetown wager options. The sportsbook highlights odds for top events, letting you keep up with what’s trending. Similarly, niche markets like Aussie rules, Futsal, gaelic sports, and darts are well represented on MyBookie.

Cryptocurrencies are the preferred deposit method on MyBookie, with the sportsbook supporting payments through 10 tokens. You can also make person2person transfers or fund your MyBookie account with credit cards. The sportsbook has a minimum deposit limit of $20 for cryptocurrencies and no maximum. On the other hand, credit card payments are capped between $45 to $2,500. MyBookie’s bonuses for sports betting DC include a 55% sports crypto reload, 35% sports reload for credit card payments, and a 200% referral offer. The MyBookie+ VIP program provides weekly and monthly bonuses, plus exclusive risk-free bets and free plays for betting on the Washington Capitals or during the Citi Open.

Popular Teams & Events To Bet On In Washington DC

Washington D.C. has a rich sports culture and a reputation that’s boosted by the production of sports stars like Walter Johnson and Elgin Baylor. DC has representatives in all four major U.S. leagues, and it regularly hosts high-profile events at the college and professional levels. Here’s an overview of the top teams and events for Washington DC sports betting:

NFL: Washington Commanders

The Commanders are three-time Super Bowl winners and part of the East Division of the NFL’s National Football Conference. They have competed at the highest level of American football for over 93 seasons, winning well over 600 regular-season games in that period. The Commanders have also made 26 NFL Playoff appearances, with the latest coming in 2024. The Northwest Stadium in Maryland has hosted the Commanders’ home games since, and their games enjoy extensive coverage from the best Washington DC sports betting sites. BetUS, for instance, lets you back the Commanders with odds for point spread, moneyline, and total game markets.

MLB: Washington Nationals

The Nationals made history by becoming the first and only DC-based MLB team to win the World Series with their 2019 title, and they did it in style, too. They posted a 5-0 record in elimination games, with all their victories being comeback wins. The Nationals currently play in the East Division of the MLB, and they have developed a reputation for their strong starting pitching. BetOnline lets you cash in on this strength with player props markets for the number of hits, runs, and runs batted in for the Nationals’ star men. You can also bet on MLB futures odds for the Nationals to repeat their World Series win, or wager on game markets like the run line, moneyline, and total.

NBA: Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards compete in the Southeast Division of the NBA’s Eastern Conference and have won eight division titles, with the latest success coming in 2017. The Wizards play home games at the Capital One Arena in DC, and they draw thousands of local supporters, especially when playing local rivals, the  Boston Celtics. MyBookie provides betting odds for the Washington Wizards during the regular NBA season, and you can also back Jordan Poole with player props during games against the Celtics.

NHL: Washington Capitals

The Capitals are one of the more prominent teams in the NHL, with 14 division championships, 3 Presidents’ trophies, 2 conference championships, and a sole Stanley Cup win in 2018. Like the Wizards, the Capitals play home games at the Capital One Arena, and they recently competed in the 2025 NHL playoffs, losing in the quarter-finals. Everygame provides exclusive moneyline odds for the Capitals to win the NHL Series. DC sports bettors can also wager on game markets like the spread, total, moneyline, and win period on Everygame.

NCAA: Georgetown Hoyas

Georgetown University, located in DC, competes at the NCAA Division I level as part of the Big East Conference. The Hoyas have gotten to the NCAA Tournament Final Four on five occasions, historically winning the national championship in 1984. The Georgetown Hoyas also participate in lacrosse, women’s basketball, and soccer, among other sports. MyBookie provides NCAA betting odds for the Hoyas, and you can participate in the sportsbook’s Brackets contest during March Madness.

The Citi Open

The Citi Open is an ATP 500 and WTA 250 hard-court event that’s held annually at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in DC. The event kicked off in 1969 and is currently a mainstay in the tennis calendar, with top-20 singles players regularly participating to earn ranking points. DC tennis icon, Pete Sampras, won the Citi Open five times during his playing days, and local tennis fans troop out to watch upcoming stars like Robin Montgomery attempt to capture hometown glory. Being a major event, all top DC sports betting platforms provide markets for the Citi Open. BetOnline, BetUS, and Bovada let you wager on game, set, and point markets, while MyBookie provides live streaming for high-profile matches.

Responsible Gambling Resources in Washington DC

Washington DC sports betting is a fun activity with the potential to be highly profitable. However, like all gambling activities, it carries a risk of addiction, which can be emotionally and financially harmful. It is, therefore, important that you protect yourself by exercising control over your gambling activities with responsible gambling. Our recommended Washington DC online sports betting sites help you practice responsible gambling with self-exclusion, time and deposit limits, and cool-down periods.

Conclusion: The Best DC Sportsbooks

BetOnline is the best sportsbook for DC online sports betting, mainly because it allows you to wager on college games involving Georgetown and Howard. The betting site also excels with its coverage of the Big 4 U.S. leagues and its markets for international events. BetOnline provides pre-match odds for hundreds of leagues and competitions, and its live betting is dynamic, letting you keep up with the action.

As a new BetOnline user, you can get up to $250 in wager-free bonus bets, providing a good foundation for sports betting in DC. Existing users can also claim several sport-specific promotions and participate in free-to-play contests for the NHL, NFL, NBA, and more. You can deposit funds with VISA and Mastercard, and also make seamless crypto payments. Additionally, the BetOnline website is easy to navigate, registration is straightforward, and the sportsbook’s betting odds are some of the most competitive you’ll find on a Washington DC sports betting site.

DC Sports Betting - FAQs

Is sports betting legal in DC?

Yes, Washington D.C. sports betting became legal in 2018, after the state passed the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018.

Does Washington DC allow sports betting?

Yes, DC residents can legally wager on college and professional sports at any of the state’s retail and online DC sports betting apps.

Victor Arum

Victor Arum is a seasoned gambling content writer with 5+ years of experience writing about gambling laws, sports betting, online casinos, and everything in between. He has written over 1,000 articles, breaking down odds, bonuses, and how betting sites really work. When he’s not writing, you can find him rewatching Seinfeld (yes, "these pretzels are making me thirsty!"), stretching his muscles at the gym, or digging into messy data to find stories worth telling.