DraftKings to Launch Mobile Sports Betting in Washington D.C.

DraftKings announced its intention to launch its online sportsbook in Washington D.C., pending licensure and regulatory approvals. The company’s entrance into the D.C. market comes after the online sports betting company reached an agreement to be the sports betting provider at Audi Field for the MLS’ D.C. United.

DraftKings will become the fourth online sportsbook operator in Washington D.C., joining BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and FanDuel

FanDuel is also partnered with D.C. United. BetMGM is partnered with the Washington Nationals (MLB), and Caesars is teamed up with the Capitals (NHL), Wizards (NBA), and Mystics (WNBA).

DraftKings will become the fourth online sportsbook operator in the nation’s capital, joining BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and FanDuel. Caesars and BetMGM both went live with their mobile sportsbook apps on July 17.

Washington D.C. is also set to become the 29th jurisdiction in North America in which the DraftKings Sportsbook operates. Illinois, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are among the states.

“It has been incredible to see legalized sports betting grow rapidly over the past six years, and with plans to launch our online sportsbook in D.C., DraftKings looks forward to expanding its presence in more than half the country,” said Matt Kalish, President, DraftKings North America. “We would like to thank the D.C. Council for creating a path to bring DraftKings’ top-rated sportsbook to the nation’s capital.”

FanDuel replaced Intralot-run GambetDC as a subcontractor in D.C.’s monopolized sports betting market

In March, FanDuel replaced Intralot-run GambetDC as a subcontractor for the D.C. sports betting market. This came before the D.C. Council approved May’s Sports Wagering Amendment Act of 2024, which transformed the state’s monopolized sports betting system into an open-market industry.

In FanDuel’s first month after going live in D.C., the handle was up 450% against GamBet year over year. FanDuel made $4.9 million in revenue compared to $711,282 by GambetDC in May 2023.

“With the D.C. Council’s recent decision to expand the world of sports betting in D.C., we look forward to working with DraftKings to introduce their online sportsbook as another way for D.C. residents to bet in the city,” said Danita Johnson, President of Business Operations for D.C. United.

According to DraftKings, the sportsbook is offering new customers $150 in bonus bets that can be used once the service launches. The promotion period runs from now until Sunday, Aug. 18 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

ESPN Bet and Fanatics Sportsbook are the other two operators yet to launch in D.C.