Sports betting in Washington DC has historically been banned in any way, shape or form. The state has not legalized pari-mutuel betting on races, neither is online betting legalized at the time of writing this. Daily Fantasy Sports Leagues and subsequent betting is legal as it is considered a game of skill rather than chance. There are several bills underway that will pave the way for legalizing online betting in the state as many believe.

Gambling Laws in Washington D.C.

Even though Washington DC sports betting seems to be underway to being authorized, gambling in itself and regulation are treated rather strict. There are no casinos or race tracks operating in the state, and online gambling remains widely illegal. Interestingly, Washington D.C. being a district is treated differently as its laws are determined by a council instead of legislature, where final approval needs to be given by congress. However charitable gaming is legal along with the Lottery, which has oversight over sports betting and gambling.

Most Popular Sports in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is home to some Major League Professional sports teams in the most popular sports in the US, successful collegiate athletic teams and individual sports. Interestingly the states’ teams are considered some of the least successful in recent history, as none of the big 4 reached their conference championships since 1998.

National Football League – Washington Redskins

The Redskins are the 5th most valuable franchise in the NFL according to Forbes, were established in 1932 and compete in the NFC East division. They play home games at FedExField in Maryland and train in Virginia. The Redskins won 5 Championship titles and 3 Super Bowl titles, last one being in 1991.

National Basketball Association – Washington Wizards

The Wizards compete in the Eastern Conference Southeast Division in the NBA and play home games out of the Capitol One Arena out of Chinatown in Washington D.C. They were founded in 1961 as the Chicago packers and moved to D.C. in 1973 as the Capital Bullets and finally rebranded as Washington Wizards in 1997. They franchise won 7 Division tiles, 4 conference titles and 1 Championship.

Major League Baseball – Washington Nationals

The Nationals compete in the National league East Division and were established in 1969 as the Montreal Expos and moved to Washington D.C. before the 2005 season. Struggling at first after relocating, the team has had considerable success in more recent years, winning 4 Division titles since but have yet to make an appearance in the World Series.

National Hockey League – Washington Capitals

The Caps are members of the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference and were established in 1974 as an expansion franchise alongside the Kansas City Scouts. Their home field is the Capitol One Arena in Washington D.C. They have won 12 Division championships, 3 Presidents’ Trophies, 2 conference championships and 1 Stanley cup in the 2017-18 season.

Local History of Sports Betting

Even though it was not one of the first states to legalize sports wagering, Washington D.C. has been trying to introduce legislation to authorize online gambling and sports betting for a number of years. In 2019 the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act was finally passed, which lays out a path for online and physical sports betting operating by the end of 2019.

Legal Online Sports Betting Age in Washington D.C.

In early 2019, Washington D.C. legislators passed a law that was to define clear regulatory rules for sports betting, but the first bet is yet to be placed as discussion on licensing and such are ongoing. Within the Sports wagering lottery amendment act, the minimum age to place bets was set at 18 years of age. The legal drinking age is 21 as well as the minimum age to acquire marijuana.

• Sports Betting Age
  Sports betting is legal and the minimum age to place bets is 18
• Alcohol Age
  The legal drinking age is set at 21
• Weed Age
  The legal minimum age to acquire recreational marijuana is set 21

Is Online Sports Betting Legal Outside of the State?

As of 2018 the supreme commercial sports betting is considered illegal in many a state. This is quickly changing though, and a number of states have since passed bills legalizing sports betting. Nevada, one of the closest states where sports betting is legal, has offered gambling for decades. Sports betting first commenced in 1975 and has since expanded. Utah, on the other hand, has been slow to last states to change their gambling laws. This moved the Utah sports betting industry toward a better legalization as its very conservative and cultural views on gambling have a major impact on legislation.

Taxes on Your Winnings: Do You Have to Pay Anything?

As sports betting has been authorized in Washington D.C., an automatic tax rate was implemented. Operators are to pay a 10% tax, which is very reasonable and allows for competition in the Industry. In terms of taxes on winnings, the law is rather open. As the Office of Lottery and Gaming oversees and regulates the Industry it is to be anticipated that winnings will be subject to Federal and state income taxes, as currently deployed for lottery winnings. That means a win pay-out will withhold 24% federal tax and impose an extra 8.5% state tax. This is a bit above currently deployed tax schemes on sports betting winnings, but as no bets have been placed yet it remains to be seen.

Upcoming Regulation Changes in Washington D.C. Betting Law

As of May 2019, sports betting has been authorized in Washington D.C. This verdict had been a long time coming and passed congressional review without formal objections. The bill authorizes sport betting on online platforms primarily operated by the state lottery as well as physical sportsbooks in 4 locations with class A licenses. At the time of writing, no sports bet has been placed but it is anticipated that betting will commence as early as the summer of 2019 and definitely before the end of 2019.

Sports Betting Guides for Nearby States

• Maryland
• Virginia
• Pennsylvania
• West Virginia