The Nation’s Capital Debuts Online Sports Betting & The Lottery

• Penny Cleopatra
• June 1, 2020

Ever since the coronavirus shutdown most land-based casinos, interest in real money online gambling has exploded. Many of the land-based casinos across the US have or are in the process of reopening. However, it is safe to say that the popularity of gambling online is here to stay.

Washington DC had plans in place to rollout its own online betting platform in March. Interestingly, that plan was delayed due to the current health crisis. More than two months later, GamebetDC has gone live. This is the official online platform of the DC Lottery.

Is The Nation’s Capital Really Debuting Online Sports Betting And The Lottery?

Once the launch was pushed back, this also delayed the release of the sports betting mobile betting app. That is also ready to go with an official launch later in June. The app will cover legal sports betting within the DC area. Since live sports is rather limited these days, you could call this a “soft launch.”

What is available these days for sports betting fans is German soccer, NASCAR racing and UFC fighting. All three sports have been properly endorsed for DC betting action. In the coming weeks, GamebetDC will add the PGA Tour to the list. Plans are also underway to resume the NHL season in late July or early August. The NBA anticipates a return to action while the long-delayed MLB season is making plans for Opening Day.

One betting activity that is almost back to its full schedule is horse racing.

Unfortunately, the GamebetDC app is not set up for online betting on horses.

Another factor causing a delay in launch was a personal lawsuit. The case was Dylan Carter vs. the DC District. The dispute arose early last year when Carter cited a breach in the “Home Rule Act.” The suit was initiated when the District voted to award the no-bid $251 million online gaming contract to Intralot. This is a Greek-based gaming firm.

Judge Joan Zeldon issued a temporary restraining order in the case last September. This prevented Intralot from moving forward with its plans. In October, the DC Superior Court upheld the no-bid contract. Intralot was granted permission to proceed building its online betting platform.

These are exciting times for DC sports betting fans coming out of the extended shutdown. A released statement by GamebetDC on the official website read:

“It is a new betting experience in the District that makes live betting and wagering on sporting events just as easy as watching them. Whether you bet using the GamebetDC app or website, you can bet with friends, have fun, game responsibly and enjoy a community of winners.”

Another big selling point is the existing DC Lottery powering the website and betting app. This organization dates back to 1982 with a long history of success. As a known and trusted entity, this should give online sports betting and lottery an immediate boost.

Many other states are in the process of bringing casino gambling and sports betting online. Two established markets are New Jersey, Indiana, and Pennsylvania with strong online revenue growth.

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