FanDuel replaces GamebetDC to become the primary sports gambling app for Washington D.C.
On April 15, 2024, FanDuel made its debut as the primary sports betting app in Washington D.C., replacing GamebetDC. FanDuel is one of the largest and most profitable sports gambling apps in the United States. It was a no-brainer for Washington D.C. to move on from GamebetDC and get a serious upgrade.
The Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) approved FanDuel to be a subcontractor for Intralot. They were the Greek gaming solutions supplier for GamebetDC. It took complaints from users over time to finally persuade D.C. to make a change to their sports betting presence. GameebtDC was not getting the job done.
With the complaints they received, it was an easy choice for OLG to choose FanDuel as the exclusive sports gambling app in Washington D.C. Over the next five years, sports gambling is projected to bring in $119 million in tax revenue for Washington D.C.
Office of Lottery and Gaming Executive Director Frank Suarez knows FanDuel is the best sportsbook for D.C.
Executive director Frank Suarez had this to say about FanDuel being the exclusive sports gambling app in Washington D.C.
“With FanDuel’s launch, D.C. residents and visitors will have access to a best-in-class sports wagering platform,” said Suarez, “FanDuel’s entry into our market brings not only a reliable, customer-friendly sports wagering experience to the nation’s capital, but it also includes guaranteed revenue that will be used to fund vital city programs.”
Washington D.C. will receive $5 million to their General Fund from FanDuel this year as part of their entrance fee. That’s nothing to a sports gambling power like FanDuel. Money like that can be made back easily for the Sportsbook.
There are restricted areas within D.C. where gamblers are now allowed to place bets. They are federal land and landmarks like the National Mall, White House, Capitol, and Congressional office buildings. Additionally, East Potomac Park and Rock Creek Park will not allow FanDuel bettors to place wagers.
Council Member Kenyan McDuffie wants to have a more competitive gambling market in Washington D.C.
At the moment, council member Kenyan McDuffie believes that Washington D.C cannot compete with Maryland and Virginia if they only have one Sportsbook available. He claims they need a more competitive gambling market in D.C. That means allowing multiple sportsbooks to run their betting apps.
McDuffie wants to accommodate the other sportsbooks in the area with a betting presence. They include BetMGM at National Park, Deasars Sportsbook in Capital One Arena, and FanDuel at Audi Field. Those other sportsbooks are only offered within a two-block radius of the stadium.
This July, Itralot’s contract is set to expire. There’s a chance FanDuel is granted a two-year contract extension as the subcontractor for Intralot. FanDuel would still be the exclusive sports gambling app in Washington D.C. That would upset people like Kenyan McDuffie upset that D.C. is now willing to have a competitive sports gambling market.
