In April, FanDuel gained full access to the mobile sports betting market in Washington D.C., replacing GamebetDC. FanDuel became the new subcontractor for Intralot. Last week, four sports betting operators in D.C. testified in front of a council committee. They spoke in favor of supporting a bill that would allow a competitive sports betting market in Washington D.C. Despite their efforts to try and open the sports betting market, FanDuel has a firm grip and is not letting go. 

At the Business and Economic Development Public Hearing, representatives from BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, and Fanatics all showed support for Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie. His bill aims to bring several sports betting apps to the District. However, D.C. lottery executive director, Frank Suarez, shared that FanDuel has been highly successful. Due to contract complications and the success of FanDuel, Washington D.C., lawmakers are clashing.

Kenyan McDuffie and Frank Suarez continue to fight for what they think is right for the D.C. sports betting market

In the first two weeks that FanDuel was offered in Washington D.C., bettors wagered more than $14 million. That’s more than GamebetDC had wagered in February and March combined. The biggest hurdle that Kenyan McDuffie faces is the Intralot contract with FanDuel. In mid-July, the Intralot contract in Washington D.C. is set to expire. However, a proposal for a new entity was not proposed well in advance. That means FanDuel will likely remain the only sports betting app in D.C. The D.C. lottery is requesting a two-year extension with Intralot. 

That gives Intralot significant leverage in getting a contract extended. Bad news for Kenyan McDuffie who is upset that the lottery was not more proactive about a competitive sports betting market. He had this to say.

“I resent that, to be candid with you,” McDuffie said. “I think the District of Columbia, the nation’s capital, should be in a better situation today, on May 6, than we are. We should not have to make a decision under duress about generating revenue with a company that has failed miserably at managing our sports wagering operation. I think there’s a case to be made that they shouldn’t be a part of it.”

BetMGM and Caesars are two sportsbooks that have poured significant financial investments into retail sportsbooks in the District. Those two sportsbooks were thriving when GamebetDC was still around. Since FanDuel gained full control of the mobile sports betting market, BetMGM and Caesars are in danger.