BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook went live across Washington, DC on 17th of July. Both operators previously could only offer their platforms in exclusion zones.
The launch will take place two days later than both operators had planned. But they had to wait until the fiscal year 2025 budget took effect.
The budget includes provisions that open the market from a monopoly to a competitive environment. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser did not sign the budget or veto it. The deadline for this was July 25th. Instead, she sent it back to the D.C. Council. The move will allow BetMGM and Caesars to begin offering their platforms throughout the city.
A Bowser spokesperson told Sports Handle that Bowser’s inaction would “still allow” the expansion. By sending it back, Bowser demonstrated that she had “objections to certain elements of the budget.” Given the controversial history of sports betting in Washington, expansion could be one of those objections.
However, BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook announced Wednesday that they have launched their mobile platforms citywide. Both companies already had access to the market through deals with Nationals Park and Capital One Arena, respectively. Now, instead of being geofenced within a two-block radius of retail sportsbooks, the platforms operate throughout the city, excluding federally exempt areas.
BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt stated in a press release:
We look forward to launching district-wide after three years of bringing unparalleled, omnichannel experiences to sports fans under the previous framework.
Eric Hession, president of Caesars Digital, said:
Going live in DC will only enhance the fan experience. We thank Bowser and the DC Council for their leadership on sports betting.
Originally, both companies had planned to launch Monday (15 July). BetMGM was forced to cancel a launch event it had scheduled at Nationals Park that day.
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