Online Sports Betting in D.C. Suspended Until Budget Approval
- Online sports betting in Washington, D.C. has been suspended pending the approval of the city’s budget for fiscal year 2025.
- The deadline for Mayor Muriel Bowser to sign the budget is set for July 25, delaying any betting activities.
- Stakeholders are awaiting the mayor's decision to proceed with the online betting platform.
Online sports betting in Washington, D.C., is currently suspended and will remain so until at least July 25, the deadline for Mayor Muriel Bowser to sign the fiscal 2025 budget. This budget is crucial as it will authorize online sports betting, compelling bettors to place wagers in person for the time being. FanDuel has announced that it will resume online betting once the budget is approved, while BetMGM's citywide launch has been postponed. The fiscal 2025 budget, which totals $21 billion and was approved by the D.C. Council last month, includes provisions for up to seven licenses for online sports betting. However, FanDuel's President, Christian Genetski, has expressed concerns regarding the city's plans to expand licenses for other operators. In a letter to D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, Genetski indicated that FanDuel would terminate its contract with Intralot, which mandates a 40% revenue share with the city, if the expansion proceeds. Instead, FanDuel plans to partner with an independent operator, reducing its revenue share to 20%. The company aims to continue its operations as a Class A operator in collaboration with DC United at Audi Field. A spokesperson for FanDuel reiterated the company's commitment to providing a top-tier sports betting experience for D.C. residents, emphasizing their readiness to resume services following the budget's final approval.