The sports betting legislation enacted by the Washington DC Council in January has now formally passed into law, following a 60-day congressional review.
This paves the way for the roll-out of mobile wagering in the city, powered by the DC Lottery’s main supplier Intralot.
The Greek lottery and gaming giant was handed the sports betting contract after the Council used an emergency measure to bypass a public procurement process, with a view to quickly launching legal wagering in the state.
However, designated facilities, such as the city’s major sporting arenas, will be permitted to secure licences for mobile wagering at their own facility, with a two-block exclusivity zone. These venues will be taxed at 10% of gross wagering revenue, and pay $250,000 for five-year licences.
Two other licences will be available for retail wagering, allowing larger or smaller venues such as lottery retailers or bars to secure licences.
No date has been set for the launch of Intralot’s DC Lottery-branded sports betting offering.