Caesars Entertainment-owned William Hill has opened its full Washington, DC sportsbook at the Capital One Arena, marking the first sportsbook opening in a professional US sports facility.
The operator signed an agreement with the arena’s owner, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, in October 2019 to build and operate a sportsbook at the arena.
In July 2020, it opened a temporary sportsbook space at the venue with betting windows and self-service kiosks.
William Hill’s complete offering is now available inside the arena, spanning 18,000 square feet over two floors, and featuring sports memorabilia including news headlines highlighting the biggest sporting moments in Washington, DC history, and jerseys hung up throughout the sportsbook from some of the city’s most recognised athletes.
The sportsbook also features a new restaurant, run by chef and owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant Masseria, Nicholas Stefanelli.
In addition to ticket windows and self-service kiosks for betting, the William Hill DC Sportsbook app is available to use within a two-block radius around Capital One Arena.
“This is really a groundbreaking moment for Caesars and for the sports betting industry in general,” said Tom Reeg, Caesars’ chief executive.
“This is the first integrated sportsbook in a physical stadium in the country. This is the new paradigm, this is where it’s going. We ask our employees at Caesars to blaze new trails, to create unique experiences. As you walk this property and you see what’s here, this is exactly what we’re talking about.”
Ted Leonsis, founder and chief executive of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, added: “I think this is the first step, you’ll see lots of other arenas and lots of other leagues pushing on the gas to do this,” said
“Because of that, we know we’re an exemplar and everyone is going to be watching how we execute. We’re very committed to making this a very successful experience for our fans, that our partner prospers, and arenas become a natural home for sportsbooks around the world.”