DraftKings to launch sports betting app in Washington DC
Nasdaq-listed firm expected to join the likes of BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook after FanDuel's reign as the sole online operator comes to an end
DraftKings has confirmed its intention to launch its mobile sportsbook in the recently opened market of Washington, DC.
The Boston-based operator announced its plans on Tuesday, July 23, alongside a market-access agreement with MLS outfit DC United, though the move is still subject to pending licensure and regulatory approvals.
If granted approval in DC, DraftKings would be live across 29 jurisdictions in North America.
Matt Kalish, DraftKings North America president, publicly thanked the DC Council for its help in the process as he explained: “It has been incredible to see legalized sports betting grow rapidly over the past six years and, with plans to launch our online sportsbook in DC, DraftKings looks forward to expanding its presence in more than half the country.
“We would like to thank the DC Council for creating a path to bring DraftKings’ top-rated sportsbook to the nation’s capital. Together with DC United, we look forward to delivering fans a best-in-class experience through our customer-friendly product.”
DC United president of business operations Danita Johnson echoed a similar sentiment: “With the DC Council’s recent decision to expand the world of sports betting in DC, we look forward to working with DraftKings to introduce their online sportsbook as another way for DC residents to bet in the city,” she said.
“Our goal is to always make every fan experience seamless, and this platform will help us to deliver on that promise.”
News of DraftKings’ imminent expansion in DC comes just days after BetMGM and Caesars also confirmed their plans to do the same, following the district’s lawmakers deciding to vote in favor of the Sports Wagering Amendment Act of 2024 in the latest budget, thus opening up the market to multiple operators.
Previously, FanDuel served as DC’s only sports betting operator, having replaced the much-maligned GambetDC, which often drew criticism over its performance from users.
BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook both went live in DC on July 17, a day later than expected due to a delay in relation to the full-year 2025 budget, which was left unsigned by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser in demonstration of her objection to some aspects of the budget allocations.
Prior to the opening of the online market, both BetMGM and Caesars had a retail presence in DC, with the former’s brick-and-mortar location set up at Nationals Park stadium while Caesars has a similar set up at the Capital One Arena, though up until the recent market development, both were only permitted to accept wagers within a two-block radius of their respective locations.
Meanwhile, during its time as Intralot’s sole operator for DC, FanDuel was subject to a 40% tax rate. However, the opening of the market means the Flutter-owned firm will now pay 20%, as will the likes of DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars.
It remains to be seen which operator will be the next to follow the initial trio, but it is widely expected that Fanatics Sportsbook and ESPN Bet will also soon confirm a Washington launch.