Two major players in the sports betting world, BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook, were gearing up for a significant expansion in Washington, DC, set to commence on Monday, 15 July. This expansion, however, hits a snag as the budget bill crucial for their operations remains unsigned by Mayor Muriel Bowser. The delay in the approval process forced BetMGM to cancel its planned celebration at Nationals Park, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a significant milestone for the company.
The anticipation surrounding this event underscores the DC Council's intricate dance with legislation and public service. The Council had given the final nod to the Fiscal Year 2025 budget on 25 June, with an implementation date slated for 15 July. These developments have left sports betting enthusiasts in a state of limbo, eagerly awaiting the mayoral approval that would signal a green light for BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook's operational kickoff.
A Complicated History
DC's journey into the realms of sports betting has been anything but smooth. The journey began in January 2019 when the DC Council approved a single-provider digital market sans a competitive bid process. This decision resulted in the expansion of lottery vendor Intralot's contract to include sports wagering, leading to the launch of the GamBetDC platform. However, criticism soon followed, citing limited betting markets and rampant technical issues.
The platform also stumbled financially, failing to meet its revenue promises. This prompted the lottery to strike a new partnership with FanDuel, effectively signaling the end of GamBetDC. The switch paid immediate dividends, as the handle for FanDuel’s online sports betting operation shot up by 450% in the initial month compared to the same period under GamBetDC. FanDuel managed to generate $4.9 million in revenue in May 2023, starkly contrasting GamBetDC’s $711,282 during the same period.
Financial Implications
The operational shifts have substantial financial implications for the city. With the lottery-backed wagering partners funneling 40% of their revenue to the city, these partnerships promise significant economic benefits. The expiration of Intralot's contract on 15 July brings a pivotal juncture as the new law introduces Type C licenses. These licenses, valid for five years, come with a hefty price tag of $2 million and an annual renewal fee of $1 million, alongside a 30% tax rate.
Another significant change is that operators are now permitted to partner with franchises, not just venues, broadening the market dynamics in DC. FanDuel, for instance, leverages its market access through a partnership with Audi Field, benefiting from a 20% tax rate as it aligns with the sports venue. This strategic partnership is indicative of the evolving landscape as operators seek advantageous positions within the market.
Class A Licenses and Strategic Locations
BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook are distinguished holders of Class A licenses, granting them the exclusive ability to operate digital platforms within a two-block exclusion zone around their respective venues, Nationals Park and Capital One Arena. This strategic locational advantage is pivotal as it enables localized market penetration.
Caesars Sportsbook has been a trailblazer in this aspect, launching its sportsbook at Capital One Arena in July 2020. BetMGM followed suit, commencing operations at Nationals Park in June 2021. FanDuel joined the fray later, marking its retail presence at Audi Field in July 2022. These developments underscore a competitive landscape poised for further transformation pending the budget bill’s approval.
The coming days are crucial for Washington, DC's sports betting industry, hinging on Mayor Bowser’s decision on the budget bill. As stakeholders await this approval, the anticipation heightens, with the potential for significant shifts in the city’s sports betting landscape.