The Nation’s capital will be taking a step towards launching sports betting next week.
On Tuesday, the District of Columbia Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) announced that sports betting license applications will be available on Tuesday, December 3.
Operators hoping to offer sports betting in DC will be able to apply for a sports betting license via the OLG’s sports betting microsite dclotterysportsbetting.com or through the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affair’s (DCRA) business licensing portal, dcra.dc.gov.
The OLG’s site will contain forms and instructions for applicants that want to apply for a sports betting operator license, management service providers and supplier licenses. Occupational license applications will be made available in January.
Beth Bresnahan, OLG Executive Director said: “Our team has been working to establish a framework for regulating sports wagering that is fair and fosters public confidence and trust in the process while generating new revenue for the District. We look forward to receiving applications and to the sports wagering industry soon launching in the District of Columbia.”
What happens now?
Potential licensees are advised to arrange a ‘scope of licensing’ meeting with the OLG Regulation and Oversight Department before starting the application process to see what they must do to apply.
According to the press statement, “applicants will be required to submit substantial information and documentation that will assist the OLG in determining their overall qualifications for a license.” On top of this, applicants will be required to undergo a comprehensive background investigation to assess their suitability to participate in the District’s sports betting industry.
The OLG will publish an application status report for all management services provider and operator license applications it receives. This will include details on the business such as the applicant’s name, proposed sportsbook location and the application’s current status.
The different licenses available
Sports venues in the District will also be able to apply for a license to offer mobile sports wagering. Venues will have to apply for a Class A license which will allow them to launch their own mobile betting platform. Venues with sports betting will be granted a two-block exclusivity zone and will be taxed 10% of gross revenue.
The Capital One Arena, Audi Field, Nationals Park and St. Elizabeths East Entertainment and Sports Arena are the four venues in the capital eligible for a Class A license.
Other businesses in the District can apply for a Class B license which will cost $50,000. There will also be two-year licenses up for grabs which will limit businesses to land-based betting. These limited licenses will cost $5,000.
Back in October, William Hill announced a deal with Monumental Sports & Entertainment which will see a William Hill sportsbook constructed inside the Capital One Arena in Washington DC. Sports betting technology supplier Newgioco, is also poised to enter the DC market through a partnership with the sports bar chain, Handle 19.
Sports betting in DC
Earlier this year, Washington DC’s mayor signed the proposed sports betting bill into law. Under the district’s sports betting law, bettors will be able to place bets via an online app run by the DC Lottery, at select sporting venues and at licensed bars.
The creation of the DC Lottery’s sports betting app has been surrounded in controversy after the council voted to skip the standard bidding process and grant the district’s sports betting contract to Intralot.
