Analyzing Washington, D.C. Sports Betting Revenue Insights of 2025

The Washington D.C. sports betting market went live in 2020 and grew rapidly from its first year to its second, with the handle increasing from around $80.5 million to over $203 million—up over 150%.

The market plateaued at $216 million in 2022 and dropped to $169.8 million in 2023, possibly due to market saturation, neighboring states, or changing consumer behavior. Revenue and tax collections followed a similar path, peaking in 2021 and then declining over the next two years.

Despite the 2023 drop, the overall trend looks solid for future growth. The 2020-2021 surge was likely early excitement and more betting options; the 2022-2023 slowdown could be the market adjusting to new conditions.

2024 Performance

The Washington, D.C., sports betting market rebounded significantly in 2024, with the handle jumping to $461.6 million—almost triple the previous year's value.

Revenue followed suit and rose to $53.7 million, the highest ever recorded. Tax collections also soared to $16.3 million, meaning D.C. sports betting operators are performing well and contributing more to the public purse.

• October 9, 2024: Between Caesars, FanDuel, and BetMGM reported a combined handle of $178 million (calendar year totals), reflecting a 148% increase year-over-year. (OLG, 2024)
• September 16, 2024: The D.C. Office of Lottery and Gaming announced Caesars Sportsbook as the new operator for sports betting kiosks, replacing Intralot across the District. (D.C. Lottery, 2024)
• September 12, 2024: Fanatics Sportsbook officially launched in Washington, D.C., bringing the total number of online sportsbooks operating in the District to five. (Fanatics, 2024)
• August 27, 2024: The D.C. Attorney General, Brian Schwalb, investigated Intralot for potential False Claims Act violations. (Washington Post, 2024)
• July 26, 2024: DraftKings Sportsbook launched in partnership with MLS club D.C. United, increasing the number of sportsbook apps available across the District to four. (DraftKings, 2024)

Since 2020, the Washington D.C. sports betting market has grown exponentially from $80 million to over $460 million in 2024. The 2021-2023 fluctuations show the challenge of sustaining growth but the 2024 bounce back suggests those challenges may be behind us.

Washington D.C. sports betting could continue growing if operators add more products, improve the user experience, and market effectively. Mobile betting, competition from neighboring states, and regulatory changes will be key to long-term success.

If the momentum from 2024 continues, the market could surpass half a billion dollars in handle, set new revenue records, and establish D.C. as a player in the regional sports betting landscape.

Washington Commanders (NFL)

The Washington Commanders, who compete in the NFL’s NFC East Division, play their home games at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. The franchise has a storied history, including multiple Super Bowl championships. The team made a run to the NFC Championship Game in 2024.

Washington Capitals (NHL)

The Capitals represent D.C. in the National Hockey League, competing in the Metropolitan Division. They play home games at Capital One Arena and won their first Stanley Cup championship in 2017-18.

Washington Wizards (NBA)

This Eastern Conference team plays in the Southeast Division and hosts home games at Capital One Arena alongside the Capitals. The Wizards have a strong fan base and a history that includes an NBA championship in 1978.

Washington Nationals (MLB)

The District's Major League Baseball team competes in the National League East and plays their games at Nationals Park. The team secured its first World Series title in 2019.

D.C. United (MLS)

One of Major League Soccer’s original teams, D.C. United plays at Audi Field and has won multiple MLS Cup titles, establishing itself as a historic franchise in the league.

Washington Spirit (NWSL)

Representing D.C. in the National Women’s Soccer League, the Spirit competes at Audi Field and claimed the NWSL Championship in 2021.

Washington Mystics (WNBA)

The Mystics are the city’s WNBA team, playing home games at the Entertainment & Sports Arena. They captured their first WNBA championship in 2019.

The most prominent sportsbook partner in the market is ESPN Bet, which sponsors the Capitals, Wizards, and Mystics (Sportcal, 2025). Another notable partnership is Fanatics Sportsbook, sponsoring the Commanders and Spirit.

Washington D.C. sports betting financials have been volatile recently, but 2024 was a big year with record handle and revenue. As the district figures out its betting landscape, the factors below will shape its future:

1. Record Growth: After a dip in 2023, Washington D.C. sports betting handle jumped to $461.6 million in 2024, nearly triple the previous year. Revenue followed with $53.7 million, the highest in history.
2. Operator Expansion and Competition: Washington, D.C., is developing its sports betting ecosystem, and competition between private operators and the local lottery-run platform will play a big role. The market will depend on regulatory adjustments and operator expansion to create a more competitive and consumer-friendly environment.
3. Tax Revenue: The District’s tax revenue from sports betting was $16.3 million in 2024, more than triple the previous year. This money goes to public programs and infrastructure, and sports betting is becoming a bigger and bigger revenue source for the city.
4. Seasonal Betting: Like other markets, sports betting revenue in Washington D.C. fluctuates with the sports calendar. Quieter months like summer may see lower activity, but major events like the Super Bowl, March Madness, and the start of football season see big spikes in betting.
5. Regional Market: Washington, D.C., faces competition from neighboring Maryland and Virginia, which have big sports betting markets. However, as the District figures out its market and regulatory framework, its unique position as a sports hub and tourist destination will help sustain long-term growth.