Online Casinos in Washington DC
Are real-money online casinos legal in the District, and what can you actually play online here right now?
Short Answer
No. There are no licensed online casinos in Washington DC.
DC has not authorized real-money online slots, table games, or live dealer. The Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) regulates only sports betting and the lottery online. A 2026 bill, B26-0656, would legalize internet casinos and at the same time ban sweepstakes apps, but it has not passed. What is legal today: FanDuel and four other mobile sportsbooks, the DC iLottery, retail sportsbooks at the four big venues, and sweepstakes casinos.
How It Happened
Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act takes effect
D.C. Law 22-312 puts the Office of Lottery and Gaming in charge of sports betting. The law does not address internet casino games.
DC Lottery launches GambetDC
Intralot's GambetDC goes live as the District's only mobile sportsbook under a no-bid $215 million contract. It is widely criticized for poor odds and low handle.
FanDuel replaces GambetDC district-wide
OLG approves FanDuel as the new exclusive mobile sportsbook through a subcontract with Intralot. Handle jumps 673 percent in the first month.
BetMGM and Caesars go district-wide
A budget law lifts the 2-block venue limit on Class A retail books. FanDuel loses its mobile monopoly as multiple operators open citywide apps.
B26-0656 iGaming bill introduced
Councilmember Wendell Felder files the Internet Gaming and Consumer Protection Act, which would legalize online casinos and ban sweepstakes platforms.
Sweepstakes Casinos for Washington DC
With no licensed online casinos in the District, sweepstakes sites are the closest legal substitute for slots and table games. These are placeholders until our database is wired in.
Casinos we play at. We earn a commission when you sign up through these.
Why There Are No Online Casinos
DC built its online gambling framework around the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018, Bill B22-0944, codified as D.C. Law 22-312. The Council passed it on December 18, 2018, Mayor Muriel Bowser signed it on January 23, 2019, and it took effect on May 3, 2019 after the mandatory congressional review. That law put the Office of Lottery and Gaming in charge of sports betting but did not authorize internet casino games. The DC iLottery launched in December 2020 under the older 1981 lottery statute, again with no provision for online slots or table games.
On April 9, 2026, Councilmember Wendell Felder introduced B26-0656, the Internet Gaming and Consumer Protection Act of 2026. The bill would legalize online casino games under the OLG, with a $2 million license application fee, five-year licenses, and a 25 percent tax on adjusted gaming revenue. It would also ban the dual-currency sweepstakes model and impose civil penalties of up to $100,000 per violation. The Committee on Human Services held the first public hearing on May 4, 2026 and took no vote. The full 13-member Council, the Mayor's signature, and a 60-day congressional review would all need to clear before the bill could take effect.
What You Can Play Online
The regulated and tolerated options available to DC residents and visitors today.
Online Sports Betting
Legal since 2019 under D.C. Law 22-312. FanDuel runs the OLG's district-wide app under a subcontract with Intralot. BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and Fanatics also operate citywide after the July 15, 2024 expansion. Minimum age is 18, though BetMGM and Caesars self-restrict accounts to 21.
DC iLottery
Launched December 2020. Sells Powerball, Mega Millions, and e-instant scratchers online to anyone 18 or older physically located within DC boundaries. Geolocation blocks federal land like the National Mall and Rock Creek Park.
Retail Sportsbooks at the Big Venues
Caesars at Capital One Arena, BetMGM at Nationals Park, FanDuel at Audi Field, and DraftKings at Northwest Stadium. The four Class A licenses are capped at one per major sports venue under the 2018 act.
Charitable Bingo, Raffles, and Monte Carlo Nights
Licensed under the 1981 lottery and bingo law, codified at D.C. Code 36-601. Bingo halls, raffles, and one-night Monte Carlo events run by qualifying nonprofits are the only in-person casino-style games allowed. Players must be 18 or older.
Sweepstakes and Social Casinos
DC has no current statute banning sweepstakes operators, so sites using the dual-currency model are accessible to residents. B26-0656 would ban that model with civil penalties up to $100,000 per violation if it becomes law.
Play Responsibly
You must be 18 to bet on sports, play the DC iLottery, or join charitable games in the District. If gambling stops being fun, call 1-800-GAMBLER for free, confidential help, or read our responsible gambling guide.
Washington DC Gambling FAQ
Are online casinos legal in Washington DC?+
No. DC has not legalized real-money online slots or table games. Bill B26-0656, introduced by Councilmember Wendell Felder on April 9, 2026, would change that, but the Council has not voted on it.
Can I legally bet on sports online in DC?+
Yes. FanDuel has been the OLG's district-wide partner since April 15, 2024. After the July 2024 expansion, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and Fanatics also operate citywide. Federal land like the National Mall and Capitol grounds are off-limits by geolocation.
How old do you have to be to gamble in DC?+
18 for sports betting, the DC iLottery, and charitable games. BetMGM and Caesars self-restrict accounts to 21, even though DC law allows 18.
Are sweepstakes casinos allowed in DC?+
There is no current law banning sweepstakes, so social and sweepstakes sites are accessible to DC residents. Bill B26-0656 would ban the dual-currency model with fines up to $100,000 per violation if it becomes law.
Will DC legalize online casinos?+
B26-0656, the Internet Gaming and Consumer Protection Act of 2026, is the first serious attempt. The Committee on Human Services held its first public hearing on May 4, 2026 with no vote. We update this page when the legal status changes.