Mobile Sports Betting Suspended in DC Amid Budget Dispute
Washington, DC’s mobile sports wagering has come to a temporary halt as Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) has yet to sign the fiscal 2025 budget. The expectation was that Bowser would sign the budget into law on Monday, opening the market for more mobile sports betting operators beyond FanDuel, which had held a brief monopoly. Last week, BetMGM announced plans to launch mobile betting in the District on July 15, with reports suggesting Caesars Sportsbook would soon follow. However, neither operator launched, and FanDuel went dark earlier today because Bowser returned the budget to the City Council, opposing proposed tax increases.
“I cannot support a budget that needlessly increases our residents’ property and income taxes, raises the paid family leave tax to untested levels, or harms our public schools,” Bowser wrote in a letter to Council Chairman Phil Mendelson on Tuesday.
While Bowser hasn’t officially vetoed the budget, it will automatically take effect on July 25 if she doesn’t sign it. Congress would then have a month to review it. If it fails to gain approval, Bowser and the Council will need to revisit the drawing board.
FanDuel’s Continued Commitment to DC
In late June, the Council amended the fiscal 2025 budget proposed by council member Kenyan McDuffie (I-At Large) to expand DC’s mobile sports wagering market. The amendment allows up to seven gaming companies to hold sports betting permits in the District.
Much to FanDuel’s dismay, this expansion could end its monopoly, which began in April when Intralot halted its disappointing GambetDC app and outsourced responsibilities to FanDuel.
Since that transition, FanDuel has delivered gross gaming revenue (GGR) and handle well above the pace set by GambetDC, generating more tax revenue for the city. Despite the budget impasse, FanDuel remains committed to DC.
“FanDuel remains committed to providing the District and its residents with a best-in-class sports betting offering. Upon final approval of the FY2025 DC Budget, FanDuel will resume its sports betting offering as a Class A operator in partnership with DC United at Audi Field and continue to offer our citywide mobile app to the District of Columbia,” stated the company.
Timing of the Outage
Assuming the budget situation is swiftly resolved, this isn’t the worst time for DC to be without mobile sports betting. Major League Baseball started its all-star break on Monday, running through Thursday, and no other major team sports are currently in season.
However, there’s never a good time for operators and cash-strapped cities to go without mobile sports betting apps. The Open Championship begins Thursday, and with the increasing popularity of WNBA wagering, it’s crucial for the City Council to finalize the budget and for Bowser to sign it.
The proposed budget calls for $21 billion in spending for 2025.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.