Skelly looked like he was back to the best version of himself earlier this month. Hall of Fame might have more of himself still to give. And Magnitude got himself back in the breeze column last week.
All three dirt horses – a sprinter, a router, and a 3-year-old – are based at Churchill with trainer Steve Asmussen, and the first two are aimed at stakes races there.
By Brad Cox’s standards, the last two weeks have been slow, with three winners from 28 runners. On Preakness weekend at Pimlico, Cox won two, including the Black-Eyed Susan with Margie’s Intention, but back on home grounds at Churchill Downs, Cox sent out six and won none during the last racing week.
But as May pushes toward June, expect Cox to heat up in Kentucky and New York. Cox’s barn is absolutely loaded with older dirt-route horses, to the extent that Cox nominated 10 of them to the May 31 Blame Stakes, a prep for the $1 million Stephen Foster on June 28.
Apprentice jockey Christopher Elliott’s bid for an Eclipse Award brings him to Gulfstream Park on Thursday, where he has four mounts on what is a dark day at his current base of Aqueduct.
Elliott, the son of Kentucky Derby-winning rider Stewart Elliott, is the current leading apprentice at the Belmont meet at Aqueduct. Christopher is scheduled to have his apprentice allowance through the middle of August.
Just when you thought Brad Cox’s stable could not possibly have another graded stakes-class older dirt-route horse, here comes another one.
Dragoon Guard, unraced since finishing third Sept. 21 in the Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby, makes his 4-year-old debut in the first race Thursday at Churchill Downs. Six more older horses were entered in the lidlifter on a twilight card that starts at 5:00 p.m. Eastern.
Journalism’s hard-charging victory in the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, added another jewel to the crown of sire Curlin, who is firmly ensconced among the reigning kings of the American classics.
“He has the physical likeness to Curlin,” trainer Michael McCarthy said of the strongly-built bay colt.
ARCADIA, Calif. – The undefeated filly Cavalieri, a notable absentee from the nominations for Sunday’s Grade 2 Santa Margarita Stakes at Santa Anita, will not race until the Del Mar summer meeting, according to trainer Bob Baffert.
Cavalieri, who won the Grade 1 Beholder Mile for fillies and mares at Santa Anita on March 8 in her last start, has not had a published workout since mid-April.
“I’m going to wait for Del Mar,” Baffert said on Sunday.
ARCADIA, Calif. – Last May, on the Memorial Day program at Santa Anita, jockey Umberto Rispoli won two Grade 1 races on the same program for the first time in his career with Anisette in the Gamely Stakes and Johannes in the Shoemaker Mile.
The same milestone is within reach on Monday for Rispoli, who has been at the center of the racing world after his dramatic win aboard Journalism in Saturday’s Preakness Stakes at Pimlico. The Preakness was the first American classic victory for the 36-year-old Rispoli, a native of Italy who has ridden in the United States since late 2019.
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Thursday racing returns to Woodbine this week with a new post time of 3 p.m. and a seven-race card headed by a seven-furlong conditioned allowance with an $80,000 claiming option.
Tim Lawson, Woodbine’s vice president of racing, said there are a multitude of reasons for the earlier start time.
Sports betting is live and fully operational in Washington, DC. Bettors located within district boundaries can access multiple online sportsbooks and place wagers from their mobile devices.
Currently, FanDuel, Fanatics, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars operate district-wide, each offering welcome bonuses and ongoing promotional deals.
In addition to mobile wagering, retail sportsbooks are available at select venues throughout the city.
Below, you’ll find the latest updates and key information about sports betting in Washington, DC.
Disclaimer: For those outside of Washington, D.C., you may face restrictions on the offers you see on this page.
Here are the latest developments in Washington, DC’s sports betting market:
Oct. 9, 2024 — DC reported a sports betting handle of $40.5 million in August, a 48% increase from July and a 400% rise year over year.
Sept. 16, 2024 — The DC Office of Lottery and Gaming announced that Caesars will take over operation of sports betting kiosks from Intralot across the district.
Sept. 12, 2024 — Fanatics Sportsbook officially launched in DC, bringing the total number of active sportsbook apps in the district to five.
Aug. 27, 2024 — DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb began investigating Intralot for potential violations of the False Claims Act.
Aug. 27, 2024 — DC’s July sports betting handle fell to $10.7 million, representing a 63.8% drop from June.
Aug. 14, 2024 — A court order indicated that Intralot, the former monopoly operator behind GambetDC, could be under investigation by the DC attorney general.
July 26, 2024 — DraftKings Sportsbook launched district-wide through a partnership with DC United, expanding the competitive sportsbook market in Washington, DC.
Washington, DC’s online sports betting market has taken an unusual path. Early regulatory restrictions limited competition and effectively created a monopoly system. However, changes included in the 2024 budget expanded the market and now allow up to seven sportsbook promos to operate district-wide.
Currently, five online sportsbooks are live across DC, with room for additional operators in the future.
Caesars operates in partnership with Monumental Sports & Entertainment, the ownership group behind Capital One Arena (home of the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals).
In addition to its retail sportsbook at Capital One Arena, Caesars now offers district-wide mobile betting. The app features a wide variety of betting markets, competitive odds, and live wagering options.
Current Offer: First Bet Match up to $250 in Bonus Bets.
BetMGM promo code partners with the Washington Nationals and originally operated only within Nationals Park and a limited surrounding radius. In July 2024, the app expanded to offer district-wide access.
BetMGM stands out for features like Edit My Bet, which allows users to modify open wagers by adjusting selections, changing bet amounts, or partially cashing out.
Current Offer: Up to $150 in Bonus Bets if your first wager does not win.
FanDuel promo code launched district-wide on April 15, 2024, after previously operating as a retail sportsbook at Audi Field in partnership with DC United.
The app is known for its user-friendly design, broad market selection, and live streaming options that allow bettors to watch select events directly within the platform.
Fanatics Sportsbook promo code launched in DC on Sept. 12, 2024, through a partnership with the Washington Spirit of the NWSL.
As one of the newer entrants to the market, Fanatics offers a competitive welcome package and integrates its sportsbook platform with its broader sports merchandise ecosystem.
Current Offer: Up to $1,000 in No-Sweat Bets for new users.
DraftKings promo code launched district-wide on July 25, 2024, following regulatory changes that expanded the market.
The app offers a full range of betting markets, same-game parlays, and live betting options.
Current Offer: Up to $1,200 in bonuses for new users.
GambetDC was the DC Lottery-operated sportsbook that held a monopoly on district-wide betting from 2020 through early 2024. The platform, operated by Intralot under a no-bid contract, faced widespread criticism over its functionality, odds, and performance.
In March 2024, the DC Lottery announced that FanDuel would replace GambetDC as the primary district-wide sportsbook, officially ending the monopoly era and opening the market to broader competition.
With the updated DC budget in place, up to seven sportsbook apps may operate district-wide. Anyone 18 years or older who is physically located within Washington, DC, can place a legal wager using an internet-connected device.
DC law establishes three classes of sports betting licenses:
Reserved for major professional sports venues within the district.
Available to qualifying businesses such as bars and restaurants, provided they are not solely dedicated sportsbooks. Class B locations may not operate within two blocks of a Class A facility.
Created under the 2024 budget expansion. These licenses allow DC-area sports franchises to partner with sportsbook operators to offer district-wide online betting.
Although the framework allows for broader participation, relatively few retail locations are currently active.
Here are the primary retail sportsbook locations currently operating in the district:
Home of DC United (MLS), Audi Field features a full-service FanDuel Sportsbook. The 2,550-square-foot space includes multiple betting windows and numerous self-service kiosks.
The Caesars Sportsbook at Capital One Arena opened in May 2021. The 18,000-square-foot facility includes 17 betting windows and 12 kiosks. It is accessible daily via the F Street entrance, even on non-game days.
Located above Cloakroom Gentlemen’s Club, this venue operates under a Class B license and began offering on-site betting in early 2023.
The first Class B sportsbook to launch in DC, Grand Central opened in October 2021. Operating in partnership with Elys Game Technology, it offers kiosks and a staffed betting window within the restaurant space.
Elys expanded its footprint with another retail sportsbook location at 625D H Street NE, which opened in early 2024.
BetMGM operates the retail sportsbook at Nationals Park. While its mobile app launched earlier, the physical sportsbook opened at the stadium in 2022.
If you live in or are visiting Washington, DC, getting started with a legal sportsbook app is straightforward. Here’s how:
Choose a licensed DC sportsbook and download the app from your device’s app store. If available, access the app through a promotional link to take advantage of any welcome offer.
Complete the registration process by providing your legal name, address, date of birth, email, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If a promo code is required, enter it exactly as shown.
Sports betting apps use geolocation software to confirm that you are physically located within Washington, DC, at the time of the wager.
Most sportsbooks offer multiple deposit options, including debit cards, PayPal, ACH/e-check, and other online payment methods.
Browse available markets, select your wager, confirm your bet slip, and submit your wager.
Washington, DC’s sports betting framework is unlike any other in the United States.
Initially, the DC Lottery both regulated and operated the district-wide sportsbook (GambetDC), creating a monopoly system. Other operators were limited to small geographic “exclusion zones” around stadiums such as Capital One Arena and Nationals Park.
That model changed in 2024. GambetDC was replaced, and new budget legislation expanded the market to allow multiple sportsbook operators to offer district-wide mobile betting.
DC currently operates under a three-tier license structure:
Designated for major professional sports venues. These locations may host retail sportsbooks and partner with operators to offer branded mobile apps.
Eligible venues include:
Audi Field (DC United)
Capital One Arena (Washington Wizards & Capitals)
St. Elizabeths East Entertainment & Sports Arena (Washington Mystics)
Nationals Park (Washington Nationals)
Class A license holders pay 20% of gross gaming revenue in taxes to the district.
Available to bars, restaurants, and taverns. These establishments may offer on-site betting, but mobile wagering is limited strictly to the premises.
Allow DC sports franchises to partner with online sportsbook operators to offer betting throughout the district.
Operators seeking licensure must:
Partner with a DC-area professional sports team
Be licensed and active in at least five US jurisdictions
Pay a 30% tax on gross gaming revenue
Pay a $2 million nonrefundable application fee for a five-year license
Pay a $1 million renewal fee after the initial term
DC law places limits on certain wagers. Bettors may not place wagers on:
Colleges located within Washington, DC
College sporting events that take place within district boundaries
Events involving a majority of participants under age 18
These restrictions primarily affect local collegiate programs and certain amateur competitions.
Washington, DC’s sports betting market doesn’t operate in isolation. Both neighboring states - Maryland and Virginia - offer legal sports wagering across their borders. Here’s how DC compares to its regional counterparts.
DC and Virginia share a similar starting point. When they launched sports betting, neither had a large network of traditional casinos. As a result, both jurisdictions prioritized partnerships with professional sports teams and venues.
In DC, the licensing structure centers around professional sports facilities and team partnerships.
In Virginia, the market was initially mobile-first, though casinos have since opened and now also hold sportsbook licenses.
Maryland entered the sports betting era with a more established gambling infrastructure. The state already had:
Six commercial casinos
A major horse racing industry
Multiple professional sports franchises
Maryland’s framework allocates licenses to casinos, sports venues, and other qualified businesses.
Unlike Virginia, both DC and Maryland allow non-casino establishments (such as bars and restaurants) to apply for retail sportsbook licenses. However, DC’s law is unique in that it does not set a firm cap on the number of these licenses, meaning - in theory - a large number of retail sportsbooks could operate in the district.
The biggest differences among the three jurisdictions involve college sports wagering.
No betting on colleges located within DC
No betting on college games played within DC, regardless of which teams are involved
No betting on events involving primarily underage participants
DC’s restrictions are among the most stringent in the region.
No betting on in-state college teams
No college player prop bets
No live betting on any college games
Virginia does not prohibit betting on games played within the state, provided they do not involve in-state teams.
Maryland takes a more permissive approach.
Betting on in-state college teams is allowed
No blanket ban on games played within the state
However, like Virginia, Maryland does not permit college player prop bets.
DC: Limited but expanding market with strong venue-based licensing and strict college betting rules.
Virginia: Mobile-heavy market with restrictions on in-state college teams and live college betting.
Maryland: Broad market access with casino-based infrastructure and fewer restrictions on college teams.
Each jurisdiction has carved out its own regulatory path, making the DC–Maryland–Virginia region one of the most diverse sports betting environments in the country.
Although Washington, DC, covers a relatively small geographic area, it is home to several major professional sports franchises. These teams consistently attract the most betting interest in the nation’s capital.
Stadium: FedEx Field
Location: 1600 FedEx Way, Greater Landover, MD
NFL games typically generate the highest betting volume, and Commanders matchups are among the most popular wagers in the DC market.
Venue: Capital One Arena
Address: 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC
NBA betting remains strong throughout the season, especially for home games and marquee matchups.
Venue: Nationals Park
Address: 1500 S Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC
Baseball offers a long betting season, with daily markets on moneylines, totals, and player props.
Venue: Capital One Arena
Address: 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC
The Capitals maintain a loyal fan base, and NHL betting spikes during the postseason.
Venue: Audi Field
Address: 100 Potomac Ave. SW, Washington, DC
Soccer betting continues to grow in popularity, particularly for MLS matches and international competitions.
Washington, DC, is home to several NCAA Division I programs, including:
Georgetown University
George Washington University
Howard University
American University
However, DC law prohibits wagering on colleges located within the district or on college games played inside DC. Bettors who wish to wager on these teams must travel to neighboring Maryland or Virginia, where permitted.
To legally place a sports bet in DC, you must:
Be 18 years or older
Be physically located within the district
Use a licensed sportsbook app or visit an approved retail location
Any sportsbook not licensed in DC and accepting bets from district residents is likely operating offshore and outside US regulations, which can carry significant safety and consumer protection risks.
Washington, DC does not have traditional casinos. All legal sports betting must occur through authorized mobile apps or licensed retail sportsbooks.
The DC Lottery announces that FanDuel will replace GambetDC as the district-wide sportsbook platform. FanDuel officially takes over on April 15.
In July, DC’s new budget significantly expands the sports betting market. The creation of Class C licenses allows up to seven online sportsbooks to operate district-wide. BetMGM and Caesars quickly join FanDuel in offering mobile betting across DC, with DraftKings launching shortly thereafter.
A group led by Josh Harris and Magic Johnson purchases the Washington Commanders for a record $6.05 billion, sparking speculation about a potential new stadium or rebranding.
Separately, DC passes a budget that eliminates annual funding dedicated to problem gambling programs.
DC’s market sees increased competition as BetMGM launches in June, adding pressure to the lottery-run GambetDC platform.
Despite criticism over pricing and performance — including concerns raised in an independent audit - GambetDC maintains its structure. The DC Lottery attempts to improve accessibility by installing betting kiosks at select restaurants.
In October, Grand Central Restaurant & Bar becomes the first Class B licensee to open an on-site sportsbook in the district.
GambetDC launches in May 2020 as the first legal sportsbook in Washington, DC. The rollout is delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the cancellation of major sporting events.
Observers quickly note that GambetDC’s odds are often less competitive than other markets.
In July, William Hill (later rebranded as Caesars Sportsbook) opens a retail sportsbook at Capital One Arena, becoming the first professional sports venue in the US with an on-site sportsbook. William Hill launches its DC mobile app in December, introducing the first direct competition to GambetDC.
Mayor Muriel Bowser signs the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act into law in January. Due to DC’s unique governance structure, the legislation must also pass congressional review before taking effect. Sports betting officially becomes legal in May 2019, though no sportsbooks launch that year due to logistical challenges and the onset of the pandemic.
Following the repeal of PASPA in May 2018, DC moves quickly. Councilman Jack Evans introduces the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018, proposing both retail and online sports betting under the oversight of the DC Lottery.
After amendments and debate, the bill passes the DC Council in December 2018 and heads to the mayor’s desk, laying the groundwork for legal sports betting in the nation’s capital.
Current Sportsbooks
5Licenses Allowed
100Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20004
Mobile Sportsbook
Audi Field: 100 Potomac Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20024
Mobile Sportsbook
Mobile Sportsbook
January 23, 2019
Bill 22-944 is signed into law by Mayor Muriel Bowser, thus legalizing sports betting in Washington, D.C. Since D.C. is not a state, Congress has 60 days to veto the bill.
May 3, 2019
Congress declines to intervene, thus allowing Bill 22-944 to take effect. GambetDC, operated by Intralot and contracted by the D.C. Lottery, becomes the sole citywide mobile platform.
May 26, 2021
William Hill, which would soon rebrand to Caesars, opens a retail sportsbook at Capital One Arena, which becomes the first pro sporting venue to feature a sportsbook. Bettors within a two-block radius of the arena are able to wager using Caesars's mobile app, but GambetDC remains the only citywide option for online sports bettors – for now.
March 11, 2024
FanDuel takes over the contract as the city's lone mobile operator, taking the reins from the much-maligned GambetDC, which was universally denounced as perhaps the worst sports betting platform in the United States. Later in the year, the city would vote to expand D.C.'s sports betting market to multiple mobile platforms.
November 19, 2024
After being selected as the city's retail kiosk provider, Caesars activates 48 self-serve betting terminals at various locations around D.C.
Sports betting in Washington, D.C. has been legal since 2019 and has since expanded in a customer-friendly manner to include more operators and options.
Anyone who is at least 18 years of age and physically present in the boundaries of the nation's capital can bet on sports, with one caveat: Betting is prohibited on federal lands like the White House, National Mall, the Capitol building, and congressional office buildings.
The Office of Lottery and Gaming regulates sports wagering in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.'s mobile betting platforms offer a wide variety of sports to bet on, including. Australian Rules Football, baseball, basketball, boxing, cricket, cycling, darts, football, golf, hockey, lacrosse, MMA, motorsports, rugby, soccer, softball, and tennis.
It is not legal to bet on athletic events involving colleges based in Washington, D.C., nor is it permissible to bet on college sporting events that take place in the nation's capital.
There is no law explicitly banning or permitting daily fantasy sports contests in Washington, D.C., and major DFS operators like DraftKings and FanDuel have seen fit to offer this form of gaming there.
Have other Questions? Email cservice2@drf.com
21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Oeuvre’s third chance to cross the million-dollar earnings threshold comes Sunday at Hawthorne in the Third Chance Stakes, in which Oeuvre seeks a three-peat.
Oeuvre, after winning this race the last two Mays, surely goes off a lower price than her 2-1 morning line in Hawthorne’s featured fifth race.
Ouevre’s career is probably winding down, and there’s little doubt she’s lost a couple steps, but the Third Chance is a mere $50,000 race, and while it once seemed Oeuvre performed best in turf sprints, the three fastest races among her last nine have come on dirt.
