Washington D.C Gambling

Updated on: January 3rd, 2025

There are a few places that offer Washington D.C gambling in the city. Online gambling in Washington, D.C, is not permitted. However, it was the first region in the USA that allowed people to play online casino games for real money. But the law was later repealed by legislators less than a year after it was enacted. This means that those games are illegal for now.

The move to repeal the law came after the public complained that the measures put in place for authorization did not go through the proper vetting process. D.C council members promised the public after repealing the law that the matter would be revisited. But they haven’t done so since.

Many online gambling enthusiasts hope that Washington D.C gambling will be revived. This comes after online sports. Gambling has been legalized in many states in America. In the meantime, players can cross over to Maryland to enjoy betting on the internet. MGM National Harbor is one of the most popular casinos for Washington D.C residents.

Daily Fantasy Sports Gambling in Washington D.C

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) betting in Washington DC are legal. You will find large DFS betting sites such as FanDuel and DraftKings operating in the city. If you are a fan of Daily fantasy sports betting, then you can set up lineups of your favorite sports players without leaving your house.

Daily fantasy sports gambling proponents claim that DFS is not a game of luck, which means that the gambling laws in Washington don’t apply to them.

Live Washington D.C Gambling

The only form of gambling that is legal in the city is the District Lottery. You can buy scratch-off cards and lotto tickets. The lotto comes in a range of games such as keno and video lottery. Keno games are usually held every morning between 6 am to 2 am.

The lottery controls charitable gambling in Washington D.C. Charity organizations have to register with the District Lottery if they want to offer bingo games or sell raffle tickets for fundraising. Gamblers residing in Washington, D.C, will have to cross the state line to Maryland for online betting. Maryland and West Virginia offer Racinos for Washington D.C casino gamblers.

Washington D.C Gambling Laws

The District Lottery is the only organization that is legally allowed to offer gambling in Washington D.C. You have to be 18 years and older to start gambling in the city.

Charity organizations are only allowed to offer Washington DC casino gamblers bingo games. They may also host Monte Carlo nights and sell raffle tickets. Texas Hold’em is another game that can be spread for raising funds.

There are regulations that charities need to adhere to when they offer gambling games. For example, the charity must have been in existence for at least a year before it can be allowed to provide gambling games. The charities must also have at least 20 members. Senior groups are exempt from this rule. They only need members with membership cards to qualify.

Bookmaking, casinos, and poker games are not permitted in Washing D.C.  If you have been caught participating in Washington D.C gambling that is illegal, you will be charged with a misdemeanor.

Washington D.C Casinos

There is an excess of 100 lottery facilities in Washington, D.C. They all offer instant games as well as lottery tickets. Some of the facilities provide digital keno. The keno drawings are held every 4 minutes daily. You can also find digital instant games. Sometimes you may find some bingo nights as well as poker tournaments for charity. Take note that these events are not held every week.

If you are keen on gambling, then all you have to do is head over to Maryland or West Virginia. You can also take a three-hour drive to New Jersey and enjoy gambling games at Atlantic City casinos.

Washington D.C Gambling FAQs