Sports Betting Set to Open to Competition in Washington DC, FanDuel May Gain Temporary Advantage

Sports Betting Set to Open to Competition in Washington DC, FanDuel May Gain Temporary Advantage

Washington DC’s Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) will request a two-year extension of its contract with current lottery provider Intralot following its partnership with FanDuel. The move means FanDuel could gain a two-year digital sports betting advantage in the region.

Bill Could Stimulate Competition

Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie has introduced a bill that would create a competitive market in DC, as opposed to the current single operator model. The DC Council has yet to take any action on the bill, but it is expected to be on the agenda at the Business and Economic Development meeting on May 6th.

FanDuel Launches Today

If McDuffie’s bill passes and OLG extends Intralot’s contract, Intralot (and therefore FanDuel) will have a two-year monopoly before other operators are allowed to enter the market.

OLG announced that it plans to launch the FanDuel digital platform today (April 15) at around midday local time. It will then begin replacing GambetDC kiosks with FanDuel products in its retail outlets.

Important Details

Bets placed on GambetDC before April 14 and settled by June 30 will remain valid.
Customers can also withdraw funds from GambetDC until October 15, but these funds will not be transferred directly to FanDuel.
Customers will need to create a FanDuel account to place bets in the District after April 14.
The DC Council has yet to make a decision on McDuffie’s bill.