FanDuel to Replace GamebetDC as Sole Online Sportsbook in Washington D.C.

Bettors in the nation’s capital are about to get a significant upgrade.

The Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) announced that it will officially replace the troubled GamebetDC with FanDuel. This marks a major shift for a sports betting market that has struggled to gain traction since its launch. Bettors had many complaints about Gamebet DC, and many traveled to locations where they could access Caesars and BetMGM instead. 

The OLG's move is an attempt to grow its sports betting revenue. The city has not seen the level of revenue that other markets have, but it hopes this move will change that. FanDuel is the most popular sportsbook in the US, thanks mainly to its mobile sportsbook.

“FanDuel’s industry-leading offering will ensure that the District maximizes tax revenue under its existing contracts this year while delivering a best-in-class experience,” OLG Executive Director Frank Suarez said of the partnership.

GamebetDC was a platform from the same company that operates Washington, D.C.’s lottery system. The sportsbook never gained popularity in the state as bettors complained of poor odds and technical issues when placing bets. The issues were so severe that D.C. far underperformed revenue expectations, which has been rare for markets across the US.

The date for the switch to FanDuel remains a mystery, but many expect the OLG to announce one soon.

FanDuel Promises Big Returns in D.C.

While Washington D.C. is the smallest sports betting market in the US, FanDuel is entering it with high expectations. They were able to lock in the OLG’s approval thanks to guaranteeing at least $45 million in revenue over the first five years. Their projections are higher, but the guaranteed amount is far higher than the $4.3 million that GamebetDC has generated since its 2020 launch.

Washington D.C., was initially projected to see $84 million in the 3+ years since GamebetDC’s launch. That has caused many legislatures to call out the OLG for taking so long to make the switch to a more prominent provider.