The Washington D.C. sports betting market continues to grow, and it’s another big name joining the party. BetMGM is now live in D.C. after it officially applied for a license at the beginning of February.
There are now three online sports betting options available in D.C., and BetMGM is expected to become a leader almost immediately. BetMGM has partnered with the Washington Nationals, and a retail sportsbook will be established at Nationals Park later this year.
GambetDC is the online operator for the D.C. Lottery, but that app has had very little success since its launch. Customers complained about the odds posted on the site, and sports bettors have been anxiously waiting for new options to launch.
The GambetDC app will either be forced to improve the odds that it offers, or it is going to face a difficult battle to bring in customers. BetMGM is a product of MGM Resorts International and has also worked with Entain to gain entry into D.C.
MGM a Big Name in Area
The BetMGM team won’t have to market or advertise too hard as this is already a big name in Washington D.C. The MGM National Harbor is one of the biggest casinos in that part of the country, and it is located just minutes away from the Nation’s capital.
Not only that, but BetMGM has also emerged as a leader in the Virginia sports betting market. There are seven online sportsbooks up and running in that state, and some D.C. bettors have been entering that state to place their bets.
The opening of the retail sportsbook at Nationals Park will help the company grow, but it won’t take much effort to become a leader.
Limited Range For Mobile App
The only problem that BetMGM will face is that the mobile app is not available throughout D.C. The district has strict laws in place for outside operators, and the mobile app can only be accessed within a two-block radius of Nationals Park.
Geolocation services will be used to track a customer’s exact location, and bets will not be accepted outside of the two-block radius. There has been a strong push to change some of these laws, but it’s likely that this will remain in place at least through 2021.
William Hill Working With Wizards
William Hill got the jump on BetMGM, and that operator has been successful since launching earlier this year. In order to gain access into the Washington D.C. market, William Hill partnered with the Washington Wizards and the Capital One Arena.
The new sportsbook at the Capital One Arena is now open year-round, and bettors were able to enjoy the new facility during the Wizards brief playoff run. Upgrades will continue to be made to that retail sportsbook over the summer, and it will be an even better space when the 2021-22 season begins.
William Hill also has to follow the same rules as BetMGM and can only be accessed within two blocks of the arena.
