Total Bets Placed in Washington D.C. Sports Betting Exceed $1.5 Billion
In a significant leap for the sports betting industry in Washington D.C., the amount of money wagered on sports reached an unprecedented high of $1,546,702,720 in July 2025. This figure represents a 71% year-over-year increase from July 2024.
The District of Columbia Government Office of Lottery and Gaming announced this record-breaking monthly handle in June 2025, following the entry of BetMGM and Caesars into the existing sports betting market in June of the same year. These two giants joined the six active digital sportsbooks that have been operational in the city since May 2020.
Since the legalization of sports betting in 2020, the market in D.C. has experienced rapid growth. The total annual sports betting handle—the amount wagered—grew from approximately $169.8 million in 2023 to $462.5 million in 2024. In 2025, the trend continues strong, although the handle slightly dropped to about $415.4 million for the year up to July, with monthly fluctuations.
Gross revenue, the sportsbooks’ earnings before expenses, also rose notably. From about $19 million in 2023 to nearly $54 million in 2024, the market saw a resurgence and reorganization in 2024 after replacing underperforming operators, which helped improve competitiveness and market offerings.
The addition of BetMGM and Caesars to the Washington D.C. sports betting market may have contributed to the increase in revenue. Following their entry, there has been a clear increase in betting activity in the city.
As of mid-2025, there are currently three active legal sportsbooks operating within Washington, D.C., with plans to expand to up to seven city-wide mobile sports betting licenses soon. The main sportsbooks presently available include BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook, among others. These major entrants launched or relaunched during 2024 and early 2025.
Looking back, the handle in June 2021 was $19,518,408, generating $2,191,486 in revenue. This figure increased to $223,730 in June 2020, generating $36,985 in revenue. The record-breaking monthly handle in June 2025, however, significantly surpassed these previous figures, contributing to a substantial revenue for the District of Columbia Government.
In June 2022, the handle was $13,760,754, generating $999,645 in revenue. This figure was followed by a handle of $11,150,333 in June 2023, generating $484,844 in revenue. The record-breaking handle in June 2025 generated even more revenue for the city, although the exact figures are yet to be released.
With the entry of BetMGM and Caesars, the sports betting market in Washington D.C. continues to evolve and grow, offering a diverse range of betting options for sports enthusiasts in the city. The District can accommodate up to seven legally recognized sportsbooks, and with the ongoing expansion, the market is set to become even more competitive and exciting.
- The District of Columbia Government's announcement in June 2025 revealed that the sports betting handle for July 2025 on betting sites, following the entry of BetMGM and Caesars into the market, was a record-breaking $1,546,702,720, indicating a surge in legal sports betting.
- The Sports-betting industry in Washington D.C. has experienced substantial growth since its legalization in 2020, with the addition of major players like BetMGM and Caesars in June 2025, contributing to a notable rise in revenue and betting activity.
- As the trend continues, with plans to expand to up to seven city-wide mobile sports betting licenses, the sports betting market in Washington D.C. is poised for even more growth and competitiveness, offering an increased variety of sports, finance, and betting site options for sports enthusiasts.
