DraftKings secures market access deal in Washington, D.C.

Jul 17, 2024; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; D.C. United forward Christian Benteke (20) celebrates his goal against the Minnesota United in the second half at Allianz Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

• DraftKings today announced official plans to enter the Washington, D.C. market
• DraftKings gained a market entry deal with MLS team D.C. United
• The operator will launch pending licensure and regulatory approval

DraftKings is on its way to the nation’s capital.

DraftKings announced this morning it has reached a market access deal with the MLS team D.C. United to operate in the district.

The gaming company made no secret of its intention to move into the newest available market and will launch in Washington, D.C. upon licensure and regulatory approvals.

DraftKings 29th Jurisdiction

Once live, Washington, D.C. will be DraftKings’ 29th operational jurisdiction. DraftKings will be able to operate under a Type-C sports betting license if it is awarded one by district regulators.

The Washington, D.C. City Council recently opened its district up to multiple online sports betting operators after four years of the market being controlled by the lottery and its contracted partner Intralot.

Last week, BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook joined FanDuel as districtwide D.C. online sports betting operators.

“It has been incredible to see legalized sports betting grow rapidly over the past six years, and with plans to launch our online sportsbook in D.C., DraftKings looks forward to expanding its presence in more than half the country,” Matt Kalish, President, DraftKings North America, said in a press release.

“We would like to thank the D.C. Council for creating a path to bring DraftKings’ top-rated sportsbook to the nation’s capital. Together with D.C. United, we look forward to delivering fans a best-in-class experience through our customer-friendly product.”

Operators must partner with a sports franchise to offer sports betting in the district. DraftKings has partnered with D.C. United to be eligible for licensure.

Danita Johnson, President of Business Operations for D.C. United, lauded the partnership with the sports betting giant.

“With the D.C. Council’s recent decision to expand the world of sports betting in D.C., we look forward to working with DraftKings to introduce their online sportsbook as another way for D.C. residents to bet in the city. Our goal is to always make every fan experience seamless, and this platform will help us to deliver on that promise.”

D.C. Council Expands Market

D.C. council members consented to the expanded online sports betting market after unanimously approving the District’s FY 2025 budget on final reading in June. The new budget allows existing Type-A sports betting license holders to offer online sports betting throughout the District and outside operators to apply for newly created Type-C licenses.

The new class of license allows sports franchises in the district to partner with one sports betting operator to conduct online sports betting. The budget will tax Type-C license holders at a rate of 30% of gross gaming revenue and will cost $2 million to acquire for five years. A $1 million renewal fee will be required after the initial term runs out.

Sports franchises that play 90% of its home games in the district will be eligible for a Type-C license. This will leave the following franchises and stadiums eligible for one of the new types of sports betting licenses.

• Audi Field
• Capital One Arena
• DC United
• Nationals Park
• Washington Capitals
• Washington Nationals
• Washington Wizards

Gambling