It looks like those in and around the DC sports betting market are happy to have a second national brand as an option.
BetMGM took market share from both leader William Hill and distant-second GambetDC. The MGM Resorts–Entain joint venture launched its mobile DC sportsbook through a partnership with the Washington Nationals in June.
BetMGM’s early growth is yet another knock against the Lottery’s sportsbook, operated by Intralot. Over-juiced odds have kept GambetDC from running away with its mobile advantage, as it is available throughout the District on non-federal lands.
William Hill and BetMGM, meanwhile, are geofenced to a two-block radius surrounding their partners’ stadiums.
DC sports betting market share breakdown
BetMGM was the only operator that saw its handle share grow in July.
| Sportsbook | Handle | Revenue | Hold | Handle share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| William Hill | $10,012,719 | $1,220,227 | 12.2% | 78.2% |
| GambetDC | $2,152,023 | $432,726 | 20.1% | 16.8% |
| BetMGM | $643,498 | $148,796 | 23.1% | 5.0% |
| Total | $12,808,240 | $1,801,748 | 14.1% | 100.0% |
William Hill’s handle share fell 2.2 percentage points from June while GambetDC’s fell 0.8 percentage points.
All of BetMGM’s action came through its mobile app, as the retail sportsbook at Nationals Park is not yet open. The sportsbook is just one of multiple retail betting opportunities scheduled to open in the District.
FanDuel, others coming to DC
More DC sports betting options are on the way.
The first Class B licenses, which are for sports bars that want their own sportsbook operations, are still pending launch. Elys Game Technologies, which just acquired US Bookmaking, would like to launch before in time for the NFL season.
Other locations are happy to jump in with GambetDC kiosks. Those kiosks started rolling out in late July.
FanDuel Sportsbook is also coming to the District, though there is no expected launch date. FanDuel submitted its application in early June.
Where is DC sports betting study?
A study that could even the playing field and allow national brands full mobile access is still not ready.
The Office of the DC Auditor was supposed to release a report looking at GambetDC’s performance at the beginning of May. The office did not know it had to do such a report, though.
The most recent update is from late July, when a spokesperson told LSR they were hoping for a mid-August release.
