Sports bettors in the nation’s capital now have a legit avenue for legal betting online when it comes to their favorite athletic contests via popular mobile Apple and Android devices.
GambetDC, Washington, D.C.’s online lottery platform, should have a fully operational sports betting app available to download at some point during the first two weeks of June according to the Washington Post.
“While we recognize there will be a limited number of events to wager on, this soft launch will provide us with an opportunity to roll out the GambetDC website to potential players in the District in preparation for the return of sports.”
Official Statement Excerpt From The D.C. Office of Lottery and Gaming
The original plan was for online sports betting applications to be up and running for the start of the 2019 NFL season, but legal hurdles needed clearance before operations could begin. Once all legal issues were addressed, the spread of the COVID-19 caused further delays in the rollout.
“The native iOS and Android apps will be unveiled in early June. A full-scale advertising and marketing campaign promoting GambetDC will launch as soon as there is a more robust schedule of major sporting events.”
Official Statement Excerpt From The D.C. Office of Lottery and Gaming
Once the app debuts, betting on NASCAR will be one of the featured options. Since the UFC has resumed play, odds for betting on MMA will also be available. These sports will serve as a primer for GambetDC to iron out the wrinkles in preparation for a full slate of games and sports in the coming weeks and months.
So, what other sports can D.C. residents expect to see betting lines on? Major League Baseball and the PGA Tour have plans in place to begin play in June, so futures lines on MLB season outcomes and professional golf betting should be right around the corner.
The NHL and NBA should begin play before summer is out, and the NFL season is planning to start on time in early September. Betting lines for all of those sports will be offered on GambetDC’s app.
Much to the delight of under 21 bettors in the District of Columbia, the minimum age to bet on sports with the GambetDC app is 18 years old. But while 18 and over gamblers can wager on the NFL, don’t try to do so near FedEx Field.
Interestingly, there are no-bet zones located around all professional sports stadiums inside the city, as well as around federal government buildings.
Bettors must be within the boundaries of Washington, D.C.’s city limits in order to place a wager on an athletic contest using the mobile app.
However, bettors are not required to maintain a residence in Washington, D.C. Gamblers just need be within D.C. borders to enjoy the benefits of betting via iPhones, iPads, and the many different mobile devices that support the Android operating system.
However, though D.C. sports bettors from around the region will shortly have premium wagering options at their fingertips that don’t require a visit to any retail location, there are some events that will be restricted. Most notably, you won’t be able to wager on an NCAA games that take place inside The District.
For that, you’ll need to use offshore betting sites that operate legally within the industry.
Of course, there are other good reasons to use these sites instead of D.C.’s Intralot-powered domestic option.
Most offshore sportsbooks have full casino gaming, which is something Washington D.C. doesn’t offer. Plus, you’ll often find better odds at these sports betting sites.
Remember, the nation’s capital is home to several major sports teams, like the Redskins (NFL), Wizards (NBA), Nationals (MLB), and Capitals (NHL). Because only local action is taken via GambetDC, you can expect the odds on hometown teams to be heavily skewed – and not in your favor.
If you want to get the best possible payouts for your favorite D.C. teams, offshore will always give you more bang for your buck and more bank for your luck!