Online Gambling in Washington DC
Gambling is legal at a federal level in the US, leaving the states to determine many of their own laws regarding the subject. So, what’s Washington, DC’s approach? It’s not as accepting as you might think.
In fact, it’s easier to bet online than in person. In this guide, we will explain all of the gambling laws in DC, so you know what’s legal and what isn’t.
We will also share with you the best online casinos you can access safely in The District.
Gambling Highlights
Washington, DC, has one of the nation’s staunchest stances on gambling. Below is a summary of the District’s legal gambling landscape.
Is Gambling Legal?
Yes
Legal Gambling Age
18+
Land-Based Casinos
No
Online Casinos
Offshore Only
Land-Based Sports Betting
Yes
Online Sportsbooks
Yes
Legal State Lottery
Yes
Charitable Gambling
Yes
Table of Contents
Everything You Need to Start Playing at DC Online Casinos
Best Washington DC Online Casinos in 2024
We’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed various online platforms to ensure they are safe and reliable for DC residents. While there aren’t many physical gambling outlets in the district, several secure online options are available.
Our list includes sites that have passed safety and credibility checks.
These options are trustworthy because they are licensed, regulated, and have strong security measures in place to protect your information and funds.
| RANK | CASINO | BONUS | PAYOUT SPEED | LICENSED | TOTAL GAMES | SLOTS | OUR RATING | CLICK TO PLAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
DuckyLuck Casino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-5 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 749 | SLOTS 646 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 2 |
Bovada Casino |
BONUS 125% up to $3,750 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 549 | SLOTS 435 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 3 |
SlotsandCasino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-2 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 691 | SLOTS 594 | OUR RATING 3.9 / 5 | Play Now |
| 4 |
BetUS |
BONUS 150% up to $3,000 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-7 days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 491 | SLOTS 367 | OUR RATING 4.5 / 5 | Play Now |
| 5 |
Cafe Casino |
BONUS 350% up to $2,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 547 | SLOTS 384 | OUR RATING 3.5 / 5 | Play Now |
*Last Updated: December, 2024
Our Recommended Online Casinos Reviewed
Not every online casino will satisfy the desires of gambling enthusiasts. Thus, we gauge them based on various parameters before suggesting any operator to our readers.
Here’s a review of two top-rated sites that we believe will be ideal for Washington, DC residents.
DuckyLuck – Best for Casino Gaming
DuckyLuck Casino allows gambling fanatics to enjoy high-quality casino games whenever they want. It’s an easy-to-use site that even new members can browse through hassle-free.
The operator keeps all players engaged through its extensive game collection. Here, you can play real money slots, blackjack, roulette, video poker, keno, craps, and bingo.
Besides, you’ll find various payment options to add funds or withdraw your winnings quickly.
Top Features
- Lucrative bonuses and reward program
- 24-hour live chat support
- Hosts live casino tables
Bovada – Best for Sports Betting
Bovada is a one-stop destination for sports betting enthusiasts. This offshore-based online sportsbook has massive traction for several reasons.
They cover a diverse sports market, including local and international games. It means you can place a stake in your various sports matchups year-round, including NFL, NBA, NHL, Soccer, Golf, Volleyball, Badminton, and much more.
The oddsmaker frequently updates the betting odds on different wager types per market trends. So enjoy sports betting on your favorite team or player anytime you want.
Top Features
- Smooth and SSL-secured sports betting site
- Accepts payment via cryptocurrencies
- Lightning-fast withdrawals
How We Choose Online Casinos
We perform hours of research to curate in-detail reviews of online casino operators. Our goal is to recommend nothing but the best to DC gamblers.
Here are the primary steps we follow to find trustworthy DC casino sites for you.
Reputation
First, our experts assess how the operator stands in the market. Sites with license certificates, seamless withdrawals, and regular RNG audits secure a place in our list of the best Washington, DC sites.Fast & Reliable Payments
Secure and quick payment systems will make your online gambling experience more convenient. Thus, we only suggest casino sites with a range of safe banking options for your ease.Security & Safety
Player data security is always a top priority for us. We ensure sites use cutting-edge technologies like blockchain and SSL encryption. It’ll protect your valuable data from online breaches.Game Variety
Another crucial step is to review whether the operator hosts a vast selection of gaming genres to suffice every type of gambler. Besides, the games should be from renowned software developers in the industry.Quality Bonuses
Bonuses play an integral role in online gambling. However, our strategy is to check the bonus conditions under a microscope to recommend providers with the most lucrative deals.
Which Casino Games Are Available in DC?
The real money casino gaming opportunities are vast when playing online. You’ll find them all, from traditional to new-age casino games, under one roof. So be ready for a realistic gambling chance on W.A. offshore casino sites
Online Slots
Since DC laws don’t allow physical machines, residents can play online slots on offshore gambling sites. Whether you like classic fruit slots, multi-paylines, or progressive jackpots, you can explore anything your heart desires.
Online Poker
Players from DC can enjoy online poker sessions on offshore sites. Explore the unique versions including Texas Hold ’em , Omaha, Flush Poker, and Pai Gow Poker, amongst others.
Online Blackjack
Many DCers opt for online blackjack gaming options instead of driving to nearby states. Online platforms offer various versions of the card game, such Perfect Pairs, Pontoon, and blackjack side-bets.
Live Dealer Games
No choice to visit brick-and-mortar casinos within Washington DC? Fret not! DCers can enjoy real money gaming via a live dealer games section available on gambling sites.
Other Games Available
The gaming options on gambling sites are beyond the standard casino games. You can also try your beginner’s luck on some unconventional gaming genres on these platforms.
DC Online Casino Bonuses
Take your gambling experience one level ahead by using generous bonus offers on online DC casinos. Here are the latest promos from top sites.
Welcome Bonuses
Large introductory offers that nearly every online gambling site provides to new players.
Free Spin Offers
Promotional deals that give you a set number of free rounds on specific games.
Reload Deals
Get additional bonus cash when you deposit additional funds or top off your account.
Our Favorite Bonuses
These are the best offers we could find for DC players. They are valuable because they offer generous percentage matches while having fair terms and conditions.
500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins Bonus
If you sign up on DuckLuck, you can claim OnlineUnitedStatesCasino exclusive 500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins bonus. This welcome package is valid for your first three deposits at this online casino.
You can receive up to $2,500 in your bankroll with each deposit.
The casino also offers 150 free spins on your first deposit to make the deal more lucrative. There’s no code required to use the bonus.
125% up to $3,750 Welcome Package
You can’t miss Bovada’s $3,750 Welcome Bonus. It’s exclusively available for crypto gamblers. With this offer, you can receive a 125% deposit match when you add funds via crypto.
Activate this offer by adding the bonus code BTCCWB1250 on your first deposit, while the BTC2NDCWB code applies to your second and third deposits.
You’ll receive $1,250 on each leg of the deposit.
Check out some no-deposit bonuses from offshore online casinos.
Are There any Casino Apps Available in DC?
No, gambling apps are not available. However, mobile play is possible through your browser.
Online casinos use responsive sites developed using high-grade HTML technology.
From games, live dealer sections, and bonuses to payment systems, everything runs smoothly on smartphones.
This way, you can play your favorite casino games anytime and anywhere you want as long as you have a WiFi connection.
Facts About DC Online Casinos
Check out some interesting facts about offshore operators available in DC to enjoy online gambling safely.
- There are no legal online casinos licensed under the Washington DC gambling statutes.
- DC residents can create an account at online casinos and sports betting sites.
- Local gambling laws don’t apply to offshore casino sites offering games otherwise unavailable in the district.
- You can play unique game genres online, such as baccarat, craps, Rummy, and fish table games.
- Online casinos favor cryptocurrencies as deposit and withdrawal methods but are happy to take credit cards, PayPal, or Venmo.
- Trustworthy sites use an SSL encryption system to secure valuable user data from bad actors.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Washington DC?
Key Takeaways
- Washington DC bans all types of gambling services.
- DC residents can wager online at offshore casino sites.
- Lottery and sports betting activities are legal within the district.
- Some offshore sites also feature sportsbook services.
Gambling in online and land-based casinos is illegal in any form in Washington, DC.
The laws don’t permit the operation of licensed casinos within the district, and you won’t even find any tribal-owned ones. Hence, residents can’t fulfill their gaming desires either online or at physical venues.
Still, it isn’t a dead end for casino gaming enthusiasts in DC.
DC residents can still play at offshore sites. These online gambling establishments and sportbooks accept players from various parts of the USA, including Washington, DC.
Gambling Laws Summary
Almost every gambling genre is illegal in Washington DC Whether your interest is in slots, poker, blackjack, or roulette, you can’t bet on anything as per laws. There are no tribal, commercial, or online casino run within the district.
That means you can only play real money games in one of the neighboring states that legalized land-based casinos, but not within the District of Columbia.
Gambling enthusiasts from DC can access a betting haven by signing up at licensed offshore casino sites.
That said, the DC gambling statutes allow lottery games.
And today, you can also wager on sports events. The district legalized sportsbooks in 2019. According to new regulations, Washington DC will soon launch many online sportsbooks regulated by the Office of Lottery and Gaming. However, people have yet to learn when.
| Category | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Land-based casinos in DC | There are no commercial and tribal-owned casinos in the District of Columbia. |
| Online Gambling | Online gambling is only available on regulated offshore casino sites for DCers. |
| Online Sports Betting and Land-based | In 2019, Washington DC lawmakers approved the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018 for land-based bookies and online sportsbooks. |
| State Lottery | Lottery games are the only legally available source of gambling in DC alongside sport betting. |
| Charitable Gambling | Nonprofits can host charitable casino gaming events for fundraising. |
| Poker | The Washington DC laws ban the operation of poker rooms. |
| Horse & Dog Racing | The district has no horse and dog racing tracks. |
| Fantasy Sports | DC laws authorized daily fantasy sports in 2016. |
| Social Gambling | At-home social gaming is possible as a recreational activity without real money bets and prizes |
| Taxes on Gambling Winnings | The DC Office of Lottery and Gaming levies an 8.5% tax rate for winnings. On the other hand, players have to pay a 25% federal income tax for winnings over $5,000. |
Disclaimer: The information on this page does not, nor does it intend to, constitute legal advice. This page is for learning purposes and may not have the most up-to-date information year-round. Readers should contact their attorney and/or accountant for advice concerning any particular legal matter. Do not take any action without first contacting a lawyer in your state.
Washington DC Gambling Laws: A Deep Dive
The district’s Section 22-1704 specifically mentions organizing gambling events. However, there’s no specific address for engaging in such activities.
In other words, providing real money casino gaming services is illegal but not playing at the sites. This vagueness puts DC’s casino market under a gray area.
Below, we’ll go into more depth about the legal situation in the district for different casino genres.
Land-Based Casinos
Nowhere in Washington, DC, will you find physical casino clubs.
Legalization attempts were repealed many times in the history of the District. So, you won’t find any facility offering Class II or Class III casino games.
There are also no regulated slot machines in the entire district. Gaming at native Indian casino clubs is also not a choice. There’s no regulatory body to regulate betting activities.
However, you’ll be able to find legal lottery and fundraisers that host multiple casino games.
Horse & Dog Tracks
Washington DC doesn’t allow residents to organize horse track races, dog races, and parimutuel horse race betting.
So, you can’t wager on live horse racing, simulcast races, or off-track events. Violation of this law is a punishable offense as per the W.A. laws.
Bingo, Lottery and Charitable Gambling
Lottery games are the only legal gambling activities in the District of Columbia besides sports betting. In August 1982, the WA residents got their first lottery agency – The DC Lottery. It’s a part of the Multi-State Lottery Association, which hosts draws like the Mega Millions and Powerball.
Other available lotto games are Lucky for Life, DC Fast Play, DC Keno, Race2Riches, The Lucky One, Tap-N-Play, and DC Scratchers.
There are various locations throughout the district where you can buy lottery tickets. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets online from Washington DC’s iLottery website.
Organizing charitable gaming activities is also legal as per Washington DC statutes. It means nonprofits can host casino games for fundraiser events without a license. It includes raffle, poker, blackjack, bingo, Rummy, Hearts, Bridge, Panguingue, Pitch, and dice games.
The Washington DC General Fund collected over $2.3 billion from the Lotto games to support education, child services, and other public services.
Social Gaming at Home
Social casino games are illegal under current W.A. gambling laws. However, the district still needs to stop residents from hosting social gaming events at home.
No specific statute means DCers can organize and partake in recreational casino gaming activities. You can enjoy poker, bingo, and other card games while complying with general DC gambling laws.
There should be no real cash bets or prize distribution. The idea is to host social casino nights for only fun with family and friends.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
Like casino games, the attempt to regulate online poker failed in Washington, DC The poker gambling dream in DC ended in 2012 when the district didn’t pass the bill as others. This prohibition may stand the same for a while longer.
Online Sports Betting and Land-Based
However, DCers can wager safely on various sports after registering on the district’s official sportsbook and offshore sites. It includes football, basketball, golf, baseball, softball, hockey, polo, tennis, golf, wrestling, and others.
On January 23, 2019, authorized sports wagering in Washington DC under Act 23-2. Once it came into effect, the DC Lottery launched its e-sportsbook platform.
The extensive bet options on this official site allow bettors to punt and earn real money hassle-free.
You can also find retail sportsbooks in three stadiums across the district:
- Audi Field
- Nationals Park
- Capital One Arena
Land-Based Gambling Venues in Washington DC
You can find lottery retailers and agents spread throughout Washington, DC, meaning there’s likely a location close to your home.
The Office of Lottery and Gaming regulated all lottery gaming service providers within the district. However, there are no tribal casinos or commercial gambling facilities available in DC.
Here’s a detailed list of all the legal casino locations where you can buy Lotto tickets legally.
Lottery Venues List
- DCiLottery
- Lobby Mart
- 7-Eleven
- DC Lottery Prize Center
- Dolley Madison Towers
Summary
- No land-based casino venues are available
- Visit offshore casino sites to play real money games
- Setting gaming equipment is illegal
- Only lottery games are permissible
- Online sports betting is legal
Washington DC vs. Neighboring States
Laws and regulations on casino gambling are changing drastically throughout America. Washington, DC, is still strict about legalizing various gambling activities. Hence, residents prefer playing real money casino games in a neighboring state. Similarly, online betting rules also vary for neighbor states.
Let’s look closer at gambling conditions in the states bordering Washington, DC.
| State | Is some form of Gambling Legal? | Legal Gambling Age | Legal Land-Based Casinos | Playing at Online Casinos | Legal Sports Betting | Legal State Lottery | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington DC. | Yes | 18+ | No | Offshore Only | Yes | Yes | Legal |
| Maryland | Yes | 18-21+ | Yes | Offshore Only | Yes | Yes | Legal |
| Virginia | Yes | 18+ | Yes | Offshore Only | Yes | Yes | Legal |
Undoubtedly, the neighborhood regions are a step ahead in providing betting services. The land-based casino market in Washington, DC, is far from its neighboring states. There are various brick-and-mortar casinos in Maryland and Northern Virginia. It’s the reason DC residents visit these states to enjoy real-money casino games.
Although sports betting is legal in the early stages in all three states, only offshore casino sites are available for residents in these region.
A Brief History of Washington DC Gambling
There’s no second thought Washington, DC, has no history of gambling. The unavailability of all casino games speaks volumes about the district’s market. The legal status is nil for both offline and online casinos.
The DC Council repealed the iGaming program in 2012.
DC’s 1982 legalization of lottery games did cast a ray of hope, as lawmakers created the District of Columbia Lottery authority. Today, DCers can use the official lottery site.
The district also created the Washington, DC Lottery Commission during this period. All the lotto game proceeds went to human services, education, natural resources, and other government programs.
Further, the picture is rosy for the daily fantasy and sports betting industry in Washington, DC In 2019, Senate Bill 5212 permitted licenses to state lottery and physical bookmakers to offer sports wagering services.
Responsible Gambling Initiatives
Knowing the risks involved, reliable online casino operators encourage responsible gambling. They strictly comply with problem gambling protocols.
For instance, players can customize bet limits or voluntarily ban themselves from online casino sites. Besides, they conduct casino self-exclusions and prevention resources to promote responsible gaming.
Problem gamblers can also contact addiction support channels via hotline numbers and online resources given directly on casino and sports betting sites.
Some channels players in DC can seek help from are:
- National Council on Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700)
- Gamblers Anonymous
- GamTalk
Play Safely, Stay Informed, and Have Fun!
A council and Congress manage the betting acts for Washington, DC Currently, the district’s gambling statutes prohibit residents from playing real money games.
The district has no licensed traditional casinos, horse race tracks, and online casinos. Even leasing properties for gambling activities and setting up gaming devices is unlawful in Washington DC as per district law.
This limited access is the key reason for the popularity of regulated offshore gambling sites. Many DCers sign up with these online operators.
The launch of offline and online casinos in Washington, DC, isn’t on the cards anytime soon. Till then, offshore casinos licensed in other countries are the only option for gambling enthusiasts.
