There are no legal online casinos or poker rooms in Washington DC and GamBetDC, run by the lottery, has a monopoly in online sports betting. Online gambling in DC is takes place on the state-run app and there are several retail sportsbooks but this guide focuses on offshore gambling sites, which are an excellent alternative for DC residents looking to bet.

We will look at online gambling in several forms: sports, casino, poker, lottery. Our top 10 list will highlight the best gambling sites in Washington DC and explain the best welcome bonuses. The guide will also examine the legalities of online gambling in DC.

List of the Best Gambling Washington DC Sites

We now list the top 10 Washington DC gambling sites which are all based offshore and can legally accept wagering from residents of the state:

1. BetOnline – The number 1 site for online gambling in DC
2. Wild Casino – Top casino for online gambling in Washington DC
3. Everygame – Dedicated sports, casino and poker lobbies
4. XBet – Sportsbook, casino and racing with one account
5. Bovada – Casino, live dealer and poker DC online gambling
6. MyBookie – Live online gambling in Washington DC
7. Ignition – Over 200 slots and table games in DC online
8. BUSR – Standalone sportsbook, casino and racebook
9. sportsbetting.ag – Comprehensive Esports DC online gambling
10. BetUS – Poker, slots and live dealer online gambling in Washington DC

Reviews of the Best Washington DC Gambling Sites

We will now provide more detailed information in mini-reviews of the top 10 online gambling DC sites that are all located offshore.

1. BetOnline – The Number 1 Site For Online Gambling In DC

BetOnline gets the vote as the number one online gambling site in DC due to the range of products. You only require one account to bet on sports, casino games, live events, poker and Esports. The BetOnline promo code activates the sportsbook welcome bonus. However, there are also separate casino and poker bonuses.

The site features 20 betting sports in pre-game, live betting and futures markets. Players can select from over 450 casino games, under the headings of slots, table games, video poker and live casino. Payment methods include debit and credit cards, crypto and bank transfer.

2. Wild Casino – Top Casino For Online Gambling In Washington DC

As the name suggests, Wild Casino is a dedicated casino site that does not feature sports betting or a racebook. Casino players cannot select from 450 games in the categories of slots, blackjack, table games, live casino and specialty games, so there is quantity and quality.

The Wild Casino no deposit bonus codes can be used to claim the genuine welcome bonus. There are slots tournaments and a Refer-a Friend program. There are effective measures for banking, customer support and responsible gaming.

3. Everygame – Dedicated Sports, Casino And Poker Lobbies

Players of online gambling in DC at Everygame can select options from a dedicated sportsbook, casino and poker lobbies. The sports betting menu lists 18 betting sports and there are over 300 slots, casino, live dealer and table games.

The Everygame casino bonus codes can be used to activate the casino classic match deposit bonus. Existing customers can also enjoy the benefits of daily and weekly promotions. The bonuses are complemented by new games, popular slots and progressive slots.

4. XBet – Sportsbook, Casino And Racing With One Account

Registered customers with XBet for online gambling in DC, require a single account for betting in the sportsbook, casino and horse racing lobby. There are more than 20 betting sports with this brand and more than 300 games in the casino and live casino.

You can use the XBet casino bonus codes to activate the casino welcome bonus. There are also reload bonuses for sports and casino and a horse racing rebate up to 7%. The live betting platform features several sports and the cash out option.

5. Bovada – Casino, Live Dealer And Poker DC Online Gambling

In addition to a well-established sportsbook, the Bovada site also features casino, live dealer and poker online gambling in DC. There are 20 betting sports and over 400 casino games, including live table games and several versions of poker.

The Bovada bonus codes could be used to claim the sports welcome bonus and there are also dedicated bonuses for casino players. The casino and live casino features different versions of roulette, blackjack and baccarat.

6. MyBookie – Live Online Gambling In Washington DC

MyBookie features a sportsbook, casino and racebook, in addition the major strength of a live betting interface. The platform offers live games in the four North American college and pro sports and soccer and tennis with cash out betting.

The MyBookie promo code is used to double your first deposit and there is also a casino-specific bonus. The site features 35 betting sports which is by far the highest number amongst our top Washington online gambling sites.

7. Ignition – Over 200 Slots And Table Games In DC Online

Ignition is a dedicated casino that offers poker, slots, table games and live dealer games. There is no sportsbook with this operator who can focus on providing a premier standalone casino. The site features over 200 slots and table games and poker formats and poker tournaments.

The Ignition casino bonus codes are is filled in to activate the casino match deposit bonus. There is also a separate bonus for crypto deposits, providing a good incentive to use Bitcoin, Litecoin and others. The Tell A Friend scheme encourages members to make introductions.

8. BUSR – Standalone Sportsbook, Casino And Racebook

Online gambling in DC with BUSR features a sportsbook, casino and racebook. There are 20 betting sports categories which include the major US sports leagues: NFL, NHH MLB and NBA. There are over 300 slots and table games in the casino and live casino. The racebook offers US thoroughbred racing.

The BUSR promo code activates a new customer match deposit bonus and there is also a casino deposit bonus and crypto betting awards. The live casino provides online gambling in Washington in several formats of roulette, baccarat and blackjack.

9. SportsBetting.ag – Comprehensive Esports DC Online Gambling

Sportsbetting.ag has the rare feature of a dedicated Esports lobby. You can search for a team and select one of the featured Esports, such as Counter Strike and Valorant. There is live streaming of some of the leagues and tournaments which offer several game markets.

A Sportsbetting.ag promo code triggers a new customer match deposit bonus. There are also bonuses for casino, poker, crypto, and reload deposits. There are over 20 sports and a selection of slots, table games and video poker games.

10. BetUS – Poker, Slots And Live Dealer Online Gambling In Washington DC

The BetUS casino features several game lobbies, including the following: video poker, slots and live dealer table games. In particular there are several versions of roulette, such as European, Zoom and High Roller. Players can also wager on baccarat and craps in the live casino.

New customers can trigger the match deposit bonus by entering the BetUS promo code. There is also a casino deposit bonus and a bonus that combines a crypto and casino bonus. The sportsbook features over 20 betting sports and there is a standalone racebook.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gambling in Washington DC

Comparing the Best Washington DC Gambling Sites

We now present a table that compares the features that are available with the 10 DC online gambling sites:

Is Online Gambling Legal in Washington DC?

There are no online casinos or bricks and mortar casinos in Washington DC. That means there is no legal playing of online casino games or poker within the boundaries of the District of Columbia. However, sweepstakes and social casino gaming is permitted by law.

Online sports betting is dominated by the state lottery run GamBetDC app. However, betting is restricted on the app on any federal properties in the United States capital. The lack of competition means lines are worse than the market average.

There are in-person sportsbooks at two sporting stadiums. BetMGM Sportsbook operates from Nationals Park and Caesars Sportsbook has a retail facility at Capital One Arena. Retail sports betting is also allowed but not within two blocks of these arenas.

There are no sites regulated in Washington that accept bets on horse racing, However, most of the top 10 sites that offer sports betting, also feature a racebook. You can place fixed odds and pool bets on thoroughbred, harness racing and greyhounds.

So, in conclusion, in answering the question: is online gambling legal in Washington DC , we say that it is but currently the activity is limited and there is scope for development.

Who can Gamble Online in Washington DC?

Residents of Washington DC must be aged 21 or older to gamble online. There are KYC (Know Your Customer) measures so the identity if an individual can be verified. Duplicate accounts are not allowed so a customer cannot abuse any welcome bonus by claiming it more than once.

Types of Washington DC Gambling Sites

There are several betting products on a variety of online gaming sites. The different types of Washington DC gambling sites are described in the next sections:

Sports Gambling Sites

Sports betting is the core product with many Washington DC gambling sites. The sportsbook menu lists the betting sports of which there are usually about 20. There are wagers in pre-game, in-game and futures markets for the main leagues and competitions.

The most bet on sports include the four main North American pro and college sports: football, hockey, baseball and basketball. Soccer and tennis generate plenty of betting interest. Across all sports, the most popular markets are the moneyline, spread and totals.

Horse Gambling Sites

A number of sites, like TVG, are dedicated horse racing products. However, one of the main features of most sportsbooks is a standalone racebook. The racing service includes thoroughbred racing, harness racing and greyhounds. There are meetings and futures from the United States and other racing jurisdictions, like Australia and  the UK and Ireland.

There are Morning Line odds for each race and then the Starting Price. They are expressed in fractions but the format can be changed to decimal and US odds. Pool bets for each race are straight (Win, Place and Show) or exotic (Exacta, Trifecta and Superfecta). Also, parlays include predictions for consecutive races at a single meeting: Daily Double, Pick 3, 4 and 6.

Esports Gambling Sites

Esports is one of the growth areas for gambling in recent years. It is competitive video gaming played by teams in leagues and competitions. Games are played in maps, which are the equivalent of sets in tennis.

The most popular genre is multi-player online battle arena (MOBA). Esports are played in franchised leagues, including Counter-Strike, available at each offshore sportsbook, except BUSR.

Casino Gambling Sites

Casino online gambling in Washington DC is confined to offshore sites. They generally offer games under the following headings: slots, progressive jackpots, table games and live dealer games. Most casinos will allow play in free game mode so players learn the dynamics without risking money.

Casino sites can offer over 300 slots, with different themes from a number of providers. There is base game play and bonus features, such as wild symbols, multipliers and free spins. The most popular table games include different formats of roulette, blackjack and baccarat.

Poker Gambling Sites

There are few poker-only sites but casinos generally feature a dedicated poker lobby. Players can enter single-hand or multi-hand tournaments with a range of minimum and maximum stakes. The most popular formats include Deuces Wild, Jacks or Better, Tens or Better and Aces and Faces.

Lottery Gambling Sites

None of our recommended sites offer lottery tickets. Casinos often have a lottery section which features a range of lottery style games. This category encompasses bingo, keno, numbers games and scratchcards. You can play for a range of states, which is reflected in the potential prizes from each game. Also, some gambling sites accept bets on the lottery.

How to Register with Gambling Sites in Washington DC

We now provide a step-by-step guide to registering with gambling sites in Washington DC, using BetOnline as an illustration of the process:

Step 1. Visit BetOnline

The first step is to visit the BetOnline website and click the ‘JOIN’ button at the top right hand side of any screen.

Step 2. Register

On the registration screen you will be asked to enter personal details and a unique Password and then you ‘Create Account’.

Step 3.Deposit Funds

BetOnline offers a range of deposit methods and providers, including cards and crypto. That means you can specify your deposit amount using Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin, Litecoin or Ethereum and make your deposit.

Step 4. Place Bets

The funds will be immediately available for betting so you can decide which slot or table game to play, Alternatively  you can make a selection in the sportsbook or racebook to activate the Bet Slip which you complete and then place your bet.

Gambling Bonuses Available at Washington DC

Citizens of DC can claim a range of bonuses on offer with the top online gambling in DC sites. We will now provide more information about how each of these bonuses work:

Match Deposit Bonuses

A match deposit bonus works on the basis of the bonus being related to the qualifying deposit in percentage terms. The most common example is the 100% match deposit bonus, whereby, the bonus equates to the deposit. There is a maximum bonus which is often $1,000.

No Deposit Bonuses

No deposit bonuses can form a welcome package or be an ongoing promotion for current players. There is no deposit requirement but there could be a qualifying bet. For example, you may have to place a bet on a specific event to earn your bonus.

Free Bets

There can be match free bet bonuses whereby a free bet is related to a qualifying bet. Free bets can be event-specific like a free bet on the Superbowl. However, any returns from a free bet do not include the free bet stake.

Free Spins

You can receive free spins as part of a casino welcome package or as a bonus feature in a specific slot. Free spins can be triggered by landing a combination of symbols on a payline. There is a bet feature whereby you gamble your free spins which you double or lose the lot, depending on the outcome of the gamble.

Loyalty Programs

Casinos and sportsbooks offer Loyalty Programs which reward players who bet with the brand after claiming the welcome bonus. Many players visit a site to claim the bonus but do not make a subsequent deposit after the making the qualifying deposit. Loyalty Programs offer increasing benefits at each level to encourage continued play.

Payment Methods Available at Washington DC Gambling Sites

In making a deposit for online gambling in Washington DC, you can select from the following payment methods:

Crypto Banking Options

Residents who enjoy online gambling in DC can use crypto as a payment method. Transfers are immediate, free of charge and anonymous which means there is an added level of security. You must open a crypto wallet to make the payments to numerous providers, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, Softcoin and Ethereum. You can read more information on the best crypto betting sites.

eWallet Banking Options

EWallets allow you to make money transfers from one account. When you create the account you enter card and account details but this is not needed for subsequent payments. The leading providers of eWallet payment facilities include PayPal, Skrill and Neteller. However, deposits with some eWallets do not count as qualifying deposits for a match bonus. Here is more information about PayPal casinos.

Traditional Payment Methods

There is still some need for traditional payment methods as they are well-established and trusted. Debit and credit deposits are immediate but withdrawals are subject standard delays. The leading providers are Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. You can find out more Mastercard casinos. Bank transfers are free but can be subject to a number of business days.

Who Regulates Gambling in Washington DC?

The Office of Lottery & Gaming (OLG) is the licensing and regulatory body in the District of Columbia. The organization runs the state lottery and the GamBetDC mobile betting app. The body sets and monitors standards of compliance and responsible gambling with license holders.

The OLG issues licenses for sports wagering and other gaming activities. The body also ensures that gaming operators are acting fairly and within the terms of the license agreement. It also ensures that gaming companies are acting in accordance with federal and state laws.

Tax on Gambling Winnings in Washington DC

Gambling winnings are reported as ‘Other Income’ on the appropriate tax return forms and are charged at 24% by the IRS. Any large losses reported from gambling-activity could lead to an investigation by the tax investigators.

Washington DC Gambling Apps & Mobile Sites

At the time of the review, none of our leading online gambling DC offshore operators had launched dedicated downloadable apps. However, when the browser is optimised for mobile, you can access their outstanding mobile websites which replicate the desktop.

Some states do allow mobile betting but DC is a one-operator jurisdiction. The lottery ruins the GamBetDC sports betting app which can be downloaded to iOS and Android. The app provides a fast and convenient sports-betting service.

Gambling Sites vs Land-Based Gambling Facilities in Washington

There are limited online and land-based gambling facilities in Washington DC. However, we now highlight the pros and cons of going down the gambling site route:

Best Gambling Sites Software Providers

There are numerous casino game studios that produce established favorites and new titles. So, here are five of the leading providers of online casino games:

Microgaming

Microgaming is one of the most experienced providers of online casino games having first developed the software in 1994. The Mega Moolah and Mega Moolah Goddess slots hold world records for the biggest payout and progressive jackpot. Immortal Romance and Thunderstruck 11 are other popular casino slots from the Microgaming stable.

Evolution Gaming

Evolution Gaming specialises in live dealer games and has been operating in this market since 2006. The stable also produces table games in partnership with some major betting brands, such as William Hill and Ladbrokes. Their portfolio includes baccarat, roulette, blackjack, three card poker, casino hold’em and Caribbean stud poker.

BetSoft

BetSoft gained a foothold in the market with its 3D slot machines which were innovative. The developers’ games appear in most of the newer online casinos. BetSoft was founded in 1999 so has built up a good reputation with players and casinos over 20 years. Popular titles include Trinity Reels, Golden Dragon Inferno and Winds of Wealth.

Play’n GO

Play’n Go has provided online casino software since 1997. The studio has developed over 100 games that are currently in the lobbies of online casinos. The focus is now table games and slots with graphics of high quality. Games are mobile friendly, including the following top titles: Book of Dead, Legacy of Dead and Rise of Merlin.

NetEnt

NetEnt was founded in Sweden in 1996 and was then known as Net Entertainment. The developer now has collaborations with more than 300 gaming sites in all parts of the world. Currently, the company’s specialisms include live casino and mobile gaming. However, progressive jackpots like Mega Fortune and Arabian Nights are hugely popular.

Tips How to Stay Safe When Gambling Online in Washington DC

You can stay safe with your Washington DC online gambling if you follow these tips:

Bet With Regulated Sites

The best site that is legally licensed and regulated to take bets in Washington is GamBetDC. As this is run by the state lottery, you know your money is safe and the operator is bound to make payments to winning customers. The down side is that the virtual monopoly position means the lines are below the market average.

Register With Legal Offshore Operators

The top 10 Washington DC sites are all legally licensed to accept registrations and bets from residents of the state. These operators are not regulated in the US but they do come under the control of established regulatory bodies from the rest of the world. Any payment issues are quickly resolved but there is a complaints procedure.

Set Limits

The vast majority of gamblers bet within their budgets and have control. However, there are dangers of addiction and problem gambling. Therefore, to stay safe you should join sites that offer responsible gambling measures. These can include bet, deposit and loss limits and self-exclusion. You should also have a working bank management strategy.

Secure Payment Methods

Our offshore sites offer trusted payment methods that are processed immediately. Using established card providers like Visa, Mastercard and American Express, helps to protect your betting funds. Wire transfers with reputable banks are another secure method. Crypto may not be as safe but using providers like Bitcoin and Softcoin ensures security.

Use A Secure Connection

A secure and reliable internet connection is important when you are transferring funds online and betting in cash. A breakdown in the service during a transaction could create problems. Therefore, it’s best to use the equipment of a reputable provider when setting up your connection.

How Washington DC Gambling Compares to its Neighboring States

Washington DC has borders with the states of Maryland to the north, east and west and Virginia to the south. These states are currently at different stages of legalizing online sports betting.

Maryland has had in-person sports betting since December 2021 and online betting was approved by voters in the previous November. However, the aim to license providers for the start of the 2022 NFL was not achieved. There is long-running delay, even though the law allows for 60 online sportsbooks and 30 retail sites. There are official racetracks at Laurel Park and Pimlico. Here are the best real money Maryland online casinos.

Virginia now has full mobile betting with a number of options. Online sports betting began in January 2021 and there are now over 12 companies operating in the state. Changes in tax laws have been designed to stimulate demand because the level of turnover and tax revenue is higher in nearby other states. There is just one Virginia racetrack, at Colonial Downs. You can read about the best Virginia casino apps.

Gambling Facilities in Washington DC

There are no land-based or online casinos in Washington DC.

The Best Gambling Site in Washington DC

The decision from this review is that BetOnline is the best site for online gambling in DC. New customers can claim a welcome deposit bonus and there are ongoing sports and casino promotions. Other promotions include a crypto deposit bonus and frequent reload bonuses. The dedicated racebook offers a free bet and racing rebates and thoroughbred racing from the US and oversees.

The desktop and mobile website feature 20 betting sports in pre-game, in-play and futures betting. The casino and live casino offer over 450 games under the headings of slots, progressive slots, table games and live casino games. There are measures in place for customer support, banking and responsible gambling. That means that everything is in place to make BetOnline the number one site for online gambling in Washington DC.