Caesars Sportsbook will launch sports betting kiosks in Washington D.C., replacing GamebetDC

In the summer of 2024, the D.C. sports betting marketplace has undergone major changes. On Tuesday, Caesars Sportsbook announced that it will install 53 sports betting kiosks at small businesses throughout Washington D.C. This is being done in cooperation with the District’s Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG). These Caesar Sportsbook kiosks are set to replace the district’s former primary operator, Gamebet DC. Caesars’ kiosks will accept cash deposits into mobile accounts as well as wagers.

Gamebet DC never truly thrived in the market and they were frequently criticized. In the past, Caesars had only been available for in-person sports betting at the Capital One Arena. The home of the Washigton Wizards and Washigton Capitals. That all changed this summer when D.C. regulatory changes. Lawmakers are eager to introduce Caesars’ sports betting kiosks to residents in D.C. Caesars is a sportsbook with a reputation in the market, unlike Gamebet DC. President of Caesars Digitial Eric Hession had this to say in a press release.

“We appreciate the Office of Lottery and Gaming for providing us the opportunity to further our connection with sports fans in our nation’s capital,” said Hession. “Our self-service betting kiosks are an excellent addition to our sports wagering options in D.C.”

Washington D.C. is eager to expand their sports betting market

Earlier this year, Gamebet DC found out they would not have their contract renewed. This left an opportunity for a new sportsbook to operate its sports betting apparatus. The District’s Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) turned into one of the top operators in the United States. FanDuel was asked to be D.C.’s exclusive operator this past spring. At the time of their initial launch in D.C., FanDuel assumed they would control the exciting kiosk location. However, a budget amendment opened up the market to multiple operators. That included major U.S. sportsbooks like Caesars, BetMGM, and DraftKings. In the end, Caesars was chosen to revive the kiosks vacated by Gamebet DC. Sports betting expansion in D.C. proves that a large competitive market is better than having a monopoly. One sportsbook controlling an entire market is starting to become obsolete.