District of Columbia: online casino, sweepstakes and sports betting law
In Washington, DC, you can bet on sports online through licensed operators, but real-money casino games online are off limits. The Council is weighing B26-0656, a 2026 bill that would license online casinos and also address sweepstakes sites. It had a hearing in May 2026 and has not passed. For now sweepstakes casinos sit in a gray area, since no District law defines them, and we found no ban in force.
DCยทPage updated 18 Oct 2026
Real-money online casino
Not legal
Not legal yet. No District law licenses online casinos. B26-0656, the Internet Gaming and Consumer Protection Act of 2026, would create that market, and a Council committee held a public hearing on it on 4 May 2026.
- DC CFO: hearing on B26-0656 (cfo.dc.gov, primary source)
Last checked 18 Oct 2026
Sweepstakes casinos
No ban found
We found no ban in force. B26-0656 would also deal with sweepstakes sites. At its 4 May 2026 hearing, the Office of Lottery and Gaming said more than 20 unlicensed online sweepstakes sites operate in the District because local law doesn't say what a sweepstakes is. We have found no vote on the bill.
- DC CFO: hearing on B26-0656 (cfo.dc.gov, primary source)
Last checked 18 Oct 2026
Online sports betting
Live
Live. The Office of Lottery and Gaming licenses sportsbooks under the Sports Wagering Act of 2024. A Class C license covers online and mobile betting anywhere in the District, except in the two-block zones around Class A stadium and arena venues and on federal land where gambling is barred.
- DC Office of Lottery and Gaming: sports wagering FAQs (dclottery.com, primary source)
Last checked 18 Oct 2026
This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change; check the sources and the state regulator before you play. You must be 21 or over to play real-money casino games. See our responsible gambling page.
New slots seen in District of Columbia
No sightings logged for District of Columbia. We track casino lobbies only in states where real-money online casino is live. See the new slots calendar for every release, or try the free demos.