Get into sports betting with ease using the best D.C. sports betting apps. Our guide highlights user-friendly offshore betting platforms for football, basketball and more, ideal for new bettors and experts alike. Enjoy a comprehensive betting experience with these reliable apps in the District of Columbia.
| SPORTSBOOK | TRUST SCORE | ONLINE SINCE | Expert Review | BONUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BetOnline
|
2001 | Read Review | ||
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Bovada
|
2011 | Read Review | ||
|
Heritage Sports
|
2001 | Read Review | ||
|
Bookmaker
|
1996 | Read Review | ||
|
Everygame
|
1996 | Read Review | ||
|
BetAnySports
|
2002 | Read Review |
The D.C. Office of Lottery and Gaming announces that it will partner with FanDuel and ditch Intralot for the GamBet DC app.
D.C. Sports Betting Apps FAQs
Can I bet on sports online in Washington D.C.?
Yes, offshore betting sites are safe and legal to use in the District of Columbia under the entire district’s sports betting laws. You can bet on your favorite sports teams and players using any offshore platforms, such as BookMaker and BetOnline.
Can you use Bovada in Washington D.C.?
Yes, you are able to use Bovada to bet on your favorite teams and players from your phone in most of the United States, including the District of Columbia. Simply make an account, deposit your funds using your preferred banking method and start betting.
How old do you have to be to bet in Washington D.C.?
Under the current sports betting law, you must be at least 21 to wager in person at professional sports venues like Nationals Park or the Capitol One Arena or to use a local mobile app. Sportsbooks like Heritage Sports and BetOnline accept D.C. players over the age of 18.
How do you sports bet in Washington D.C.?
To sports bet in Washington D.C., pick your favorite mobile app, make an account and find a betting market you would like to bet in. You can use top-rated options such as Bovada, Heritage Sports and BookMaker, among others.
Can I bet on football in Washington D.C.?
Yes, bettors can use an offshore app to bet on football, as most of these mobile sportsbooks have football betting options. Bettors can also find a range of sports betting options in addition to football, such as basketball, baseball and even a selection of sports betting options for niche markets.
Table of Contents
Best Washington D.C. Sports Betting Apps
Each of the top online sports betting sites in D.C. can be accessed and used for online wagering anywhere and from any device, unlike major mobile platforms in the district. These are the top ten most popular options for local sports fans:
- BetOnline – Plenty of sports promos
- Bovada – Great prop builder
- Heritage Sports – Live betting and more
- BetAnySports – Props and reduced juice
- Everygame – Impressive range of sports
- WagerWeb – Huge bonuses for crypto users
- SportsBetting.ag – Welcome bonus up to $1,000
- BetUS – Offers free expert predictions
- JustBet – Great-value reload bonuses
- BookMaker – Best for early lines
Each of these online sports betting platforms and mobile betting apps can provide residents with a top-notch mobile user experience. These popular options each provide a wide selection of sports betting markets, competitive betting odds and generous bonuses.
Historical Timeline of Sports Betting in Washington D.C.
The following timeline covers the history of the legal online sports betting market in the District of Columbia:
The D.C. Office of Lottery and Gaming announces that it will partner with FanDuel and ditch Intralot for the GamBet DC app.
The potential relocation fo the Wizards and Capitals could have a major impact in the local market as Capital One Arena, the venue that hosts Caesars Sportsbook and which accounts for 36% of the handle, would vacate said partnership.
The local market experiences a year-on-year decline of 33.9%.
Local media reports of a growing number of customers who travel out of state to bet as frustration with Gambet DC continues to grow.
Washington D.C. officially terminates funding for local problem gambling programs.
The CEO of Intralot, operator of GambetDC, the only mobile sportsbooks in Washington DC, voices his displeasure with a subcontractor over several issues.
Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser decides to strip funding intended to support problem gambling programs. The decision sparks opposition.
FanDuel opens at Audi Field, becoming the first Major League Soccer stadium to hold a retail sportsbook.
The D.C. Lottery launches D.C. iLottery, an online version of its lottery games where users can play the Powerball, Mega Millions and more.
After delays for an app developer lawsuit and COVID-19, the first mobile wagering app for D.C. is launched called GambetDC Sportsbook, which is run by the D.C. Lottery. This mobile app would operate without the same geographic restrictions as other books, working anywhere within city limits. College sports betting options remain prohibited on the app.
The bill was officially passed into law, legalizing online and in-person wagering in Washington, D.C., with the first sports bets being placed at a physical sportsbook later in 2020.
In D.C., the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018 is proposed following the overturned PASPA ruling. This bill would allow for major online sportsbook operators to offer online wagering in the district. The bill was approved in December.
The gambling bill was not opposed by Congress, allowing the D.C. Lottery to start taking steps toward offering online poker, blackjack, slots and more. But soon other council members would oppose the plan and not long after, the 2010 bill was repealed.
A bill is proposed and added to a budget bill to legalize online gambling in the nation’s capital.
The D.C. Lottery is formed on August 2, 1982.
Washington D.C. betting has had a long and winding history, solidifying a great foundation for the betting community in recent times.
Reviews of the Best Washington D.C. Betting Apps
We broke down our top 10 list into five more detailed reviews of our top mobile sports betting apps for D.C. players. All of these sites are fully registered in their respective countries, where there is legal sports betting. They all have received a 10/10 grade from Bookmakers Review:
1. BetOnline: Plenty of Sports Promos
Key Features:
- Competitive odds
- A wide range of fun sports promos and contests
BetOnline really stands out for betting in D.C., offering great odds and unique bets you won’t find elsewhere. It has loads of contests, many free to enter, with big prizes up for grabs.
Using promo codes at BetOnline gets you awesome bonuses, like extra cash when you deposit, even for current members. You can even suggest your own bets for others to join in on.
Plus, BetOnline is a hit for its poker games and a casino full of unique games. Betting is easy here with high limits and fast, secure payments – choose from credit cards or cryptocurrencies for quick deposits and cashouts.
2. Bovada: Great Prop Builder
Key Features:
- Arguably the best prop builder in a sportsbook
- Part of the No. 1 poker network in the U.S.
Bovada may no longer offer a downloadable app, but its mobile website is among the best for betting enthusiasts. Easily place bets on leagues worldwide or dive into casino games and poker, all through the Bovada online platform. This online betting platform’s unique prop builder feature lets you propose your own bets, adding a personalized touch to your betting experience.
For cryptocurrency users, Bovada offers special bonuses through promo codes, though it’s noted that ongoing promotions for loyal customers could see improvement. Additionally, Bovada’s rewards program is a great way to accumulate points, redeemable for cash bonuses or free entries into poker tournaments, enriching your gaming and betting journey.
3. Heritage Sports: Live Betting and More
Key Features:
- Reduced juice-cashback program is a must-have
- Free birthday parlays ($500 value)
4. BetAnySports: Props and Reduced Juice
Key Features:
- Reduced juice as good as -105
- Exclusive access to D.C. lottery drawings, including D.C. Pick 2
BetAnySports may not have fancy poker tools or the highest betting limits, but it’s a treasure trove for sports betting. It offers great odds on sports worldwide, including college teams from D.C. and less common sports. Plus, you’ll find generous cash-back and bonus schemes for regular bettors, along with a variety of casino games.
What sets it apart is its lottery section, featuring D.C.’s Pick 2, Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 5 lottery games. BetAnySports pays out 80% more than other sites for lottery winners. It’s a one-stop shop for betting fans looking for diverse mobile betting options.
5. Everygame: Biggest Range of Sports Betting Options
Key Features:
- Exceptional customer service
- User-friendly mobile sports betting interface
Everygame invites Washington D.C. bettors with its top-notch sportsbook and casino since 1996. It’s ideal for those seeking diverse mobile betting options and value, thanks to its low $20 deposit requirement and attractive welcome bonus. The platform covers a wide range of sports, appealing to both mainstream fans and niche sports enthusiasts, all within a user-friendly and mobile-compatible site.
For casino lovers, Everygame offers an extensive array of slots and table games across its Red and Classic sections, ensuring something for every taste.
Licensed by the Curacao Gaming Commission, Everygame prioritizes security and customer satisfaction, making it a trusted choice for D.C. players. Its straightforward interface and commitment to quality betting experiences make Everygame a go-to destination for casual and avid gamblers alike.
Is sports betting legal in Washington, D.C.?
Yes, it did not take long after PASPA was overturned in 2018 by the United States Supreme Court for Washington, D.C. to propose a bill to legalize sports betting. The bill was passed in January 2019 and bets were soon taking place in the district.
There are some restrictions that make sports betting in D.C. unlike anywhere else in the country, though. Online sports betting is legal in D.C., but you have to be physically within two blocks of one of the sports venues where a retail sportsbook is located to place bets using their app. There are four such locations now:
- Capital One Arena (Caesars Sportsbook)
- Nationals Park (BetMGM)
- Audi Field (FanDuel)
- FedExField (Fanatics)
Those are considered Class A licensed gambling locations. Class B locations are places like select bars and restaurants, which may have a kiosk or two open for retail sports betting.
How to Bet on Washington D.C. Sportsbooks
Betting on sports in Washington D.C. is a simple process, but it helps to know the basics before you start. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you get going with sportsbooks in D.C.
1. Choose a Licensed Sportsbook: First, pick a sportsbook that is legally operating in Washington D.C. It’s important to use a licensed operator to ensure your bets are safe and your winnings are secure. You can find a list of approved sportsbooks on the D.C. Lottery website or through reliable sports betting review sites.
2. Create an Account: Once you’ve chosen a sportsbook, you’ll need to create an account. This usually involves providing some personal information like your name, address and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Make sure to use your real details to avoid any issues with payouts.
3. Deposit Funds: After your account is set up, you’ll need to deposit money to start betting. Sportsbooks offer various methods for deposits, including bank transfers, credit cards and e-wallets. Choose the one that’s most convenient for you. Remember, only bet what you can afford to lose.
4. Understand the Odds: Before placing a bet, it’s crucial to understand how odds work. Odds tell you how likely an event is to happen and how much you could win. They can be displayed in different formats, but most U.S. sportsbooks use American odds. Positive numbers indicate how much you’d win on a $100 bet, while negative numbers show how much you need to bet to win $100.
5. Place Your Bets: Now you’re ready to place your bets. You can bet on a variety of sports and events, from football and basketball to tennis and golf. There are many types of bets, such as moneyline, point spread and totals (over/under). Choose the bet that you understand and feel most confident about.
6. Collect Your Winnings: If your bet wins, the money will be added to your sportsbook account. You can choose to keep it there for more betting or withdraw it. Each sportsbook has different methods and processing times for withdrawals, so check their policies.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying sports betting in Washington D.C. Remember, the key is to have fun and bet smartly.
Mobile Site vs. App for Betting in Washington D.C.
When you are in Washington D.C. and you are near one of the major stadiums, you can use the downloadable apps from popular commercial operators like Caesars Sportsbook to make your sports bets. You can always use GambetDC (when it’s working right) too from anywhere in the District of Columbia.
But if you want downloadable apps for the likes of BookMaker and BetOnline, then you are out of luck for now. These online sportsbooks do not have a downloadable app you can just find on your phone’s app store regardless if you have Android or iOS.
However, you can do just fine using the mobile sites from these companies, as they are optimized to run well on your phone, tablet or PC. Even with a site that used to have a downloadable app like Bovada, you can just add their page to your phone’s home screen and quickly bring it up as if it were an app.
Maybe, in the future, these offshore sportsbooks will introduce downloadable apps like the American-based companies. We have included a wide range of pros and cons when it comes to using apps versus logging into the site from a web browser.
Pros:
- Bring up your bets faster on a phone app
- Shorten your login process using your phone’s biometric options or two-factor authorization
- Apps should come with fewer security risks than a desktop site
- Apps allow for easier screenshots and sharing of your bets with friends and social accounts
- Apps tend to have better graphics and run smoother than desktop versions
Cons:
- Apps drain your phone’s battery
- Apps take up storage on your phone
- Apps often need to be updated
- Updates also take up storage space
- Geolocation does not always work well when verifying your location to log in or place bets
- Apps use data when away from Wi-Fi
While offshore sites are not eligible for apps, their mobile sites run just as well as many dedicated betting apps.
Fan-Favorite Teams Playing in Washington, D.C.
While our nation’s capital may not have statehood yet, it is home to several major professional sports teams, including one in each of the four major leagues.
Washington is also home to a major American soccer team, a recent WNBA championship team and several notable collegiate teams:
- Washington Commanders (NFL): The Washington Commanders, formerly known as the Washington Redskins, is an iconic NFL franchise based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1932, the team has a rich history and has won multiple NFL championships and Super Bowls. Known for their passionate fan base, they play their home games at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
- Washington Wizards (NBA): The Washington Wizards represent the nation’s capital in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1961, the team has seen its fair share of ups and downs but has produced notable basketball talents over the years. They play their home games at the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C.
- Washington Nationals (MLB): The Washington Nationals, established in 2005, are Major League Baseball’s representative in the capital. The team made history by winning their first World Series championship in 2019. Nationals Park, located in the Navy Yard neighborhood, serves as their home ballpark.
- D.C. United (MLS): D.C. United is a respected Major League Soccer (MLS) club based in Washington, D.C. Established in 1996, D.C. United is one of the league’s founding teams. The team has a storied history, winning multiple MLS Cups. Audi Field in the Buzzard Point neighborhood serves as D.C. United’s home stadium.
- Washington Capitals (NHL): The Washington Capitals are a prominent NHL franchise known for their passionate fans and exciting style of play. Founded in 1974, the team clinched their first Stanley Cup championship in 2018, bringing immense joy to the city. The Capitals call the Capital One Arena their home.
- Washington Spirit (NWSL): The Washington Spirit is a professional women’s soccer team representing the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Established in 2012, the team has steadily gained recognition for its competitive spirit and commitment to women’s soccer development. The Washington Spirit plays its home matches at various venues in the D.C. region and has garnered a dedicated following among soccer enthusiasts, both locally and nationally.
- Washington Mystics (WNBA): The Washington Mystics are a prominent franchise in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Founded in 1998, the Mystics have grown into a respected force in women’s basketball. Their home games are played at the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C. The Mystics boast a strong fan base and have achieved notable success in recent years, including winning their first WNBA championship in 2019.
- Georgetown Hoyas (NCAA): Georgetown University’s athletic teams, known as the Hoyas, compete in various NCAA sports. The Hoyas’ men’s basketball program, in particular, has a storied history and is well-regarded in college basketball circles. They play their home games at the Capital One Arena.
- George Washington Colonials (NCAA): George Washington University’s teams, the Colonials, participate in NCAA competitions across various sports. The university boasts a strong athletic tradition and their teams are an integral part of the D.C. sports landscape.
- American University Eagles (NCAA): The American University’s athletic teams, the Eagles, compete in the NCAA’s Patriot League. While not as widely recognized as some other D.C. teams, they contribute to the vibrant collegiate sports scene in the city.
Each of these professional and college teams offers sports betting enthusiasts numerous online betting and in-person betting opportunities. Fans can place a wide variety of different types of bets on each of the games that these teams play in addition to numerous other sports betting options.
Washington D.C. Mobile Betting Bonus Types
When it comes to what drives people more than anything to join an online gambling site, it just may be the welcome bonus. This is one of the biggest advantages of gambling online; you can’t get bonuses like this at land-based sportsbooks.
Those exciting sports bonuses you see advertised are a good way for these competitive sites to bring you into their fold, but if they want to keep you coming back, they better have ongoing promotions as well. That is why we broke down these two types of promotions in the next two sections.
Welcome Bonuses
The biggest bonuses offered by mobile platforms are for new users. Typically, this bonus matches your first deposit, potentially doubling your starting funds. For example, a $1,000 deposit could receive a 100% match, giving you $2,000 in your account to start.
Bonus funds from online betting sites come with rollover requirements, often set at 10x or 12x for sportsbooks and higher for casinos. This means that sports fans need to place $20,000 in bets to withdraw any of the bonus funds on a 10x rollover. Most bonus bets also need to meet certain odds, usually -200 or better, to count towards the requirement.
Bonus funds typically have an expiration period (ranging from two weeks to a month) and there may be additional restrictions on how and where they can be used. It’s crucial to thoroughly read and understand the terms and conditions of any welcome bonus to ensure it aligns with your betting strategy. Remember, promotions for loyal returning users can also provide great value, highlighting the importance of ongoing rewards in enhancing your betting experience.
Customer Promotions
These are the kind of promos that will pop up frequently, especially if you are often wagering real money on these sportsbooks. While there is a wide range of ongoing promotions, we have listed some of the most popular examples of promotions you can expect to see at an offshore sportsbook:
- Odds Boosts: There will often be a special market available for a limited time on an upcoming game where you can get boosted or enhanced odds. Maybe something that is normally -150 in odds gets boosted to +120, so you can bet on it and make more profit if the pick is a winner. Odds boosts can be offered on special games or as a bonus to apply to the market of your choice.
- Reload Bonuses: These work just like a deposit match where a percentage –usually in the range of 30 to 100% – of your deposit is instantly matched in bonus funds, which may be considered free bets depending on the online betting platform you use. It’s easy to take advantage of reload bonuses, too, as all you need to do is keep using your account.
- Risk-free Bets: There is no real downside to a risk-free bet. Once you opt into the promotion and place your bet, if the wager loses, you will receive your stake back in the form of free bets. Just remember to use those free bets before they hit their expiration date.
- Free Bets: There are many ways to get free bets (or bonus bets) from an online sportsbook, often as a reward for a deposit bonus, a risk-free bet or with your reward points accumulated in a loyalty program where the more you bet, the more points you earn.
You can typically find a broad range of ongoing promotions at each of our recommended mobile sportsbooks.
How We Score the Best Washington D.C. Betting Apps & Mobile Sites
Everyone has their own idea of the perfect sports betting app. Using decades of sports betting industry expertise, we curated our metrics based on what makes the best experience for users. Below, we’ll take a look at how we grade and compare online sports betting sites.
Mobile Sports Betting
Nowadays, over half of all sports bets in the U.S. are made on smartphones. However, official sportsbook apps can’t be offered by offshore sites due to legal restrictions.
Instead, many online betting platforms have developed web apps that work smoothly on your mobile browser. We believe it’s key for these sites to offer an intuitive interface. It should be easy for sports bettors to find their bets, view the lines, and manage their bet slip.
Live Mobile Betting & Streaming
Live betting is one of the most popular bet types, which means it is a must for a top-rated online betting platform. More sports bettors are placing live bets to follow the game action or change their bets mid-game. Fast and reliable performance is essential at online betting sites, especially for live betting during fast-paced games.
While most offshore sites can’t stream major sports events like those from the NFL or NBA, some do offer streaming for horse racing and esports events, which can be an exciting feature for many sports betting enthusiasts. Even without the live streaming capability, you can still place in-game bets on your favorite professional sports teams, college teams and more.
Banking Options
Easy deposits and quick withdrawals are crucial. The best online sportsbooks offer many payment methods, including both conventional payment options and digital payment options. They should accept methods such as checks, debit and credit cards, wire transfers, Person 2 Person apps, prepaid cards and cryptocurrencies.
More choices mean a better mobile wagering experience. We also consider fees, processing times, and limits. For instance, crypto payouts are usually fast and free, while checks may take longer and come with fees.
Customer Service
In today’s mobile-first world, you might need to reach out to customer service for various issues. We look for sites that provide many contact options like phone, email, messaging and that have a live chat function.
Response times and 24/7 availability are also important, though we understand if that’s not always possible due to time zone differences.
Licensing & Security
Using a secure site is non-negotiable. You’ll be sharing personal and financial information, so security is key. Despite the stigma around offshore sites, many have been offering their services reliably for decades. We prefer sportsbooks with a strong track record of security and customer satisfaction.
By focusing on these areas, we aim to guide you to the best sports betting experience possible.
Washington D.C. Betting Guides
For a comprehensive look at gambling in the nation’s capital, check out our guide to D.C. Online Gambling.
