DraftKings Bringing Online Sportsbook to Washington DC

DraftKings says it plans to launch its online sportsbook in Washington, D.C.

Assuming it gets the license and regulatory approval it needs, DraftKings would make the nation’s capital its 29th North American market, the company said in a Tuesday (July 23) press release. The launch is part of a partnership with D.C. United, the district’s professional men’s soccer team.

“It has been incredible to see legalized sports betting grow rapidly over the past six years, and with plans to launch our online sportsbook in D.C., DraftKings looks forward to expanding its presence in more than half the country,” Matt Kalish, president of DraftKings North America, said in the release.

The release notes that D.C. is home to a number of professional sports teams, with fans soon able to access a range of betting markets and offerings like same-game parlays, in-game betting and special odds boosts.

“With the D.C. Council’s recent decision to expand the world of sports betting in D.C., we look forward to working with DraftKings to introduce their online sportsbook as another way for D.C. residents to bet in the city,” said Danita Johnson, president of business operations for D.C. United. “Our goal is to always make every fan experience seamless, and this platform will help us to deliver on that promise.”

The news release closes with a lengthy statement on DraftKings’ commitment to combating problem gambling. The company and six of America’s other largest sportsbook companies launched a trade group in March aimed at dealing with the issue.

The Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) hopes to come up with resources to aid in responsible gaming education and awareness.

The launch of that association comes amid a surge in sports betting across the U.S., with 38 states and the District of Columbia letting residents place wagers on professional sports.

Meanwhile, research by PYMNTS Intelligence finds that most online sports betting fans prefer instant disbursements, though few have access to them.

According to that report, 79% of gamblers opted for instant digital disbursements when offered them, while 76% who did not have the option to receive instant payouts would have chosen instant if offered. In all, a little less than half of gamers have access to real-time disbursements.