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Professional Sports Leagues Strike Out in D.C., as Council Kills Royalty Fee While Moving Bill Closer to Vote

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vixen777

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hree of the four changes made it through committee, with only the royalty being struck. Discussion around all of the issues was pleasant and constructive and there was a clear vibe coming from the meeting room that all of the council members were not only well informed, but respectful and ready to legalize Sports Betting.

If the bill passes as-is, Sports Betting will be allowed at four professional sports venues in the nation’s capital. This would put Washington on the cutting edge of the latest trend, as the soon-to-be Las Vegas Raiders will have a casino at their new venue. The council is also looking to give each venue a bit of a monopoly, by keeping a two-block radius around each gaming venue free of competition. According to committee chairman Jack Evans, the idea is to “attempt to help” the gaming operators. There was some discussion about whether or not prohibiting Sports Betting close to the stadiums and arenas would be the right decision, but the language remained in the bill.

Another interesting discussion point was how to handle mobile wagering, and it appears that Evans is pushing for what he calls a “hybrid” situation. If the D.C. Lottery regulates Sports Betting in the District, it will have a Sports Betting app. However, should a league or team partner with a gaming property, as MLB, the NBA, the NHL and the Dallas Cowboys already have, that company will also have a Sports Betting app. In the case of the three pro leagues, all have partnered with MGM, which has its playMGM app. Evans said the bill allows for patrons to use the D.C. Lottery app while out and about town, but would limit fans to using the app of a designated gaming company within the confines of the stadium.

Evans said he deferred to the city’s chief financial officer in adding this language, as he feels it would be the most profitable for the District. However, the bill contains language that would allow the council to “pivot immediately” to a multiple app situation, should the lottery determine that’s necessary.

D.C. Sports Betting Bill Will Have First Reading on Dec. 4, Before Moving on to a Vote, Scheduled for Dec. 16
 

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