- Bowser bets on gaming to counter D.C.’s shrinking revenues
- Council weighs poker, blackjack, and bingo legalization proposal
- New gambling plan aims to boost tourism and fill budget holes
Washington, D.C. is facing deepening fiscal pressure from federal job cuts and downsizing under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), shrinking tax revenues from empty offices, and the ongoing loss of tourism and entertainment dollars to Maryland and Virginia. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s latest bet? Legalizing poker, blackjack, and bingo to bring back revenue and visitors.
Bowser has now formally introduced the Poker and Blackjack Gaming Authorization Act, which would license and regulate live commercial poker and blackjack in bars, hotels, and other licensed venues for those over 18, WJLA (ABC 7 News Washington) reports. It would also “legalize lotteries, daily numbers games, and bingo and raffles for charitable purposes” in the district.
Under the proposal, operators would pay a $5,000 application fee for a two-year license, plus an additional $2,000 per location. Poker and blackjack revenue would be taxed at 25%, bingo at 7.5%. Bowser’s 2026 budget proposal includes a provision to expand the Office of Lottery and Gaming to oversee the new market.
The administration is hesitant to project how much revenue the market could generate, noting that it will depend on how many operators choose to participate.
‘Not Standing Still’
The bill could prove to be a heavy lift. Similar measures were stripped from Bowser’s earlier budget proposal after facing opposition.
Nevertheless, Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie told WJLA the move is a signal that the D.C. Council is not idly standing by in the face of economic adversity.
I think it’s another clear message that the mayor, the deputy mayor, and this city is sending, despite everything around us, that Washington D.C. is not standing still,” McDuffie said. “Rather we are investing in our future and proving that inclusive growth, innovation, and economic opportunity are central to our story here in the District of Columbia,” McDuffie said, signaling that D.C. will not stand still amid external pressures.”
Sports Betting Misfire
D.C.’s track record with gambling initiatives has been mixed. The district introduced sports betting in 2019, but it was initially undercooked and over-juiced. The Council awarded the sole contract to Greek operator Intralot a $215 million, no-bid deal that was later investigated for fraud.
Intralot offered a high-hold model, which promised the DC Council high percentage returns, but ultimately proved to be uncompetitive because by design it offered players lousy odds. “Hold” refers to the percentage of bets the operator keeps after winning bets are paid out.
In 2024, McDuffie spearheaded legislation that broke the monopoly and opened up the market to competition, which made an immediate impact on D.C.’s sports betting revenues.
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