The bill passed thanks to an 11 to 2 vote, adding to the seven states that have already regulated sports wagering – as well as one casino in New Mexico offering a sportsbook.
The DC Lottery will oversee sports betting under the conditions of the bill, which was written by council member Jack Evans.
“We’re entering into new territory with sports gaming,” Evans is quoted as saying before the vote.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) reacted positively to the news in a statement, although it did highlight “deep concerns” about the lottery’s “virtual monopoly in the mobile market.”
In the statement, Sara Slane, AGA Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, said: “We are encouraged by the DC City Council’s vote today to authorise sports wagering in the district. This decision represents a step in the right direction when it comes to protecting consumers and the integrity of sports.
“While the vote today is progress, we remain deeply concerned about giving the lottery a virtual monopoly in the mobile market. Predictably, this will result in less investment and innovation, to the detriment of consumers and the ability of a nascent legal marketplace to compete with the accessibility and convenience offered by many established illegal wagering operations.”
