District of Columbia 18 and Up Sports Betting Sites For 2024

Though not a state, the District of Columbia acts a lot like one and is similarly empowered to make its own laws. In 2018, Washington D.C. legalized 18+ sports betting, partnering with Intralot to offer online and in-stadium wagering to those aged 18 and up. William Hill followed in 2020, erecting an in-person sportsbook at Capital One Arena.

Washington, D.C., has the best of both worlds because they also have access to 18-and-up international sportsbook sites.  If you want the most bang for your buck when wagering on teams like the Washington Commanders, Wizards, Nationals, and more, offshore 18+ sports betting sites are the way to go.

Top Rated 18+ Washington, DC Sports Betting Sites

Sportsbook	Bonus	USA	Rating	Visit
	50% Bonus Up To $1,000		5/5	Visit SiteReview
	125% Bonus Up To $3,125		4.8/5	Visit SiteReview
	50% Bonus Up To $500		4.1/5	Visit SiteReview
	50% Bonus Up To $1,000		4.2/5	Visit SiteReview
	50% Bonus Up To $1,000		4.1/5	Visit SiteReview

Can I wager on sports in the District of Columbia at age 18?

Yes, you can! The District of Columbia recently legalized sports wagering through the DC Lottery, and sportsbook William Hill recently built a station at Capital One Arena, and you only have to be 18 to sign up and play. Of course, you can expand your options greatly by shopping lines at offshore sportsbooks, which also set their age limit to just 18 years old.

Is it legal to wager at 18+ online sportsbooks in Washington, DC?

Yes, it is 100% legal to use the DC Lottery’s sports betting platform, provided you’re at least 18 years old. Offshore books do not have quite the same legal status, existing in somewhat of a gray area. That is, they are not explicitly illegal to use through any city or US gambling laws. This being the case, bettors are not violating any specific gambling or criminal laws by wagering at reputable offshore betting sites in the District of Columbia.

Are sports betting sites safe to use for DC residents?

The DC Lottery’s sportsbook is perfectly safe to use, but so are offshore sportsbooks! That said, it’s important to understand the importance of using only the top, most trusted brands on the Internet.

The sites we recommend have all been posting lines for bettors in the District of Columbia for years, and they use the latest security protocols to guarantee a smooth, safe experience. Best of all, offshore books all accept Bitcoin, which is an option you’re not likely to get through the DC Lottery.

Did the PASPA ruling set the stage for legal sports betting in the District of Columbia?

When the Supreme Court overturned PASPA in May 2018, it had a big effect on the city. The District of Columbia reacted to the ruling faster than the majority of legal sports betting states, seizing the opportunity to legalize sports wagering within its borders.

In December, the DC City Council voted 11-2 to authorize the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act, though it has taken several months to contract with Intralot.

Pending Sports Betting Bills and Laws in Washington DC

There are currently no pending sports betting bills in Washington D.C. After the city legalized the pastime in 2018, the only issues to arise have been those surrounding the selection of the city’s sportsbook partner (Intralot).

18+ City-Licensed Sportsbooks in the District of Columbia

The District of Columbia legalized sports wagering for those aged 18+, and online betting is the focus. However, the law also allows wagering at sporting arenas and stadiums as well as at lottery retail locations.

The only restriction in the law is that bettors won’t be able to put money on any college teams from Washington, D.C., nor will they be able to bet on NCAA games being played inside the District. If you’re a big fan of Georgetown, for example, offshore betting is going to be a better choice.

Legal Football Betting Options For 18+ In D.C.

18 & Up College Football Betting In Washington, D.C.

The Nation’s Capitol is friendly to online NCAAF betting, and if you’re after the best available online, check the table of options above for Washington, D.C.’s best pro football sportsbook sites for ages 18 and over. Game lines, prop bets, futures, and all other popular wagers are up for the taking 24 hours a day. Bonus cash offers are also available that add extra cash to bankrolls – don’t try that at a domestic football book in D.C. Check out our best NCAAF sportsbook sites as well as their options for CFP betting today.

Over 18 NFL Betting In Washington, D.C.

Laying some action on the Washington Commanders and all other pro football franchises can be done at the top 18+ NFL sportsbook sites that we recommend for D.C. gamblers, and we suggest that anyone reading should consider joining up with one or more of them. Super Bowl betting is a breeze when visiting these sites because their championship football odds are available all year long. We find that these sportsbook sites offer a much larger selection of NFL odds and lines than their domestic counterparts, so check each of them out and see what we mean.

Professional and College Teams in Washington DC

The sports scene in Washington, DC, is jam-packed with hometown favorites across all the major American sports. On the betting boards, the most popular of these is the Washington Redskins of the NFL, which is actually the only DC team that isn’t based in the city itself. (The Redskins are headquartered in Ashburn, VA, and play their home games in Landover, MD.) On the college side, particularly during March Madness each year, the Hoyas are the undisputed kings of the city.

Major Professional Teams:

D.C. United: MLS (Washington DC)
Washington Capitals: NHL (Washington DC)
Washington Mystics: WNBA (Washington DC)
Washington Nationals: MLB (Washington DC)
Washington Commanders: NFL (Ashburn, VA)
Washington Wizards: NBA (Washington DC)
Baltimore Ravens: NFL (Baltimore, MD)

NCAA Division I Teams:

American Eagles: Patriot (Washington DC)
George Washington Colonials: Atlantic 10 (Washington DC)
Georgetown Hoyas: Big East (Washington)
Howard Bison and Lady Bison: MEAC (Washington)

Legal Minimum Gambling Age in the District of Columbia

Technically, there is no legal minimum gambling age in the District of Columbia because there are no casinos or horse tracks in the city to offer gambling in the first place. However, nothing in Washington D.C. laws suggest that it is illegal to enjoy these activities at offshore websites, where all the top providers only require their members to be 18 or older to join and play.

Other Forms of Legal 18+ Gambling in the District of Columbia

Aside from sports betting, the only other legal 18+ forms of gambling in the District of Columbia are the lottery, bingo, and various charitable games. If you’re looking for casino games, slot machines, or horse racing betting, you won’t find anything locally. However, all the best online sports betting sites also offer full casino gaming and racebook options, and you only need a single account to enjoy them all.

Additional Resources

Gambling and sports betting are fun hobbies, but addiction can be dangerous. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, you can get help by visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling.