The Office of Lottery and Gaming (DC Lottery) announced the release of its proposed rules governing District-operated sports wagering on January 31. These proposed
rules, published in the District of Columbia Register, support implementation of the DC Lottery’s sports wagering mobile application and website as authorized by the Sports Wagering
Lottery Amendment Act of 2018. The proposed rules are subject to a 30-day public comment period before they can be formally adopted.
“As the District’s gaming regulator and operator for the last 37 years, the DC Lottery offers brand integrity, responsible gambling controls, and distribution networks valuable to
regulated sports wagering,” said Office of Lottery and Gaming Executive Director Beth Bresnahan. “We look forward to soon offering a sports book and supporting sales channels that
are socially acceptable, transparent, easy to understand, tailored to the market’s demand and maximize revenue to support the District’s vital programs and services.”
By law, mobile and online bettors must be physically located in the District of Columbia and in a location within the District not otherwise prohibited by law to place a wager through the
DC Lottery’s app or website. Geolocation technology will be employed to enforce compliance with these District and federal requirements.
Players must be 18 years old or older and sign up for a DC Lottery sports wagering account. When registering for a new account, players will be required to securely submit proof of
identity and age so “Know Your Customer” compliance procedures can be undertaken.
In order to promote responsible gaming, the DC Lottery’s sports wagering digital platforms will also feature player-controlled settings that include time, deposit and spending
limits.
The DC Lottery anticipates a March 2020 launch of its sports wagering mobile app and website. Draft rules governing sports wagering at licensed DC Lottery retailers will be proposed
in Spring 2020 for an anticipated roll out of the program in the Fall, following an upgrade of Lottery terminals and other equipment necessary to support the retail sports wagering network.
