Washington DC council approves sports betting

After months of hearings and debate, the Washington DC city-state is about to become the next US sports betting jurisdiction following an 11 vs. 2 positive vote for legalisation under the “Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018” Tuesday,

The bill now needs only Mayor Muriel Bowser’s signature to enter law, with an early 2019 implementation date planned.

The bill creates two classes of sports gambling licenses, one for bars and restaurants and another for the four active, major sports venues in the District: Nationals Park, Capital One Arena, Audi Field and the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Ward 8. RFK Stadium was excluded from the list because it has no professional tenants and there are prohibitions against gambling on federal land.

Revenue that the District sees from sports betting will be dedicated to funding the city’s “Birth to Three” early childhood development program and the Neighborhood Safety and Engagement Fund, a Council spokesman revealed.

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