DC Council Reviews Proposed iGaming Bill Amid Industry Support and Opposition

The Council of the District of Columbia has begun reviewing new legislation that would legalise online casino gaming in Washington, D.C., while also prohibiting sweepstakes casinos.

Lawmakers recently held a public hearing on the proposal, hearing testimony from both gaming industry representatives and anti-gambling advocates as debate continues over the future of iGaming in the district.

Councilmember Wendell Felder originally introduced the “Internet Gaming and Consumer Protection Act of 2026” on April 9, 2026. The bill aims to expand the district’s existing gambling framework by authorising regulated online casino operations under the supervision of the Office of Lottery and Gaming.

Representatives from several major gambling operators, including Caesars Entertainment, FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM, attended the hearing to voice support for the measure.

Matt Scalf, Senior Government Affairs Manager at DraftKings, told lawmakers:

“Nearly two years ago, the council passed legislation to modernise the district’s online sports wagering market. This bill represents a natural next step, building on the district’s success by joining eight states in authorising igaming as part of the district’s existing well-regulated gaming framework overseen by the Office of Lottery and Gaming.”

Supporters of the legislation argued that the proposal would create a structured and regulated online gaming market with safeguards for consumers and clear oversight mechanisms.

Matthew Frumin, Chair of the Committee on Human Services, said:

“This legislation establishes a comprehensive licensing framework, including a consumer protection plan, responsible gaming requirements, taxation, reporting, and an enforcement framework administered by the Office of Lottery and Gaming.”

Under the terms of the proposed legislation, operators seeking to enter the market would be required to pay a $2 million licence application fee. Companies would also face a $500,000 renewal fee for each subsequent licence period. Licences would remain valid for five years, while operators would be subject to a 25% tax on gaming revenue generated through online casino activity.

Despite strong backing from industry stakeholders, opponents of the bill also raised concerns during the hearing, particularly regarding the social impact of expanded gambling and whether legalisation would effectively curb illegal gaming activity.

Les Bernal, who testified against the proposal on behalf of the anti-gambling organisation Stop Predatory Gambling, questioned claims that regulated online casinos would reduce participation in illicit gambling markets.

Bernal remarked:

“This is like putting Dracula in charge of the blood bank.”

No vote was taken following the hearing, and the legislation remains under committee review as council members continue evaluating both the potential economic benefits and the possible risks associated with legalising online casino gaming in the nation’s capital.

By fLEXI tEAM