Two More Locations In D.C. Apply For Sports Betting License

• Two restaurants want to open a sportsbook in Washington D.C.
• Both locations are aiming to offer mobile wagering without a retail sportsbook.
• D.C. sports betting is currently legal, but it is not active yet.

WASHINGTON – Shaw’s Tavern and The Bottom Line have both applied for a sports betting license this past week.

What To Expect

Both of these two locations are restaurants that have licensees to sell alcohol. Because of that, they have licenses that are under control of the D.C. Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration. According to the Administration, both locations have filed for a sports betting license.

With the way legal sports betting in D.C. is designed, the two restaurants are taking a different path to gain a sportsbook. Restaurants and bars in D.C. can apply for a Class B sports betting license.

A Class B license will allow both of these restaurants to offer a mobile sportsbook without needing to open a retail one. However, the mobile sportsbook in both of these locations is restricted to being on-site. Meaning that leaving the restaurant will mean that bettors cannot place their wagers. Class B locations will also have to pay a $100,000 fee to get their sports betting license.

Troubles Launching In D.C.

These two restaurants are also allowed to partner with any sports betting provider. They do not have to work with Intralot, the sole provider for Class A sports betting license holders.

Sports betting was legalized in D.C. back in February of 2019. But multiple delays and problems with Intralot has prevented sportsbooks from actually launching. The D.C. Lottery only started accepting sports betting license applications in December of 2019.

According to the application, the first hearing for these two restaurants will take place on February 24. After that, a second hearing is needed on April 8. Thanks to the process to obtain a sports betting license in D.C., neither location will be able to take bets on March Madness or the Super Bowl.

News tags: D.C. Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration | Intralot | March Madness | Shaw’s Tavern | Super Bowl | The Bottom Line | Washington DC