Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is exploring innovative avenues to diversify the city’s revenue streams. Embedded within her 2026 budget proposal is a plan to expand the legal gaming industry beyond sports betting, aiming to include traditional casino-style games. This initiative would potentially introduce poker, blackjack, and bingo to the District’s gambling landscape, aligning it more closely with other regulated states across the nation.
Strengthening the Hospitality Industry Through Gaming Expansion
If approved by the DC Council, this legislation would mark the city’s first venture into live, in-person table games. The proposed rules would permit hotels to host blackjack and poker tournaments, while bars and social venues could offer bingo games. A new licensing framework, managed by the Office of Lottery and Gaming, would oversee these activities, ensuring compliance with established regulations and standards.
Businesses interested in hosting card games would be required to pay an application fee of $5,000 for a two-year license. Additional fees of $2,000 per location would apply. The city also plans to impose a 25% tax on gross gaming revenue. To lower barriers for smaller operators, the 2026 budget proposes a minimal $300 licensing fee for bingo providers, along with a 7.5% tax on their earnings, fostering a more accessible gaming environment.
While these measures are gaining significant support, they face one critical obstacle: the approval of the DC Council. Lawmakers are expected to review the proposal over the coming weeks, with a decisive vote anticipated by August. Mayor Bowser remains optimistic, emphasizing that this expansion could not only invigorate the hospitality sector but also create a new revenue stream for the city’s government.
Overcoming Challenges in Implementing New Gaming Options
According to WTOP and legal expert Ian Thomas, DC’s proposed licensing fees are among the lowest in the country, likely designed to attract small and medium-sized operators. However, he cautions that introducing these new forms of gambling will involve considerable hurdles, both regulatory and operational.
“This could be an in-person opportunity, but the specifics will depend heavily on how the plan is regulated, licensed, and overseen, which could influence the overall experience and compliance,”
Ian Thomas, Gaming Law Attorney
Thomas also pointed out that the current budget does not allocate specific funds for responsible gambling initiatives. The Division of Behavioral Health currently provides treatment services for gambling addiction, accessible to all residents. However, the expansion of gaming options will likely necessitate increased investment in addiction prevention and recovery programs to address potential social impacts.
DC’s legal sports betting market, launched in 2020, has already attracted major operators and generated substantial revenue for the city. Mayor Bowser envisions that adding in-person table games could replicate this success, helping the District leverage gaming as a tool for economic development and tourism growth, similar to other states that have embraced casino-style gaming.
