District of Columbia Responsible Gambling: Rules, Regulations & Guidelines

The District of Columbia legalized sports betting through the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018, which became law on May 3, 2019, after clearing congressional review. The legislation established a unique dual-role structure where the Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) serves as both regulator and operator of sports wagering in the nation’s capital.

What distinguishes the District’s approach is its multi-tiered licensing system designed to balance commercial opportunity with local economic development. The framework creates three distinct operator classes: Class A licenses for major sports venues, Class B licenses for private facilities, and Class C licenses enabling D.C.-based professional sports teams to partner with mobile operators.

The District mandates comprehensive responsible gambling programs as a statutory requirement. The OLG’s Responsible Gambling Program establishes the framework for minimizing gambling-related harm while generating revenue for the District.

The District’s self-exclusion program operates as a centralized, government-administered system covering all gambling activities under OLG jurisdiction. Individuals can self-exclude through a single enrollment process that prevents participation across all legal gambling channels.

At a Glance

OLG-Administered Self-Exclusion Program

The District of Columbia maintains a centralized self-exclusion program administered by the Office of Lottery and Gaming. The program enables individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from all forms of legal gambling under OLG jurisdiction for predetermined periods. Self-exclusion in D.C. is comprehensive—individuals cannot limit exclusion to specific gambling types.

Enrollment options include completing the application online through the OLG website, scheduling an in-person appointment at OLG headquarters (2235 Shannon Place SE, Washington, DC 20020), or enrolling at any Class A or Class B sports wagering facility. Contact the OLG’s Responsible Gambling Specialist, Donna White, at (202) 788-2102 or olgresponsiblegaming@dc.gov.

Consequences of self-exclusion are substantial. Enrolled individuals are prohibited from collecting winnings, recovering losses, or accepting complimentary gifts or services from any OLG-licensed facility. All money or items converted to wagering instruments are subject to withholding.

Problem Gambling Resources and Support

The District dedicates statutory funding to problem gambling prevention, treatment, and research. The Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act directs the first $200,000 of annual sports wagering tax revenue to fund programs through the Department of Behavioral Health.

The National Council on Problem Gambling operates the primary helpline at 1-800-522-4700. The helpline provides 24/7 access to trained counselors who offer crisis support, treatment referrals, and information about gambling addiction. Services are free and confidential. Individuals can also text 800GAM or access online chat.

Responsible gambling training is mandatory for OLG staff and operators. Owners and employees directly involved in lottery or sports wagering sales must complete training during onboarding and attend annual refresher training thereafter.

Three-Tier Licensing Structure

Class A Operator Licenses may be issued at four designated stadiums and arenas: Audi Field, Capital One Arena, Nationals Park, and St. Elizabeths East Entertainment and Sports Arena. Class A operators face 20% tax on gross sports wagering revenue.

Class B Operator Licenses authorize in-person and mobile sports wagering within licensed facilities. Class B operators pay 10% tax on gross sports wagering revenue.

Class C Operator Licenses permit eligible sports teams to operate mobile wagering district-wide. Class C operators pay 30% tax—the highest rate among license classes.

College Sports Betting Restrictions

The District prohibits wagering on any collegiate sports or athletic event that takes place within D.C. boundaries. Wagering is prohibited on any event in which District colleges participate, regardless of location. This ban applies to Georgetown Hoyas, George Washington Colonials, American Eagles, and all other D.C. collegiate teams.

Betting on college and university teams located outside the District is permitted. High school sports betting is prohibited entirely.

Learn More About Responsible Gambling Regulations in Other States

• Massachusetts
• Florida
• Rhode Island
• Connecticut
• Illinois
• Michigan
• Colorado
• New Jersey
• Nevada
• Delaware

Key Takeaways

The District implements responsible gambling through a centralized, government-administered model where the Office of Lottery and Gaming exercises dual authority as both regulator and operator. The integrated self-exclusion program covers all OLG-licensed gambling activities through single enrollment.

Statutory funding ensures the first $200,000 of annual sports wagering tax revenue funds problem gambling programs through the Department of Behavioral Health. The National Council on Problem Gambling’s 24/7 helpline serves as the primary crisis support resource.

The three-tier licensing structure creates differential tax burdens — Class A at 20%, Class B at 10%, and Class C at 30% — reflecting the District’s unique position as the nation’s capital with limited geographic area and concentration of major sports venues.

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