GamebetDC Could Be Axed by the DC Lottery

GamebetDC Sports Betting App Could Be on Borrowed Time

By Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer Updated: 03 February 2024

Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer

Amelia Walker is a Senior Content Writer at Betting.US. She has a law degree and deep knowledge of the gambling laws in the United States. Her mission is to keep players informed about responsible gambling, while her passion for sports helps her create useful guides. Amelia has over a decade of experience in betting, which has positioned her as a trusted voice among our readers.

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Sole-Source Contract Criticized

The arrangement between the DC Lottery and Intralot has come under heavy scrutiny, largely because it was established as a sole-source contract. This setup meant that there was no competitive bidding process. This is a decision that many believe might have directly contributed to GamebetDC’s underwhelming results.

It was further revealed that the DC Lottery is not looking to replace GamebetDC outright. Instead, the agency aims to revise its contract with Intralot, which could mean the operator has to hire a subcontractor.

At a recent meeting, DC Lottery leader Frank Suarez said:

It’s no secret that the private operators have a very strong brand, so they’re able to really able to use that branding and that advertising to draw in more players.

He added that the DC Lottery wanted a bigger brand and something that players would be more satisfied with. Suarez added that the familiarity of a big-name operator would also be welcomed by sports bettors in the area, and this is why the changes need to be made.

The strategy suggests that, while the sports wagering contract itself is not up for bid, the mobile app could soon feature the branding of more recognized online sportsbook operators, such as BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and FanDuel. These big-name operators already provide retail betting within Washington, DC, and many bettors feel more reassured when using these household names for sports betting activities.

Currently, operators like BetMGM and FanDuel are limited to offering mobile wagering within a restricted radius of their retail locations. On the other hand, GamebetDC boasts city-wide accessibility, other than in federal buildings.

Persistent Operational Challenges

GamebetDC has come under fire due to various operational issues that have impacted users. Bettors have encountered less favorable odds compared to standard offerings, according to data. On top of this, the 2022 Super Bowl resulted in chaos for bettors, as the app malfunctioned for iPhone users during one of the most bet-on events in the U.S.

Recent updates to the app have also imposed limits on bet sizes. This has led to a growing trend of bettors in Washington, DC traveling to Maryland or Virginia for better odds and access to well-known platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel.

Officials state that the coming months will be crucial for the DC Lottery as it works its way through various challenges in a bid to improve sports betting in the nation’s capital. The Lottery will also have to deal with the views of both politicians and bettors.