BetMGM, already live in Virginia, has launched its sports betting app in Washington, D.C., within a two-block radius of Nationals Park.
The Nationals and BetMGM announced a partnership agreement in January to put a retail sportsbook at Nationals Park and the mobile app within the permitted area around the stadium. The launch of the Virginia online sports betting app was announced Thursday.
The BetMGM app is now available for download on both iOS and Android in Washington, D.C., according to a news release. The retail sportsbook hasn't yet opened.
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"Launching in Washington, D.C., at Nationals Park sets the stage for our plans to expand BetMGM within the region, as we've already seen great success in Virginia," Adam Greenblatt, chief executive officer of BetMGM, said in the release. "The Washington Nationals have been a fantastic partner, committed to innovating the in-stadium fan experience and we're looking forward to opening our retail sportsbook at the stadium later this year."
MGM National Harbor is near the ballpark. BetMGM recently announced a partnership with the Baltimore Ravens to be an official sportsbook operator. Maryland expects to launch at least its retail market before or during the NFL season.
"As a leader in delivering monumental experiences, today is a very exciting day for MGM National Harbor,” Jorge Perez, president and MGM National Harbor, said in the release. “This becomes the first of many offerings we are developing to seamlessly connect sports and entertainment across the DMV, providing fans with unique opportunities to interact with our world-class resort and casino."
Could BetMGM Boost DC Market?
The BetMGM app joins a struggling sports betting market. In D.C., the April handle was just $10.74 million. The only online option available to the entire district is GambetDC run by the D.C. Lottery. But the D.C. sports-betting law allows for pro teams in the district to have sportsbooks.
William Hill’s sports betting app can be used within a two-block radius of the Capitol One Center, which also houses a William Hill retail sportsbook. Last October, FanDuel and the DC United announced a sports betting partnership which will allow the gaming operator to bring a retail sportsbook to Audi Field.
For their part, the Nationals are happy the BetMGM app is now available near their stadium. Beginning June 11, the Nationals will be able to fill the stadium to full capacity.
"As our official sports betting partner, BetMGM further enhances the greatest in-venue fan experience in Washington, D.C. through its state-of-the-art entertainment products and services," Alan Gottlieb, chief operating office of Lerner Sports Group, said in the release. "The BetMGM mobile app will enable our fans to engage with the game in new and exciting ways, while the BetMGM sportsbook connected to Nationals Park will provide Nationals fans and the D.C. community with a first-class gathering place to celebrate their passion for sports."
Meanwhile, the Virginia sports betting market, currently all online as casinos are waiting to be built, is thriving. In just its third full month, Virginia sports betting and the state in April posted a handle of $236.4 million. In March, it topped $300 million for the first time.
