Replacement of GambetDC Sports Betting App Online Betting

Rumors Emerge Over Replacement of GambetDC Sports Betting App

By Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief Updated: 23 March 2024

Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief

Blake Roberts is the founder of Betting.US and is currently heading the creative team as Editor in Chief. Born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, Blake is a great sports fan, with football and basketball being his favorite. He’s our trusted voice for all betting-related matters.

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According to reports, there could be a major shake-up within Washington D.C.’s sports betting market. Rumors have emerged regarding the replacement of the heavily criticized GambetDC mobile sports wagering application. According to some reports, the leading sports betting operator FanDuel might step in to replace GambetDC.

Executive Director Frank Suarez of the Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) recently wrote to the DC City Council. In his letter, he discussed OLG’s approval of a request by GambetDC operator, Intralot, to transfer operations to FanDuel. FanDuel is a subsidiary of Dublin-based Flutter Entertainment and has become a household name across the United States over recent years.

In his letter, Suarez stated:

OLG and Intralot have evaluated the current platform and believe that FanDuel and its industry leading platform will perform better within the highly competitive DMV region. Having a national, market-leading platform will help to quickly improve the player experience and drive significant revenue growth.

GambetDC has faced widespread criticism, primarily due to its performance and the circumstances surrounding its contract.

Controversy Over Contract Between OLG and Intralot

The agreement between OLG and Intralot, GambetDC’s operator, has been at the center of controversy. This is because it is a sole-source contract that bypassed competitive bidding processes.

This lack of competition is said to be one of the factors contributing to GambetDC’s questionable performance. Despite being operational for nearly four years, GambetDC reported losses of $4 million in 2021 and has generated only $8.5 million in tax revenue for the District.

During a January meeting of the D.C. Council’s Committee on Business and Economic Development, Suarez spoke about the need for a reputable brand with high customer satisfaction levels, hinting at the need for change.

The idea of replacing GambetDC has gained popularity among council members who were critical of the Intralot contract’s lack of competition and the app’s questionable performance. Many bettors in the District have opted to use sports betting platforms in neighboring states such as Maryland or Virginia due to GambetDC’s performance.

Economic Benefits of the Change

While a specific timeline for the change from GambetDC to FanDuel has not yet been disclosed, the move could mean economic benefits for the city. FanDuel has agreed to pay a $5 million conversion fee within 37 days of taking over operations from GambetDC.

FanDuel would also take over Intralot’s annual operating payments to the city, estimated at $2 million to $4 million. If OLG extends its agreement with Intralot, which seems more likely with FanDuel’s involvement, the city stands to receive $10 million in guaranteed payments over four years starting from July 2025.

In addition to taking over operations, FanDuel would be managing the 63 GambetDC kiosks currently located in lottery retailers across the District.

This could mark a significant turning point in Washington D.C.’s sports betting market, and it could help to address a range of longstanding concerns. Also, many believe that this change will help to enhance the sports betting market in DC with a new, more competitive player.