DC Council Hears Heated Arguments on New Casino Bill
The DC Council began its hearings this week on whether the state should proceed with its controversial new gambling bill.
The council heard from ‘for’ and ‘against’ voices on whether regulated online gambling would be good for Washington, D.C. Trade groups also spoke in favor of the bill and were largely supportive.
At a Glance:
- Public hearings begin on whether new gambling bill should proceed
- Internet Gaming and Consumer Protection Act of 2026 was proposed last month
- Online casinos would be regulated under the new law
- Council chair, Matt Frumin, keen to “protect consumers” with new bill
- 25% online gambling tax could prove a sticking point going forward
Under Bill 26–0656 (Internet Gaming and Consumer Protection Act of 2026), online casinos will be fully regulated in D.C. Operators will be taxed, and strict geolocation measures will be implemented.
Unlicensed platforms prove that gambling is present in DC
Matt Frumin called the DC Council debate and started by arguing that online casinos are already available from offshore operators. Unlicensed sites operate from outside U.S. borders and aren’t subject to any tax.
“The question before us is not whether online gaming happens,” he said. “The question is whether the district will continue allowing millions of dollars to flow outside of our oversight and outside of our economy or whether we will regulate it responsibly, protect consumers, and generate revenue that benefits district residents.”
Sweepstakes casinos in the firing line
Many online sweepstakes casinos do operate in D.C. They offer as close to an online casino experience as possible, without financial risk.
However, in preparation for future regulation, Washington would probably outlaw sweepstakes altogether. Under the new internet gaming proposals, sweepstakes casinos would be banned from offering dual-currency games.
During the hearing, Frumin openly questioned whether sweepstakes casino betting was, in fact, any different from regular casino play.
Caesars among operators supporting new bill
Unsurprisingly, online gambling operators like Caesars Casino are on board with the new D.C. gambling bill.
Speaking to the DC Council, Caesars Entertainment VP of online gaming, Ricardo Cornneo Rivas, said, “Mobile sports wagering has shown what a well-regulated competitive market can deliver in the district. Tax revenue is flowing to the general fund. Residents have access to safe, secure platforms with robust, responsible gaming tools, and licensed operators such as us are pushing illegal offshore sites to the sidelines.
"iGaming will build upon that proven foundation."
Will DC wait and see how the Virginia gambling bill fares?
The DC Council will continue to hear both sides as the state weighs up opening its online gambling market.
State legislators will keep a close eye on neighboring Virginia, however, to judge its own recent gambling expansion.
Virginia is pushing ahead with online casino expansion this year. A narrow 9-6 vote has effectively greenlit regulated online casinos and sweepstakes in the Old Dominion.
Like D.C., Virginia is pushing for a centralized regulatory body to oversee all forms of gambling in the state. That could prove to be a successful model for the nation's capital if its competing interests can align.
