GambetDC, the DC Lottery’s sportsbook, has partnered with local businesses in the District of Columbia area to help them launch their own sportsbooks and provide in-person sports betting to their patrons.
The area’s well-known local businesses offering sports betting include Ben’s Next Door, Lou’s City Bar, Takoma Station Tavern, and Dirty Water.
GambetDC, which is powered by DC Lottery, is focused on supporting local businesses in their effort to bounce back from the pandemic.
The local businesses opening their own sportsbook with the help of the GambetDC will receive a boost in revenue resulting from a 5% commission on all sports betting sales and a 1% commission on the cashing of sports betting products.
Locations initiating the in-person sports betting program are observing the occasion by hosting big events for their customers on July 30 from 7pm to midnight. The events will showcase the new self-service sports betting kiosks and provide a look at the future ahead for businesses that partner with GambetDC.
These simultaneous events will also feature local sports figures like Brian Mitchell, Rick ‘Doc’ Walker, Fred Smoot, and Santana Moss, as well as prizes, programming, and more for those in attendance.
Kamal Ali, Owner of Ben’s Next Door, commented: “The pandemic was the biggest challenge I’ve ever had to experience; we lost 85% of our staff. Getting our night shift back has helped, but there still is work to be done. Now we’ve got this new way to bring people in for them to have fun, and it’s going to be wonderful.”
Mark Helliwell, Managing Partner of Lou’s City Bar, called adding sports betting an “easy decision”, while Chris DeFelice, Owner of Dirty Water, declared the partnership with GambetDC “game-changing”.
David Boyd, Owner of Takoma Station Tavern, added: “Takoma Station Tavern is extremely excited to offer another form of entertainment to our establishment, community, and our Takoma family. We are happy to offer in-house sports wagering alongside our live music and great food and drink options.”
The people of the District are getting a win through this program as well, as revenue from the GambetDC program goes back to DC through the city’s General Fund.
Nicole Jordan, Director of Marketing & Communications for DC Lottery, stated: “We are excited to support these iconic local businesses and to help them return from the pandemic better than they were when it started. Together, GambetDC and these local businesses are going to prove that betting on DC is always a good decision.”
