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The landscape of gaming in Washington, DC, is on the cusp of a significant transformation. At the heart of this potential evolution is the city’s mayor, who has put forth a proposal that could introduce live dealer blackjack and poker games to the capital. This move aims to diversify the city’s entertainment offerings and generate new streams of tax revenue.

Currently, Washington, DC, boasts a city-run lottery and both retail and mobile sports betting platforms. However, Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) envisions expanding this gambling portfolio to include popular table games as part of her proposed fiscal year 2026 budget. The budget outlines $11.9 billion in local spending and includes a variety of economic development initiatives geared towards bolstering the city’s economy.

Expanding Gaming in DC: A Closer Look at the Budget

This push for an expanded Washington DC gaming environment comes at a time when DC is experiencing notable shifts in its economic landscape, partly due to a reduction of approximately 40K federal workers during President Donald Trump’s second administration. According to Mayor Bowser, new sources of tax revenue are essential for sustaining and growing the city’s economy.

If the Council of the District of Columbia greenlights this initiative, businesses interested in offering poker and blackjack would navigate through an application process managed by the city’s Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG). An application fee set at $5,000 and annual renewals costing $1,500 are part of the proposed financial framework for interested parties. Additionally, establishments looking to add these table games in DC would be subject to a yearly “card gaming endorsement” from the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration at a cost of $500.

Under this proposed legislation, operators would remit 25% of their DC casino games revenues to the city. The OLG would oversee regulation and compliance while requiring monthly financial reports to Glenn Lee, DC’s chief financial officer.

Blackjack stands as one of America’s favorite casino table games alongside poker, roulette, and craps. Its popularity suggests that introducing such games within Washington, DC could significantly appeal not only to residents but also attract visitors seeking diverse entertainment options.

Interestingly enough, Mayor Bowser’s vision does not exclude existing retail sportsbooks from incorporating these new table games into their premises. With prominent sports venues like Nationals Park already housing BetMGM Sportsbook and Capital One Arena featuring Caesars Sportsbook for retail betting enthusiasts; integrating blackjack and poker could further elevate the spectator experience.

Moreover, with plans underway for an NFL venue home to Washington Commanders at RFK campus—a return anticipated by many fans—adding table games could become another magnet drawing visitors from near and far.

Despite this ambitious drive towards broadening gambling activities in DC, city officials have expressed no interest in pursuing full-scale casinos—a stance that undoubtedly keeps MGM Resorts International breathing easy given its operation of MGM National Harbor across the Potomac River in Maryland.

Nina Albert, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development in DC spoke with ABC7 News outlining that exploring various growth avenues—including sports entertainment—is crucial for ensuring sustained tax revenue generation and job creation within the district.

For more insights on how legislative changes can influence gaming landscapes, read about the online casino legislative discussions and the impact of sports betting taxes in other states. Stay updated with our latest updates on gaming news and more.