Sports Betting Legalization Bill Introduced In DC

WASHINGTON, DC -- Could sports betting become legal in the District of Columbia? D.C. Councilmember Jack Evans announced Tuesday morning he would introduce a bill to do just that.

Evans tweeted that he would introduce the "Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018" during the Council's Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday.

"The legislation's purpose is to legalize sports betting in D.C. while creating strong regulatory structures that ensure consumer confidence," he wrote.

Today I will introduce the "Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018" during the Council's Committee of the Whole meeting. The legislation's purpose is to legalize sports betting in D.C. while creating strong regulatory structures that ensure consumer confidence. pic.twitter.com/zi4UBV4fvC
— Jack Evans (@JackEvansWard2) September 18, 2018

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In a statement, Evans pointed to the fact that in May, the Supreme Court reversed a 1992 law that banned sports betting, paving the way for states to start legalizing it. Sports betting is legal in five states today: Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Mississippi, and West Virginia.

Additionally, the Hollywood Casino opened in Charlestown, W.V. last month, moving sports betting that much closer to the District with the general manager of the casino telling the Washington Post that they were specifically targeting D.C.-area residents.

"Today, we take the first steps towards capturing this exciting new stream of revenue, instead of watching District resident dollars fill the coffers of other jurisdictions," Evans said in the statement.

Councilmembers Mary Cheh, Brandon Todd, and Vincent Gray are co-introducers of the bill, which will be referred to the Committee on Finance and Revenue.

(Photo by Mark Makela/Getty Images)