Washington, D.C. could soon expand its gambling laws, with Mayor Muriel Bowser proposing a plan to legalize commercial poker, blackjack, and bingo tournaments as part of her 2026 budget agenda. The initiative aims to stimulate local business and create new revenue streams by tapping into the city’s growing interest in regulated gaming.
Under the proposal, hotels would be allowed to host poker and blackjack tournaments, while bingo games would be permitted at restaurants. The Office of Lottery and Gaming would issue two-year licenses for a $5,000 application fee, plus $2,000 per location offering card games.
“This is an affordable entry point compared to gaming licenses in other cities,” said Ian Thomas, a gaming law attorney. “It suggests that small and midsized businesses could get involved.”
The plan includes a 25% tax on gross gaming revenue for card games and a 7.5% tax for bingo receipts. Businesses offering bingo would pay a $300 endorsement fee instead of a full license. The entire program is expected to cost the city $249,000 in FY 2026 and $1 million through 2029, with additional funding needed for hiring regulatory staff.
While D.C. already offers legal sports betting, this would mark the city’s first foray into in-person casino-style games. The plan would require significant infrastructure and regulatory development. Thomas noted the initial challenges: “There’s going to be a lot of front-end work, especially with security and compliance protocols.”
Another issue is community acceptance. Thomas emphasized the need for clear regulations and guardrails, including protections against problem gambling—an area left out of the 2026 budget. “If we’re expanding gambling, we need to support those who may be negatively affected,” he said.
The D.C. Council must still debate and approve the final budget by August. If passed, the initiative could reshape how the District approaches in-person gaming, offering both economic opportunity and regulatory challenges ahead.
