Welcome to our complete guide to Washington D.C. online casinos. Thanks for stopping by. Chances are you’re looking for a way to play slots or table games on your phone, right?
You’ve probably heard plenty of names in the online gambling industry: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, Chumba, McLuck, PokerStars, Bovada. The list goes on and on.
But here’s the real question: which of these sites and apps are actually legal in DC? And which ones are worth your time? That’s what we’ll get into today.
In this article, I’ll tell you about the best Washington DC online casinos that give you a chance to win real money. Plus, I’ll explain how the gambling laws work here and answer some common questions along the way. Let’s get started.
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Are Real Money Online Casinos Legal in Washington DC?
No. You can’t play at real-money online casinos in D.C.
The Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018, which took effect in 2019, legalized online sports betting. But it did not cover online casino games. And nothing has changed on that front since.
The Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) oversees all gambling here. They run the lottery and regulate sportsbooks, but they don’t hand out licenses for online casinos. At least not yet.
Now, you’ve probably seen DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars available here in DC. Those apps are all legal, yes… just not for casino play. That means you CAN place a bet on the Wizards or Nationals, but you CAN’T spin slots or play table games for real money in the District.
D.C. Sweepstakes Casinos – Legality & How They Work
So if real-money online casinos aren’t allowed, are you completely out of options? Nope. Sweepstakes casinos (called “social casinos” quite a bit, too) are completely legal in Washington, D.C.
The difference comes down to how they work. You’re not online, betting and gambling with cash. Instead, you play with two types of virtual currency.
Gold Coins (GC) are just for fun and can’t be redeemed, while Sweeps Coins (SC) carry real value because they can be exchanged for cash prizes once you meet the site’s requirements.
It’s a different setup than what you’d find on a traditional gambling site, but that’s the point. The whole “promotional sweepstakes” structure at these online casinos is designed to comply with D.C.’s gambling laws and give you a legal way to get in on the action.
Comparing the 5 Best Online Casinos in Washington D.C.
Now for the part most people come here to see.
In this section, I’ve put together my picks for the five best social casinos available to players in Washington, D.C. You’ll get a quick rundown of what each one brings to the table, how they stack up against each other, and the reasons they might be worth checking out.
By the time you’ve read through, you should have a clearer sense of which D.C. online casino lines up best with what you’re looking for.
| 🎰 Best DC Online Casinos | 🎉 No Deposit Bonus | 🏦 First Purchase Deal | 🎮 Number of Casino Games | 💸 Min. Redemption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. WOW Vegas | 250,000 WC + 5.00 SC | 1.5 Million WC for $9.99 + 30 FREE SC | 1,500+ | 25 SC |
| 2. McLuck | 7,500 GC + 2.50 SC | 100K GC for $9.99 + 30 FREE SC | 1,500+ | 10 SC |
| 3. Stake.us | 250,000 GC + 25.00 SC | N/A | 2,000+ | ~50 SC (Depends on Price of Crypto) |
| 4. LoneStar | 100,000 GC + 2.50 SC | 125K GC for $24.99 + 50 FREE SC | 500+ | 45 SC |
| 5. Crown Coins | 100K CC + 2 FREE SC | 900K CC for $14.99 + 45 FREE SC | 500+ | 50 SC |
1. WOW Vegas: Best Overall Online Casino for DC Players
- 🎁 Welcome Bonus: 1.75 Million WOW Coins + 35 FREE SC
- 🎉 Exclusive Promo Code: Click To Claim
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.1/5.0
Right now, WOW Vegas is my pick for the top online casino in Washington, D.C. It has more than 1,500 games to choose from; there’s everything from slots and live dealers to scratch cards and bingo.
The site also has daily promos (like Magic Mondays, Mega Wednesdays, and 10K Fridays); these give DC players something new to look forward to on a consistent basis. Plus, payouts are quick, and the mobile site works great on any phone.
You can dig into all the details in my full WOW Vegas Casino review.
2. McLuck Casino: Top Choice for Jackpots
- 🎁 Welcome Offer: 57.5K Gold Coins + 30 FREE SC
- 🎉 Exclusive Promo Code: ATSBONUS
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.1/5.0
McLuck is my top choice for jackpot games in Washington, D.C. The site has more than 1,500 slot titles to try, and every single one comes with a progressive jackpot attached.
There are four jackpot tiers: Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand. And they don’t reset until someone wins, which means the totals just keep on climbing. It’s pretty common to see six-figure prizes, and every so often, one will tip over into the millions.
McLuck also has a user-friendly mobile app and a very strong track record for treating players fairly. You can check out more in my full McLuck Casino review.
3. Stake.us Casino: Most Crypto-Friendly
- 🎁 Welcome Bonus: 250K Gold Coins + 25 Stake Cash on Sign Up
- 🎉 Exclusive Promo Code: ATSBONUS
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.5/5.0
At No. 3 on my list is Stake.us. And I consider it to be the best Washington D.C. online casino for crypto players. It’s one of the only sweepstakes sites in the city that lets you buy Gold Coins with crypto and then redeem your winnings straight back to your crypto wallet.
The game library is also pretty massive. I’m taking more than 2,000 games in total. On top of the usual online slots and live casino games, Stake.us also has its own “Stake Originals” like Plinko, Crash, Mines, and Dice, which you won’t find anywhere else.
For a deeper look at everything the site offers, check out my full Stake.us Casino review.
4. LoneStar Casino: Best Customer Support Team
- 🎁 Welcome Offer: 100K GC, 2.5 FREE SC, & 100% Match on 1st Purchase
- 🎉 Exclusive Promo Code: Click to Claim
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.0/5.0
At No. 4 in my rankings… we’ve got LoneStar Casino. The thing that makes it stand out isn’t the games; it’s customer support.
I know that’s not the first thing most people look for, but when you need help, it really matters. Their team is available 24/7, replies fast, and in my experience, they actually solve problems instead of just sending generic answers.
Of course, the rest holds up, too. LoneStar has a solid lineup of 500+ games and even gives new players a 100% match on their first purchase. You can find more helpful info in my honest LoneStar Casino review.
5. Crown Coins Casino: Best Mobile App for iOS & Android
- 🎁 Welcome Bonus: 150% More Coins on First Purchase + 2 FREE SC
- 🎉 Promo Code: CLICK HERE
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 3.8/5.0
Last but not least, we’ve got Crown Coins in the No. 5 spot. It’s one of the best online casinos in Washington, D.C. when it comes to mobile play.
The app (currently available on both iOS and Android) is well-designed, has fast loading times, and makes it really easy to play online casino games on the go.
The library has 500+ online slots and other casino-style games, so there’s plenty to keep you busy. New players also start with a 100% free no-deposit bonus and a 200% match on their first purchase. For the full details, check out my Crown Coins Casino review.
Washington D.C. Online Gambling: Timeline of News & Events
July 2025
A group of anonymous lawyers files suit against Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Fanatics using a 300-year-old statute that bars losses over $25. The case could be worth more than $300 million, but Mayor Muriel Bowser moves to shut it down with a budget provision making the law inapplicable to legalized sports betting.
May 2025
Mayor Muriel Bowser includes a proposal in her budget to legalize live poker and blackjack in Washington, DC. The plan is meant to create new revenue streams as the city adjusts to economic changes, with oversight handled by the Office of Lottery and Gaming.
October 2024
DC sportsbooks take in $65.8 million in bets, setting a new monthly high. FanDuel leads with nearly $37 million in handle, while DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars trail behind. Meanwhile, Fanatics makes its first full month count; the new DC sportsbook pulls in $2.2 million in wagers through its partnership with the Washington Spirit.
July 2023
DC scraps GambetDC after years of complaints and brings in FanDuel as its main mobile sportsbook. The upgrade transforms the market overnight, and other operators (DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and more) later follow with their own launches.
May 2020
The District accepts its first real-money wagers on sports through GambetDC, a city-run app operated by Intralot. Players complain about poor odds and a clunky design, leaving DC’s betting market lagging behind other states.
May 2019
Washington, DC passes legislation to allow retail and online sports betting under the Office of Lottery and Gaming. The law opens gives the green light to mobile sportsbooks, but not online casino gambling.
What Games Do Washington DC Online Casinos Offer?
Social and sweepstakes casinos in Washington, D.C. cover the same core games you’d expect from a traditional online gambling site. Here’s what you’ll find:
Slots
Plenty of variety here. Classic three-reel slots. Modern video slots with huge jackpots and other special features. There’s a little bit of both at most online casinos in DC.
Table Games
Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps are almost always available. Many Washington DC sites include a few different versions of each to choose from, too.
Video Poker
Simple rules, but definitely a good choice for strategy-minded DC players. Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild are some of the most common options you’ll see.
Live Dealer Games
Some Washington DC online casinos even stream real dealers for blackjack, roulette, or baccarat. It adds a more real casino feel and makes you feel like you’re actually in Las Vegas or Atlantic City.
Specialty Games
Finally, there’s bingo, keno, scratch cards, crash games, and other specialty titles for you to check out. Quick to play and a nice way to change things up every now and then.
Washington D.C. Online Casino No Deposit Bonuses
One big advantage of playing at sweepstakes casino sites in Washington, D.C.? Every single one gives new players a free no-deposit bonus. You don’t need to spend a dime to try them out.
That’s a huge contrast to states with legal online casinos, where only a couple of platforms bother offering this kind of deal.
Why is it standard in D.C.? Because it has to be. For the sweepstakes model to be considered legal, the casinos must provide a free way to enter. Most do this by handing out a batch of free coins as soon as you sign up.
Here are 10 of the best Washington D.C. online casinos currently offering this special promotion:
| 🎰 DC Online Casinos | 🎁 No Purchase Bonuses |
|---|---|
| 1. RealPrize | 450K GC, 72 FREE SC, & 700 VIP Points |
| 2. Mega Bonanza | 7,500 Gold Coins and 2.5 FREE Sweepstakes Coins |
| 3. Stake.us | 250K Gold Coins + 25 Stake Cash on Sign Up |
| 4. High 5 Casino | 3 FREE SC, 400 GC, & 300 Diamonds on Sign Up |
| 5. McLuck | 57.5K Gold Coins + 30 FREE SC |
| 6. Spree Casino | 1,030,000 Gold Coins + 32.5 FREE SC |
| 7. Moonspin | 60K Gold Coins + 3 FREE Sweeps Coins |
| 8. PlayFame | 7,500 Gold Coins & 2.5 Free SC |
| 9. WOW Vegas | 1.75 Million WOW Coins + 35 FREE SC |
| 10. The Money Factory | 15K Gold Coins, 3 FREE SC, & 300% First Purchase Bonus |
Looking for more details on how these promos work? Or want even more bonus deals to take advantage of? Check out our full guide to Washington D.C. online casino no-deposit bonuses. It covers everything in one place.
Deposits & Withdrawals at DC Online Gambling Sites
Before we go any further, a quick note: you can’t deposit or withdraw real money at online casinos in Washington, D.C. That’s because these sites run on a sweepstakes model, remember?
That means you buy Gold Coins, and for every $1 you spend, you also get 1 free Sweeps Coin. And when it’s time to cash out, you don’t “withdraw.” You redeem your Sweeps Coin winnings for cash prizes.
The setup still feels pretty familiar, though, especially since the payment options are the same ones you’d see at a regular online gambling site. You’ve got:
Credit & Debit Cards
The easiest choice. Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere, and your Gold Coins (and free SC) show up right away.
Bank Transfers
This is a good option if you’d rather pay straight from your bank. It’s secure, though prize redemptions can sometimes take a little bit longer than with other banking methods.
E-Wallets
PayPal, Skrill, and Venmo are also accepted at some DC online casinos. They make things quick and keep your card details private.
Cryptocurrency
Some Washington DC casino sites also take Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other similar coins. It’s extremely fast and usually comes with low fees.
How to Get Started at Washington DC Online Casinos
Getting started is quick and simple. The sign-up process looks almost the same no matter which D.C. online casino you choose to play at. Here’s what to do:
1. Pick a Sweepstakes Casino
Online casino gambling sites aren’t legal in Washington, D.C. For now, your best option is social casinos that use a promotional sweepstakes model.
A few popular choices I recommend? WOW Vegas, McLuck, and Stake.us. LoneStar and Crown Coins aren’t bad options either.
2. Sign Up for a New Account
Visit the casino’s website (or download the app, if they have one) and fill out the registration form with some basic info. It usually only takes a minute or two.
3. Claim Your Welcome Offer
By clicking or tapping on the links we’ve provided near the top of this page, you’ll automatically qualify for your chosen site’s latest welcome offer.
Most sweepstakes casinos in Washington D.C. have free no-deposit bonuses (plus a 100% match on your first Gold Coin purchase) for you to enjoy.
4. Start Playing Games
Now for the fun part: playing the games. Start wherever you want: Slots. Table games. Video poker. Bingo. Keno. Scratch cards. Crash games. Instant-win titles. You’ll find it all.
5. Redeem Winnings for Real Money Prizes
When you play with Sweeps Coins, any winnings you collect can be redeemed for cash prizes or digital gift cards. The conversion rate is pretty simple: 1.00 SC = $1.00 in prizes. Have fun and good luck!
How Do D.C. Online Casinos Compare to Neighboring States?
Washington D.C. doesn’t have legal online casinos right now, but things look a lot different once you step outside the city. The states around the District each set their own rules, so the contrast is pretty clear if you compare them side by side.
To see how D.C. stacks up against its neighbors, check out some of our state-by-state online gambling guides listed below:
- Delaware Online Casinos & Gambling Sites
- Kentucky Online Casinos & Gambling Sites
- Maryland Online Casinos & Gambling Sites
- New Jersey Online Casinos & Gambling Sites
- New York Online Casinos & Gambling Sites
- North Carolina Online Casinos & Gambling Sites
- Ohio Online Casinos & Gambling Sites
- Pennsylvania Online Casinos & Gambling Sites
- Tennessee Online Casinos & Gambling Sites
- Virginia Online Casinos & Gambling Sites
- West Virginia Online Casinos & Gambling Sites
Other Legal Forms of Online Gambling in Washington D.C.
Real-money online casinos might not be allowed in the District, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. There are still a few legal ways to gamble on your phone or computer. Let’s run through them:
Sports Betting
Washington DC online sports betting has been legal since 2019 and went live the following year. At first, it was just GambetDC, which was run by Intralot through a partnership with the DC Lottery. And to put it politely, players weren’t impressed.
Things changed in 2024, though, when FanDuel replaced GambetDC as the main option. And the market has since expanded to include other big names like BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and Fanatics.
If you’re 18 or older and inside D.C., you can place bets on just about any major sporting event.
Horse Racing
Here’s where D.C. comes up a bit short. You can’t bet on horse races online, and you can’t do it in person either.
The law doesn’t allow wagers through ADW sites like TwinSpires, AmWager, DK Horse, or FanDuel Racing. And with no racetracks or OTBs in the District, your only option is to cross the border into Maryland or Virginia if you want to play the ponies.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily fantasy sports are legal in Washington, D.C. DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog Fantasy, PrizePicks, Sleeper, and other top DFS apps all accept players from the District. You only need to be 18 or older to sign up and compete in paid contests for cash prizes.
DC Lottery Games
The lottery has gone digital as well. Through the DC iLottery site or mobile app, you can buy tickets for DC-3, DC-4, DC-5, Lucky for Life, Powerball, and Mega Millions. You’ll also find e-Instant scratch-off games you can play online from anywhere inside the District.
Washington DC Land-Based Casinos
Right now, there aren’t any brick-and-mortar casinos in Washington, D.C. No commercial casinos. No tribal casinos. Not even a racetrack casino, bingo hall, or poker room.
The good news is you don’t have to go far. MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, is only about ten miles from downtown DC. Inside, you’ll find slot machines, live table games, poker rooms, a retail sportsbook, and plenty more.
A little farther north sits Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland in Hanover, roughly 25 to 30 miles from the city. It offers pretty much the same gambling options — slots, blackjack, roulette, craps, poker, and sports betting — just on a slightly bigger property.
Those two are the closest options for D.C. players. There are other land-based casinos in the region, like Horseshoe Casino Baltimore or even a few in Virginia, but they’ll take a longer drive to reach. For convenience, MGM and Live! are my recommended choices.
Responsible Gambling in Washington D.C.
I think it’s important to say this up front: gambling is supposed to be fun. If it ever feels like it’s taking over your life, Washington D.C. does have some safeguards in place.
For example, the DC Office of Lottery and Gaming runs a Self-Exclusion Program. It lets you put yourself on a list so you can’t place sports bets or play lottery games for a set period of time.
The DC Lottery also has a Problem Gambling Resources page on its website. There you’ll find hotline numbers, support groups, and links to organizations that offer assistance.
So, if gambling becomes a problem for you? That’s where you can turn. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Seriously. There are real people in D.C. ready to talk and help.
Looking Ahead: When Will DC Legalize Online Casinos?
So, when will Washington, D.C. finally legalize online casinos? Honestly… probably not anytime soon. Here’s why I say that:
First, the D.C. Council would need to pass a new law. Then comes the hard part: creating the rules, setting tax rates, figuring out licenses, and making sure it can all be enforced. On top of that, every law passed in the District is subject to a Congressional review window.
And the biggest problem of all? There isn’t even an online casino bill on the table right now. No active proposals. No serious or ongoing efforts that would make you think change is coming soon.
That doesn’t mean it’ll never happen. There are still a few reasons to be at least a little optimistic:
- Online sports betting and the online lottery are already legal. That proves the city is willing to put gambling on digital platforms, and also that the tax revenue hasn’t gone unnoticed.
- Mayor Muriel Bowser’s FY 2026 budget proposal. It includes the Poker and Blackjack Gaming Authorization Act of 2025, which would allow live dealer card games (though only in person, not online). It’s limited, but it does signal some appetite for expanding casino gambling options.
- National momentum. Across the country, more states are legalizing or expanding online gambling. That trend will eventually put pressure on D.C. to catch up.
For now, though, it’s a waiting game. Online casinos in D.C. won’t be legal tomorrow, or next month, and probably not next year either. But you can always check back here for the latest updates! We’ll be sure to let you know as soon as something changes.
Washington DC Online Casino FAQs
Online casino gambling isn’t legal in Washington, D.C. right now. You can’t play casino games for real money on licensed sites here. What you can do is bet with online sportsbooks, which are allowed, or use sweepstakes casinos if you still want to play casino games and win cash prizes.
You won’t find any legal real-money poker sites in Washington, D.C. right now. If you want to play online poker in DC, your only options are social poker rooms (like Global Poker or Clubs Poker) that use a sweepstakes model to pay out real cash prizes.
Offshore gambling sites will let people in Washington, D.C. sign up and play, but that doesn’t mean they’re legal. They aren’t regulated in the U.S., and there’s no protection if the site refuses to pay out or randomly shuts down. Some players still use them, but the risks are high, so we don’t recommend it.
Affiliate Disclosure
ATS.io features affiliate links to licensed online casinos, sportsbooks, and gambling platforms. That means if you click on them and end up signing up or making a deposit, we might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only work with licensed and reputable online casinos, social casinos and sportsbooks. Our content whether it’s reviews, guides, or betting tips is written with the goal of being honest, helpful, and based on real experience. While we do earn through affiliate partnerships, it doesn’t affect our recommendations. If a site isn’t safe or doesn’t meet our standards, we won’t promote it. Simple as that. We also take responsible gambling seriously. We encourage all our readers to gamble safely, set limits, and know when to take a break. Have questions? Feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to chat.
