DC Councilmember Wendell Felder introduced the Internet Gaming and Consumer Protection Act of 2026, which would legalize and regulate online casinos in Washington DC while banning sweepstakes casinos. The bill proposes a 25% tax on adjusted gross revenue, a $2 million application fee, and $500,000 annual renewal per operator.
DC's proposed iGaming bill would legalize online casinos under the Office of Lottery and Gaming and ban sweepstakes casinos.
The bill proposes a full regulatory framework for online casinos operated by the DC Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG), with no cap on licenses and each operator allowed two skins. Fees include a $2 million application fee and $500,000 annual renewal. The tax rate is 25% on adjusted gross revenue. > "This is not about encouraging gambling, but recognizing reality and responding responsibly.", Councilmember Wendell Felder Existing DC sportsbooks, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel, would receive an expedited license timeline. The bill also mandates responsible gambling tools: deposit limits, loss limits, session limits, cooling-off periods, self-exclusion, and third-party exclusion.
If enacted, operators like Stake.us, Zula Casino, or others would have to stop accepting DC players. This follows a national trend: sweepstakes regulation is under increasing scrutiny. The DC Council hearing is set for June.
Their main argument: projected revenue is overstated and social service costs will eat into any gains. The NAAiG cited figures showing problem gambling costs could offset up to 60% of tax revenue in similar markets. Stop Predatory Gambling backed that claim in written testimony. Supporters, including the OLG, say regulated online casinos will push players from offshore sites into a taxed legal market.
DC's move could pressure them to revisit the issue to avoid cross-border player loss. If DC legalizes, Virginia's pre-existing sportsbooks may push for full iGaming.
The June hearing will likely last months of revisions. A final vote isn't expected before late 2026. DC players using sweepstakes casinos should watch for updates. A ban would affect access.
For CasinoRankr's rankings, the pending bill is a variable to track. We'll update ratings when licenses are issued or if games disappear from DC.## What this means for players Current DC players at sweepstakes casinos could face service interruptions if the ban passes.
Legal online casinos would emerge around 2027. Comparison shopping will be key: different operators may offer different games and bonuses. Watch payout speed, game variety, and community feedback after they launch. > "This is about consumer protection, not promotion.", Councilmember Wendell Felder The ban on sweepstakes sites would remove mail-in entry models for DC residents. Responsible play tools, however, would be legally required for iGaming operators, which is an improvement over current sweepstakes standards.
Per Bill B26-0656 introduced April 9, the DC Council hearing is scheduled for June.
Regulatory source · Tier 1 · dccouncil.gov · Accessed 2026-05-05
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Supports: Reported topic: OCTOBER 2025 HEARINGS - COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT. - octfme
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Supports: Reported topic: Emotional and Legislative Transitions Highlight End of. - DC Council
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Supports: Bill record: 26-379
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Supports: Reported topic: Hearings • Council of the District of Columbia
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Supports: Reported topic: Today a D.C. Council committee will hold a public hearing on.
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Supports: Reported topic: D.C. Seeks to Legalize iGaming, Outlaw Sweepstakes Casinos
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Supports: Reported topic: Opinion: Legalizing online gambling will harm D.C. - The 51st
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Supports: Reported topic: Proposed D.C. Online Casinos Could Pressure MD, VA To Legalize
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Supports: Reported topic: Washington, D.C. Council to Evaluate iGaming Legalization
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Supports: Reported topic: Washington DC Looks at Sweeps Casino Ban, Legal Online Betting
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