The DC Council's first hearing on a bill that would create an open, competitive sports betting marketing wasn't without rancour or criticism. And while there were some insights, there wasn't a vote or a clear plan for what happens next.
On Monday (6 May) Councilman Kenyan McDuffie chaired a three-hour hearing in the business and economic development committee exploring an open DC market.
Representatives from BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings and Fanatics Betting & Gaming testified in favour.
The committee also heard heated opposing testimony from representatives of the small business community. And McDuffie and DC Lottery chief Frank Suarez revisited an earlier combative discussion about why change has taken so long.
On the financial side, a new bill would increase the tax rate for retail sportsbooks and reinstate funding for problem and responsible gaming initiatives. It would also allow seven professional sports franchises and teams to partner with sportsboo..