The legalized online sports betting market in DC went live on Thursday, despite the absence of major sporting events. Residents can now legally place wagers on sports using a city-sponsored website.

Obscure events available now

The coronavirus pandemic forced several sporting events to cancel or postpone their 2020 season. As a result of this the website, GambetDC, will only be allowing bets on obscure gaming events like German soccer and professional dart. However, as the pandemic eases with time, residents in DC will be able to bet on all major professional sporting events like the NBA, NFL, MLB, and others. However, they have to ensure that the website or the betting app is not being used on federal land.

DC aims to launch the mobile betting app in June but its geographical uniqueness may create some initial headaches for the users. For instance, places like Rock Creek Park and the Mall are classified as federal land using the website or app for betting in these areas will be considered illegal. Residents will also not be allowed to participate in betting within two blocks of the professional sports stadiums.

The website will allow all residents over 18 years of age to bet on professional as well as college sports. However, they will not be able to bet on matches where DC colleges are playing or when a game is taking place within DC.

A delayed launch

The website was originally scheduled for a fall 2019 launch to capture the professional season. However, the authorities were stuck with a lawsuit over their no-bid $215 million contracts to Intralot. The Greek company was awarded the contract to build the betting website. A DC Lottery spokesperson said that the city didn’t aim to advertise or promote this new website. The Lottery, which runs the website, said that the soft launch occurred because there were few sports available to bet on.

Nicole Jordan, the communicator’s director at DC Lottery said that users have already started placing their bets on the website. Early betting went on without glitches. However, some users had to call the customer service as registration emails went straight to their spam mailboxes. She said that the name Gambet is similar to ‘gambit’ which will invoke the feelings of risk associated with the activity. She said that it was a clever spin to the word.