Federal job layoffs and downsizing under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), declining tax income from vacant offices, and the continuous loss of tourism and entertainment revenue to Maryland and Virginia are all contributing to Washington, DC's mounting financial strain. What is Mayor Muriel Bowser's most recent wager? Legalizing bingo, blackjack, and poker will increase income and draw more tourists.

According to WJLA (ABC 7 News Washington), Bowser has now formally presented the Poker and Blackjack Gaming Authorization Act, which would license and regulate live commercial poker and blackjack for people over 18 in pubs, hotels, and other regulated venues. Additionally, it would "legalize lotteries, daily numbers games, and bingo and raffles for charitable purposes" within the district.

In accordance with the plan, operators would pay an extra $2,000 per location in addition to a $5,000 application cost for a two-year license. Revenue from poker, blackjack, and bingo would be subject to 25% and 7.5% taxes, respectively. The Office of Lottery and Gaming will be expanded to manage the new market, according to Bowser's 2026 budget request.

Because it depends on how many operators decide to join, the administration is reluctant to estimate how much money the market could bring in.

"Not Staying Still"

It can be difficult to pay the bill. After encountering resistance, similar measures were removed from Bowser's last budget proposal.

However, Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie told WJLA that the action shows the DC Council isn't doing nothing in the face of financial hardship.

“I think it’s another clear message that the mayor, the deputy mayor, and this city is sending, despite everything around us, that Washington DC is not standing still,” McDuffie said. “Rather, we are investing in our future and proving that inclusive growth, innovation, and economic opportunity are central to our story here in the District of Columbia,” McDuffie said, signaling that DC won’t stand still amid external pressures.”

Misfire Sports Betting

DC has had a checkered record when it comes to gaming efforts. When the district first started offering sports betting in 2019, it was overly juiced and undercooked. In a $215 million, no-bid agreement that was subsequently looked into for fraud, the Council gave the exclusive concession to Greek operator Intralot.

The DC Council was promised high percentage returns by Intralot's high-hold model, but in the end, it proved to be uncompetitive because it gave players poor odds by design. The percentage of wagers that the operator retains after winning wagers are paid out is referred to as "hold."

McDuffie led legislation in 2024 that dismantled the monopoly and allowed competition, which had an instant effect on DC's sports betting earnings.