DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has included poker and blackjack in her budget proposal
Poker and blackjack could soon be legal in Washington, DC, if a proposal included in Mayor Muriel Bowser’s 2025 budget gains approval from the DC Council. Instead of introducing separate legislation, the mayor’s office has taken a quieter route by embedding the measure in the city’s broader financial plan.
The proposal would allow live dealer card games—specifically poker and blackjack—at select Class A sports betting venues. These include high-profile locations such as Nationals Park, Capital One Arena, and Audi Field, where sportsbooks already operate under current laws.
By expanding the offerings at these stadium-based sportsbooks, city officials hope to generate additional revenue while drawing more visitors to the facilities. The plan aims to boost tax income without introducing casinos or gambling venues throughout the wider city, which could have triggered greater political or public resistance.
This approach marks a shift in how DC is handling gambling policy. Rather than putting the issue through a lengthy legislative debate or public vote, the administration is leveraging the budget process to roll out expanded gaming options. While this tactic could streamline implementation, it has also raised questions about transparency and whether such changes should be handled more openly.
Proponents argue that allowing poker and blackjack at existing sportsbooks is a natural progression for a city that already permits sports wagering. They believe the card games could enhance the entertainment value of these venues and bring economic benefits, particularly on game days when foot traffic is highest.
The DC Council now holds the decision. Lawmakers will review and vote on the full budget in the coming months, with a final version expected by the summer of 2025. Whether the table game provision remains in the final budget could signal the city’s next move in the evolving world of legalized gambling.
