D.C. Mayor Advocates for the Legalization of Casino Games Such as Blackjack, Poker, and Bingo.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is considering the legalization of blackjack and poker as potential sources of additional revenue for the city. Citing the popularity of these games, particularly poker tournaments and commercial bingo, the mayor has suggested that they could generate significant income.
The Poker and Blackjack Gaming Authorization Act of 2025 proposed by Bowser would task the Office of Lottery and Gaming with overseeing these new card games. Private parties would be issued two-year licenses if the legislation passes. The bill includes a 25% tax on gross gaming revenue from these activities, but the mayor has yet to provide any revenue projections.
While there is no official estimate of the potential revenue, the initiative forms part of a broader effort to bolster D.C.'s sports and entertainment economy. The city's past experience with sports betting has been marred by problems, including a monopoly and subpar technology. However, the new initiative aims to leverage existing sports betting infrastructure for a smoother implementation of casino-style games.
The D.C. Council will vote on the $21.8 billion budget proposal that includes these measures before the end of July. The district is looking at a $1 billion deficit during Donald Trump's second term as president due to cuts in federal funding and job losses.
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The Poker and Blackjack Gaming Authorization Act, proposed by Mayor Muriel Bowser, seeks to legalize these casino-games, particularly blackjack and poker, in Washington, D.C. If passed, private parties may obtain two-year licenses from the Office of Lottery and Gaming to run these casino-and-gambling activities, incurring a 25% tax on their gross gaming revenues.
