ESPN Bet is expanding into Washington, D.C. through a strategic partnership with Monumental Sports & Entertainment, pending regulatory approval. The move will mark ESPN Bet's 20th jurisdiction in the United States.

The partnership grants ESPN Bet mobile sports wagering access in the nation's capital, while establishing a multi-channel marketing presence at Capital One Arena, home to the NBA's Washington Wizards and NHL's Washington Capitals.

Monumental Sports & Entertainment, owned by billionaire Ted Leonsis, controls several major sports properties in D.C., including:

• Washington Wizards (NBA)
• Washington Capitals (NHL)
• Washington Mystics (WNBA)
• Capital One Arena
• Monumental Sports Network
• EagleBank Arena

While ESPN Bet gains online betting rights, the Capital One Arena's retail sportsbook remains operated by Caesars Entertainment, which opened in May 2021.

The D.C. sports betting market has grown significantly since ending Intralot's GambetDC online monopoly. In November alone, the market handled $68.2 million in bets, with FanDuel leading at $35.5 million.

This expansion follows Penn Entertainment's $1.5 billion, 10-year agreement with ESPN in August 2023 to use the sports media company's brand for its betting operations. The deal strengthens ESPN's presence in D.C., where it already operates a "SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt" studio.

Licensing in D.C. requires a $500,000 initial fee for sports facilities, with $250,000 annual renewals and a 10% tax on gross revenue.

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