ESPN Bet is set to launch mobile sports betting operations in Washington, D.C. through a strategic partnership with Monumental Sports & Entertainment, owned by billionaire Ted Leonsis.

The partnership, pending regulatory approval, will give ESPN Bet access to the D.C. market, marking its 20th jurisdiction in the United States. The agreement includes a multi-channel marketing partnership aimed at enhancing fan experiences.

Monumental Sports & Entertainment owns several major sports franchises and venues, including:

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

As part of the deal, ESPN Bet will maintain a media presence at Capital One Arena, though the facility's retail sportsbook will remain operated by Caesars Entertainment. The partnership comes after Penn Entertainment's $1.5 billion, 10-year agreement with ESPN to use its brand for sports betting operations.

D.C.'s sports betting market has seen significant growth since ending Intralot's GambetDC online monopoly. In November alone, the district recorded $68.2 million in sports betting handle, with FanDuel leading the market at $35.5 million.

Key regulatory details:

• Sports facility license fee: $500,000 (one-time)
• Annual renewal fee: $250,000
• Gross revenue tax rate: 10%

While D.C.'s population is relatively small at 702,000, its status as a major tourist destination makes it an attractive market for sports betting operators.

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