The ante is officially up!
If you're a card game lover living in Washington, D.C., you might soon have something to celebrate.
Mayor Muriel Bowser is shaking things up with a bold plan to legalize poker, blackjack, and commercial bingo in the city. It's called the Poker and Blackjack Gaming Authorization Act of 2025 (Council Bill B26-0379), which would make it legal to play poker and blackjack in local bars, hotels, and other approved places.
Why is Mayor Bowser Trying to Legalize Blackjack and Poker in D.C. Now?
Washington, D.C. is looking for ways to bolster its economy, especially in the face of federal job cuts and other financial uncertainties.
Currently, many residents head to neighboring Maryland and Virginia to spend their entertainment dollars at big casinos like MGM National Harbor, which is coming off another respectable month of revenue, and Maryland Live!.
Bowser's plan aims to recapture that spending and attract tourists, thereby invigorating the city’s hospitality and entertainment sectors.
What's in the Proposal?
Expanded Gaming Opportunities: The legislation seeks to legalize and regulate poker and blackjack tournaments for adults 18 and older. It also aims to broaden bingo operations.
New Revenue Streams: Businesses that want to host these games would need to pay a licensing fee—$5,000 for a two-year license, with an extra $2,000 for each gaming location. On top of that, poker and blackjack earnings would be taxed at 25%, while bingo proceeds face a lower tax rate of 7.5%.
Regulation and Oversight: The Office of Lottery and Gaming will be in charge of oversight, ensuring games are played fairly and operations are regulated effectively. Additional staff and resources are planned to handle the increased workload.
While the plan has support from key figures like Kenyan McDuffie, a councilmember focused on business and economic development, there are hurdles to overcome.
Past resistance from the council, worries about gambling addiction, and the need for robust consumer protection measures linger as potential roadblocks. Moreover, there's an old but significant legal issue with the "Statute of Anne," a British law that has been a thorn in the side of gambling operators.
The administration is working on a fix to navigate around this old law.
When Could Blackjack and Poker Be Legal in Washington, D.C.?
If the legislation is passed, legal poker and blackjack tournaments could be a reality in D.C. as soon as 2026.
This would not only diversify the city's offerings but also help keep gaming revenue within the district. The hope is that these changes will not just enrich the local economy but also create more jobs and cement D.C. as a top-notch tourism destination.
Mayor Bowser's initiative is a calculated attempt to turn the tables on economic challenges. By legalizing and regulating popular card games and bingo, the city hopes to boost its finances, attract tourists, and offer residents new entertainment options—all while carefully steering through political and legal challenges.
