The Sports Betting Alliance is an association of sportsbooks with the same goal: keeping sports betting in the District of Columbia (DC) a risk-free adult pastime. The Sports Betting Alliance is an association of sportsbooks with the same goal: keeping sports betting in the District of Columbia (DC) a risk-free adult pastime. Also, they want DC to rethink how it uses its sports gambling taxes.
In March, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and the District’s Council decided how to use the sports wagering tax. During the first quarter of 2019, Bowser signed the Sports Wagering Lottery Act into law. According to a bookie pay per head forum, the law allowed in-person and online sports betting within the district. Also, top sportsbooks pay a ten percent tax on sports betting.
The district will use the sports betting tax revenue for pediatric care and early childhood development support. In addition, the 2019 amendment stated a portion of the revenue would be used to fund problem gambling initiatives.
Sports Betting Alliance Lobbies in DC
The district council and Bowser have taken it upon themselves to transfer the sports gaming tax windfall to the city’s general fund. However, the mayor and council concluded they could redirect the funds elsewhere.
The Sports Betting Association requested that the district government spend the problem gambling money as it initially intended to protect the public and bettors.
As part of its member’s bookie software, the SBA told the DC officials that players can manage their gambling habits and avoid or limit problem gambling within the app. These tools include self-imposed time restrictions on the platform, limits on deposits and wagers, and options for self-exclusion.