Mayor Bowser Revives Plan to Legalize Poker and Blackjack in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has renewed efforts to legalize poker, blackjack, and commercial bingo as part of a broader strategy to strengthen city finances and attract visitors during a period of economic uncertainty.

Good to Know

• The proposal, called the Poker and Blackjack Gaming Authorization Act of 2025, would allow tournaments in licensed venues.
• Operators would pay a $5,000 application fee plus $2,000 per location, with poker and blackjack taxed at 25%.
• Four new oversight roles would be created within the Office of Lottery and Gaming.

The proposal, filed as Council Bill B26-0379, would permit regulated poker and blackjack tournaments in approved venues such as hotels, bars, and event spaces for players aged 18 and older. It would also broaden commercial bingo operations under existing city rules.

Under the plan, operators must apply for a two-year license and contribute to oversight costs through application and location fees. Poker and blackjack activity would face a 25% tax rate, while bingo would remain at 7.5%. The fiscal 2026 budget also allocates nearly half a million dollars to create four new regulatory positions to manage the expanded activity.

Key Support Is In Place

Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, chair of the Committee on Business and Economic Development, has become one of the plan’s main backers. He previously supported the Sports Wagering Amendment Act of 2024, which expanded online betting access in the District. He said:

“I think it’s another clear message that the mayor, the deputy mayor, and this city are sending, despite everything around us, that Washington D.C. is not standing still. Rather, we are investing in our future and proving that inclusive growth, innovation, and economic opportunity are central to our story here in the District of Columbia.”

Bowser described the legislation as part of a “pro-growth” and “open for business” strategy. The administration sees legal card games as a way to retain gambling revenue that currently flows into Maryland and Virginia while creating new jobs in hospitality and entertainment.

There Are Some Barriers

Some council members and community advocates remain cautious. Opponents have raised concerns about addiction, consumer protection, and the social effects of expanding gambling access. Earlier attempts to include poker and blackjack in city budgets were removed following similar objections.

Legal uncertainty adds another complication. The 18th-century Statute of Anne—still valid in D.C.—allows individuals to recover gambling losses over $25 and has already been used in lawsuits against sports betting operators. Lawmakers may need to amend or clarify this statute before new forms of gaming can launch.

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