The Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, may currently not host any games featuring the Washington Capitals, Mystics, or Wizards, but that doesn’t imply it’s empty. In fact, the venue has recently achieved a historic milestone.
In a groundbreaking move for the sports wagering industry in the United States, William Hill unveiled seven betting windows and nine kiosks at the box office of the arena on Friday.
Details on William Hill Sportsbook at Capital One Arena
The box office staff at the arena is now offering a new type of ticket, allowing both residents and visitors of Washington, DC, to place cash bets.
Capital One Arena has made history as the first sports venue in the US to feature a sportsbook. This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering that a little over two years ago, the NBA and NHL were involved in a lawsuit advocating against the legalization of sports betting. Today, spectators can conveniently place bets on both Capitals and Wizards games directly within the arena.
Since October of last year, Monumental Sports has had plans to open a book at the arena under the William Hill brand. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the timing of its opening became uncertain.
While the book won’t permanently stay at the box office, it currently serves as a suitable location. The ticketing area conveniently features pre-built betting windows, and the lobby is equipped with the necessary infrastructure to accommodate kiosks.
Moreover, the presence of a Plexiglas barrier serves as an effective safeguard against the spread of coronavirus between bettors and staff. With the Mystics and Wizards already back in action, and the Capitals soon to join, implementing this measure appears to be the logical choice.
This makeshift book could potentially be the go-to choice for bettors in DC, considering the limited and unsatisfactory alternative that is currently available in the District.
William Hill DC might be the best option for bettors
Currently, the William Hill site stands as the sole authorized physical sportsbook in DC. Although Handle 19 will soon join the scene, it remains one of merely two legal alternatives accessible.
Another available legal choice is GambetDC, Intralot’s online sportsbook that operates through the DC Lottery. The app and website were introduced during the time when March Madness would typically take place, but unfortunately, the pandemic disrupted its launch.
In the last four months, reviews for Intralot’s product in Montana have been anything but impressive. Similar to their performance, the lines offered have not been competitive. Notably, the moneylines for both sides of the markets tend to be disadvantageous.
Although it may be inconvenient to go to the arena to place a bet, the attractive odds offered by William Hill could be enough motivation to make the journey. Additionally, Intralot might feel compelled to enhance its odds and make them more competitive in response to William Hill’s entry into the market, even if only through physical retail locations.
The potential impact of the book’s launch at Capital One in Illinois cannot be underestimated, regardless of the events unfolding in DC. Other prominent venues such as Soldier Field and the United Center might be inclined to emulate Capital One’s example.
Capital One might be the first in a sequence
In Illinois, the law permits stadiums with a minimum capacity of 17,000 to acquire sportsbook master licenses. Furthermore, these operators are granted a five-block exclusivity zone under the law.
However, the license carries a substantial cost of $10 million. This, along with the uncertainty surrounding domestic sports due to the pandemic, could be the reason why facilities owners such as Soldier Field and the United Center have not made any moves in this direction yet.
However, Capital One’s approach could serve as a model for other companies at present. Since these companies are not generating any event revenue currently, setting up a sportsbook within the box office could potentially generate some income.
No matter how practical it may be, it will take time for that to happen. The owners of the stadiums still need to apply for licenses, determine how the book will be managed, and clarify whether the five-block exclusivity zone applies to both online and retail betting.
Should the temporary book gain popularity in DC, it might increase the enthusiasm of Illinois stadium owners to pursue a similar venture. Irrespective of its reach, Capital One Arena will forever be known as the place where it originated.
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