BetMGM has played a crucial role in introducing a new era for Major League Baseball teams with the establishment of the Nationals Park sportsbook in Washington, DC.
Located at the home ballpark for the Washington Nationals, the recently launched retail sportsbook has become the first of its kind in an MLB stadium.
Although there has been a recent increase in sports-betting jurisdictions in the country, it is highly probable that the first-of-its-kind facility will not be the last. Nevertheless, the Nationals and BetMGM, who established a multi-year partnership in January 2021, were committed to being the pioneers in demonstrating this concept.
BetMGM officials say that the year-round facility is additional evidence of their dedication to the DMV region. This is especially significant considering that the company now offers sports betting services in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
About Nationals Park sportsbook in DC
The retail sportsbook, known as the BetMGM Sportsbook At Nationals Park, will be available to fans all year long, operating from 11 a.m. to midnight throughout the week, for seven days. Fans will have the opportunity to both observe and place bets on various games, including MLB matches.
The 4,000-square-foot facility can be accessed by patrons from N Street SE, located adjacent to Center Field Gate.
With a seating capacity of 187, the Nationals Park sportsbook boasts 40 big-screen TVs to ensure you don’t miss any of the major games. Additionally, it features live odds boards, allowing you to stay up-to-date with the latest BetMGM Sportsbook lines in real-time.
Additionally, customers have the option to place bets with cashiers at six designated betting windows, or they may choose to utilize the self-service betting kiosks conveniently located throughout the facility.
In addition to that, the sportsbook within the stadium provides a comprehensive selection of food and drink services.
According to Adam Greenblatt, CEO of BetMGM,
Our continuous efforts to provide sports fans with one-of-a-kind experiences have led us to create the new BetMGM Sportsbook at Nationals Park. Whether you’re attending baseball games or seeking a venue to watch any sporting event, the BetMGM Sportsbook at Nationals Park promises to be one of the most immersive sports viewing environments in the District.
On game days, fans attending Nationals games will be unable to access the area of the ballpark previously known as Center Field Social as it now houses the Nationals Park sportsbook.
Nevertheless, despite the passage of a year, individuals are still able to make sports wagers through the BetMGM app.
BetMGM going big on Virginia and DMV
In Washington, DC, there is only one sports-betting operator that covers the entire district. This operator is the GambetDC mobile app, which is supported by the DC Lottery and dominates this market segment. Nevertheless, BetMGM has the opportunity to accept online wagers through its app within a two-block radius surrounding Nationals Park in DC.
Although the current setup is not perfect, it is yielding noticeable outcomes. In December 2021, DC sports betting witnessed BetMGM handling $2.2 million out of the total wagers amounting to $19.2 million (approximately 11.2%). With the introduction of a brand new retail sportsbook, BetMGM has the potential to capture an even larger portion of the market.
However, as observed in various regions, sports bettors have a clear preference for authentic online sports betting. In fact, when given the choice between online and in-person betting, mobile wagering typically dominates the market, accounting for 80-90% of the total.
However, even with limited opportunities in DC, BetMGM has managed to establish a presence in nearby areas. In Virginia, where FanDuel was the first to enter the online-only market, BetMGM has consistently expanded its market share from 14% in March 2021 to 17.8% as of November 2021.
BetMGM has consistently provided Virginia with some of the most enticing promotions.
In addition, BetMGM has recently opened the inaugural brick-and-mortar sportsbook in Maryland. The BetMGM Sports Book & Lounge at MGM National Harbor was unveiled by officials in December.
According to Alan Gottlieb, the Chief Operating Officer of Lerner Sports,
The DMV region, consisting of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, offers an exciting glimpse into our efforts to broaden the BetMGM platform by providing our customers with diverse and exceptional experiences. Our customers can conveniently use the BetMGM mobile app throughout Virginia, visit the recently launched retail sportsbook at MGM National Harbor in Maryland, and now, in D.C., they have access to the first sportsbook connected to a Major League Baseball stadium. Through strong partnerships, we have been able to create these unique opportunities for our valued customers in the DMV area.