Contrary to the underwhelming performance of the Washington, DC sports betting market, the recently launched William Hill Sportsbook is a remarkable exception.
The retail sportsbook at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC was formally opened by William Hill officials on Wednesday.
The launch of this venture signifies a significant achievement for both sports venues and sportsbooks. By establishing itself within a US professional sports arena, the William Hill Sportsbook has become the pioneering sports betting venue of its kind.
In October 2019, William Hill, a subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment, and Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) jointly revealed their intentions to establish an extravagant betting parlor.
The realization of the two-story and 18,000-square-foot sports-betting facility marks a significant milestone. This establishment is not only the first of its kind in the DMV area but also across the entire nation.
How to bet at William Hill Sportsbook
William Hill is expected to be a long-term tenant at the Capital One Arena, owned by MSE, as they have signed a 10-year lease. Situated in Washington, DC’s Chinatown, this 20,000-seat arena is currently the home to the Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Wizards (NBA), and Georgetown University (NCAA men’s basketball).
The William Hill Sportsbook currently occupies the space previously held by the Greene Turtle sports bar. Before its official establishment, William Hill had set up a temporary shop in Capital One Arena, which gained significant popularity.
At the new sportsbook, bettors now have a multitude of options for placing their wagers.
- 17 in-person betting windows
- 12 self-service betting kiosks
- The William Hill mobile app is available for use within the arena premises and its immediate vicinity.
The William Hill Sportsbook welcomes visitors throughout the year, whether it’s a game day or a non-game day. Access to the sportsbook can be obtained through F Street.
The current operating hours for William Hill Sportsbook are:
- From Monday to Friday, the operating hours are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- On weekends, the operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Despite the presence of seven operational sportsbooks in Virginia, the commonwealth currently lacks any physical retail sportsbooks. However, with the gradual relaxation of COVID-19 precautions and the resumption of normal activities, the William Hill Sportsbook is poised to attract sports enthusiasts not only from Virginia and Maryland but also from other regions.
What’s inside the Capital One Arena sportsbook
If you have visited Las Vegas, you will find that the William Hill Sportsbook at Capital One Arena offers many of the similar features that you may have already seen there.
William Hill unveiled images of the fully finished facility on its much-awaited launch day.
The WH Sportsbook features:
- There are a total of 100 television screens, which includes those installed on a replica jumbotron at Capital One Arena.
- The entire facility is surrounded by a 1,500-square-foot LED screen.
- MSE’s newest “By the Book” sports betting show will be hosted in a state-of-the-art broadcast studio.
- Enjoy a Michelin-starred dining experience curated by Chef Nicholas Stefanelli.
- Exclusive areas for VIPs and private spaces for dining or holding meetings.
- DC sports memorabilia
According to Ted Leonsis, the founder and CEO of MSE, who also happens to own the Wizards and Capitals (along with other entities),
We are delighted to have collaborated with William Hill and Caesars Entertainment, renowned pioneers in the sports betting industry, to deliver an exceptional fan experience and set a benchmark for excellence. Our goal is to offer a state-of-the-art, technology-driven atmosphere in a stunning and welcoming setting. Additionally, with the addition of Chef Stefanelli’s exquisite dining options, we aim to elevate the unforgettable moments we create every night at Capital One Arena and attract an even larger number of visitors to our historic downtown DC neighborhood.
More DC retail sports betting coming
With around 230 games and events, Capital One Arena attracts 3 million visitors each year. As a result, numerous sports enthusiasts will have the opportunity to experience this unique in-arena sportsbook.
This experimental venture will be closely monitored by various interested parties including teams, venues, sportsbook operators, and sports bettors themselves. This is because many supporters of sports betting aspire to implement a similar model in arenas and stadiums all across the United States.
The Washington, DC sports betting market has not lived up to expectations till now. This can be attributed mainly to the dominance of GambetDC, supported by the DC Lottery, in the online market. The quality of their product is so poor that bettors prefer betting in person rather than using the mobile platform. As a result, William Hill has emerged as the leader in DC sports betting, capturing around 75% of the market share.
Nevertheless, there is a possibility of other retail sports betting establishments opening in DC. Authorities have intentions to establish their own outlets at Nationals Park (BetMGM) and Audi Field (FanDuel). Furthermore, similar to the William Hill Sportsbook, individuals will have the opportunity to make online wagers within a limited area surrounding the sports venues.
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