The NBA is embracing gambling.
The Wizards (and NHL’s Capitals and WNBA’s Mystics) are taking the next logical step.
Washington’s arena will host a sportsbook.
Though a recent Supreme Court ruling opened the door for more widespread sports betting, gambling remains highly regulated. So, these plans are still subject to oversight. But among the planned operations:
- The sportsbook will be open daily year-round, both to ticketed and non-ticketed fans.
- Fans will be able to wager on an app inside the arena.
- The arena itself could be used as a 20,000-person viewing area on non-game days.
Betting on games increases interest. Of course, the NBA wants to tap into that, and targeting ticketed fans is one way. Fans with a stake will stay longer and be more engaged.
Expect Washington to be only a start. Betting windows could soon become the norm at arenas around the country.