Mayor Muriel Bowser is making a renewed—and unapologetically bold—push to legalize poker, blackjack, and commercial bingo in Washington, D.C., as part of a broader strategy to shore up the city’s finances and attract tourism in the face of economic uncertainty.
Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, who chairs the Committee on Business and Economic Development, has emerged as a vocal proponent of the proposal.
Bowser’s proposal, formally introduced as the Poker and Blackjack Gaming Authorization Act of 2025 (Council Bill B26-0379), would permit regulated poker and blackjack tournaments in bars, hotels, and other licensed venues for adults 18 and older. The bill also contemplates expanding commercial bingo operations.
