Sportswriter Charley Dryden said in 1904 that Washington, D.C., was “First in war, first in peace, and last in the American League.” The team Dryden referred to, the Washington Senators, is long gone; the current team, the Nationals, won the World Series in 2019.
The nation’s capital is first in sports again, albeit in a slightly tangential way. The William Hill Sportsbook opened Wednesday at Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s Capital One Arena, becoming the first sports betting venue in a U.S. professional sports facility.
The arena is home to the NBA’s Washington Wizards and the NHL’s Washington Capitals.
“With more than 100 televisions, nearly 20 betting windows, and a dozen kiosks in the space, as well as access to the William Hill mobile app, our guests will enjoy a great gameday watching the Capitals or Wizards at home or wagering on their favorite teams during any game,” said Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg Wednesday in a statement.
The New Jersey Devils have hosted a betting lounge inside the Prudential Center in Newark since 2018, but it only features odds; bettors must place wagers on mobile apps.
In April, Caesars Entertainment announced it had completed the acquisition of William Hill, based in the United Kingdom, for approximately $4 billion. In a previous news release, Caesars stated its intention to sell non-U.S. businesses currently owned by William Hill, including its UK and international online divisions and retail betting shops.
The two-story sportsbook, 18,000 feet square, includes 17 betting windows and 12 self-service kiosks. A broadcast studio, two VIP areas, and a private dining and entertainment space are also part of the venue. Nicholas Stefanelli, a Maryland native, Michelin-starred chef, and owner of restaurants in D.C. including Masseria and Officina, provides food and beverage.
“Providing a data-driven, technologically advanced environment in a beautiful approachable space with fine dining options provided by Chef Stefanelli will further enhance the indelible memories we create nightly at Capital One Arena, and draw even more visitors to our historic downtown D.C. neighborhood,” said Monumental Sports & Entertainment Founder and CEO Ted Leonsis in a statement.
According to The Athletic’s Sean Shapiro, the partnership between William Hill and the venue has the potential to start a wider trend.
“How quickly it impacts other venues and teams will depend greatly on state and local approval for projects like this,” Shapiro wrote Wednesday, “but overall, teams and venues are paying close attention to the sportsbook in D.C. with envy as a way to bring additional revenue on a daily basis.”
