Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser wants to reignite debate about legalizing live poker, bingo, and blackjack across the district. On Tuesday, she unveiled a list of proposals to increase revenue to deal with an estimated $1bn budget shortfall.
Previous attempts to introduce the same gambling expansion ideas didn’t gain much traction. Speaking about why she’s revisiting these ideas, Mayor Bowser said they would create new revenue streams and attract visitors to the region.
The Poker and Blackjack Gaming Authorization Act of 2025 would introduce a 25% flat rate on gross gaming revenues. The D.C. Office of Lottery and Gaming would oversee these operations.
the administration doesn’t yet have any tax revenue projections for the activities
Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development Nina Albert said that the administration doesn’t yet have any tax revenue projections for the activities, as they would depend on the number of events held in the city. She believes that even hosting “one or two marquee national tournaments” would greatly impact visitor numbers.
Other ideas mentioned on Tuesday to try to bring in extra money included softening zoning rules that prevent the construction of affordable housing and cracking down on illegal food trucks and street vendors.
