NHL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Washington D.C. for Hockey

Washington D.C. is home to the Washington Capitals, one of the NHL's marquee franchises with passionate fans throughout the District. D.C. legalized online sports betting in May 2019 and launched betting in May 2020. D.C.'s sports betting market has evolved significantly, initially limited to GambetDC, the market expanded dramatically when FanDuel replaced GambetDC in March 2024, and BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, and DraftKings launched district-wide in July-September 2024.

Is NHL Betting Legal in Washington D.C.?

Yes. Washington D.C. legalized online sports betting when D.C. Law 22-312 (Sports Wagering Lottery Act) became effective on May 3, 2019. Online betting launched May 2020.

Quick facts:

Washington D.C. has an 18+ age requirement for sports betting, one of the lowest in the nation (most states require 21+). The D.C. The Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) regulates all sports betting activity. D.C. currently has 6 major licensed online sportsbooks: FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics, and Underdog (DFS). Full remote registration allowed, no need to visit physical locations. D.C. prohibits betting on college games within D.C. boundaries (Big East Tournament, A-10 Tournament, some March Madness games). Out-of-state college teams and games are permitted.

Read more: Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Washington D.C.

Retail locations: D.C. has 2-3 retail sportsbooks at Caesars (Capital One Arena), BetMGM (Nationals Park), and Grand Central DC Sportsbook (Adams Morgan).

Legal, regulated betting with 6 operators and the nation's lowest age requirement.

Top Sportsbooks for NHL Betting in Washington D.C.

D.C. 's loaded with options. Here's where to bet hockey based on what matters most.

FanDuel Sportsbook

D.C. Status: Launched March 11, 2024 (replaced GambetDC)

FanDuel is consistently rated the #1 sportsbook nationally. Replaced GambetDC to become the primary D.C.-exclusive operator. Sharp puck line pricing, extensive NHL player props, responsive live betting, and the best NHL same-game parlays. Phenomenal mobile app with real-time Capitals updates.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets if your first bet wins.

Best for: All D.C. hockey bettors, FanDuel is the top overall choice for Capitals fans.

Shurzy Tip: FanDuel's SGP builder is clutch for Capitals games. Stack player props with game outcomes, Ovechkin anytime goal scorer + Caps moneyline + over/under. Build your edge in one bet.

DraftKings Sportsbook

D.C. Status: Launched September 2024

DraftKings excels at player props, drawing on its daily fantasy sports expertise. The company offers the deepest NHL player prop menus in D.C. Shots on goal, assists, blocked shots markets are deep. Flash Bets allow rapid in-game wagering. Shared wallet between DFS and sportsbook.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in bonus bets + 3 months NBA League Pass.

Best for: Prop-focused bettors, D.C. DFS players, and Capitals player props enthusiasts.

Shurzy Tip: DraftKings' Capitals player props are stacked. Ovechkin goal scorer props, Kuznetsov assists, goalie saves, they lean on DFS expertise to build deep menus. Use it.

Caesars Sportsbook

D.C. Status: Launched July 17, 2024 (retail at Capital One Arena)

Caesars offers sharp NHL pricing and the industry's best loyalty program, Caesars Rewards. Retail sportsbook at Capital One Arena (Capitals' home). Daily odds boosts on select NHL markets. Live streaming available.

Welcome offer: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 20 Bets (code SBO20X).

Best for: Long-term value seekers, Caesars Rewards members, Capital One Arena visitors.

Shurzy Tip: Caesars at Capital One Arena is clutch for Capitals home games. Bet in-person before puck drop, watch the game, cash your ticket after. That's the full experience.

BetMGM

D.C. Status: Launched July 17, 2024 (retail at Nationals Park)

BetMGM is the best sportsbook in D.C. for banking and payment options. Offers the most flexible deposit/withdrawal methods. Retail sportsbook at Nationals Park. Aggressive NHL promotional calendar with "One Game Parlay" feature excellent for hockey SGPs.

Welcome offer: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet doesn't win.

Best for: Bettors seeking maximum payment flexibility, Nationals Park visitors.

Fanatics Sportsbook

D.C. Status: Launched September 12, 2024

Fanatics offers the FanCash rewards program, earn cash back on every bet. Launched district-wide in September 2024 as a newer operator with modern platform and integration with sports merchandise.

Welcome offer: Bet and Get up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash ($200 back per day for 10 days if your bets lose).

Best for: High-volume bettors, merchandise lovers, FanCash enthusiasts.

Shurzy Tip: Fanatics' $2,000 FanCash offer is clutch for high-volume Capitals bettors. Lose a bet, get FanCash back, use it for more bets or Caps gear. That's a safety net the other books don't offer.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

NHL Bet Types in Washington D.C.

All D.C. sportsbooks offer the full spectrum of NHL bets. Here's what you can play.

Moneyline Betting

Pick the winner, straight up. Shop across D.C.'s 5 operators for best odds.

Puck Line (-1.5 / +1.5 and alternates)

Hockey's spread with alternative lines available. Favorites must win by 2+ goals (-1.5), underdogs get a 1.5-goal cushion.

Shurzy Tip: With 5 sportsbooks in D.C., puck line shopping matters for Capitals games. A -110 at FanDuel might be -105 at DraftKings. Over a season, those nickels add up. Don't be lazy, shop around.

Total Goals (Over/Under with alternatives)

Usually set between 5.5 and 6.5 goals per game with alternative totals.

Player Props

The fastest-growing NHL market. Anytime goal scorer, shots on goal (extensive ranges), assists, saves (goalies), power play points, blocked shots. DraftKings offers the deepest menus.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

Period Betting

Bet specific periods: 1st-period moneyline, 1st-period total, 2nd-period total, 3rd-period moneyline.

Shurzy Tip: Period betting is underrated for tight Capitals games. If you're expecting a defensive slugfest, bet the first-period under instead of the full game. You dodge empty-net chaos and overtime coin flips.

Team & Game Props

Team total goals, both teams to score, overtime (yes/no), winning margin. Available across all major D.C. books.

NHL Parlays & Same Game Parlays

Standard and SGP options available. FanDuel leads on NHL SGPs with extensive customization.

NHL Futures Betting

Stanley Cup winner, Conference winners, division winners, Hart/Vezina/Calder Trophy odds. Available on all major D.C. books.

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

NHL Betting Bonuses & Promos in Washington D.C.

D.C.'s competitive market drives promotions. Here's what to watch for.

• Welcome Bonuses: All 5 sportsbooks offer new customer promotions. Current highlights include FanDuel's Bet $5, Get $150 if your bet wins, DraftKings' Bet $5, Get $200 + NBA League Pass, Caesars' double winnings on next 20 bets, BetMGM's up to $1,500 back if first bet loses, and Fanatics' up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash.
• Capitals-Specific Promotions: FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars frequently offer Capitals odds boosts and promotions during the regular season and playoffs.
• Playoff Specials: Stanley Cup Playoffs bring enhanced promotional activity across all books.

Shurzy Tip: Check all 5 sportsbook promotion tabs daily for Capitals-specific promos. When Ovi's chasing Gretzky's goal record, books throw boosts constantly. Don't sleep on those.

Expert NHL Betting Tips for Washington D.C. Bettors

Here's how to bet smarter on hockey in D.C.'s competitive market.

1. Leverage Capitals Knowledge: D.C. bettors following the Capitals have an edge. Use local insight on roster changes, goalie workload, Ovechkin's chase for Gretzky's record, team momentum before national markets adjust.
2. Watch Goalie Announcements Closely: A backup goalie can flip a line 2-3 goals instantly. Check official Capitals sources 30 minutes before puck drop, D.C. books update quickly.
3. Consider Back-to-Back Situations: Teams playing consecutive nights face fatigue. The team on night two of a back-to-back allows more goals. Factor this into Capitals totals and puck lines.
4. Shurzy Tip: Back-to-backs hit differently in hockey. If the Caps are on the second night and traveling, be cautious. Books price it in somewhat, but casual bettors sleep on this edge.
5. Shop D.C.'s Market: With 5 competing operators, check at least 3 books before betting on Capitals games. Price discrepancies exist and are exploitable.
6. Use 18+ Age Advantage: D.C.'s 18+ requirement is unique. If applicable, take advantage of this lower barrier to entry.

How to Start Betting on NHL Games in Washington D.C.

Getting started is simple. Here's the play-by-play.

• Pick a licensed sportsbook from FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, or Fanatics. Create an account by downloading the app or visiting the website with accurate info (full name, DOB, address, SSN). Must be 18+.
• Full remote registration, no physical location visit required (though retail options exist at Capital One Arena and Nationals Park). Verify identity by uploading your driver's license or passport. Deposit funds via multiple methods accepted.
• Claim promotions by checking the "Promotions" tab for NHL-specific offers. Navigate to NHL/Hockey to find upcoming Capitals games. Compare odds across multiple D.C. sportsbooks (check at least 3). Place your bet through the app or website. Track results and refine your strategy over time.
• Beginner-friendly bets: Ovechkin anytime goal scorer (consistent value), puck lines (better payouts), first-period unders (less chaotic).

Safe, Responsible Hockey Betting in Washington D.C.

The D.C. Office of Lottery and Gaming ensures all licensed sportsbooks comply with consumer protection laws. Your funds are protected, and identity verification prevents underage gambling.

All D.C. sportsbooks offer deposit limits, wager limits, time-out periods, and self-exclusion options. Use these tools proactively.

Responsible Gambling Resources:

• D.C. Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-888-789-7777
• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• Gamblers Anonymous: Meetings in D.C.

If betting ever feels like a burden, reach out. D.C.'s resources are confidential and free.

Never bet money you can't afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses. Track your bets. Stick to a plan. Separate betting funds from your everyday account.

Final Thoughts: Washington D.C.'s Best for NHL Betting

Washington D.C. has evolved from a limited GambetDC-only market to a competitive five-operator marketplace with FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, and Fanatics all competing for Capitals fans' action.

FanDuel stands as the top overall choice. DraftKings excels for props. Caesars offers loyalty rewards. BetMGM has the best banking options. Fanatics has the best rewards program.