On Monday, BetMGM and the Washington Nationals announced a partnership Monday with the opening of the first retail sportsbook connected to a Major League Baseball stadium. The location will also be open year-round to allow bettors to engage and watch events.
BetMGM’s Retail Location Will Be Next to Nationals Park
This is certainly an innovative approach in baseball and the sports betting industry. CEO of BetMGM, Adam Greenblatt, stated in a press release;
“We’re constantly pushing the boundaries to deliver sports fans unique experiences, and that’s just what we’ve done with the new BetMGM Sportsbook at Nationals Park.”
“Whether fans are attending baseball games or looking for a place to watch any sporting event, the BetMGM Sportsbook at Nationals Park is bound to be one of the most engaging sports viewing environments in the District.”
The retail sportsbook will be publicly accessible from N Street SE. The retail sportsbook location will be next to the center field gate of Nationals Park.
The blueprint of the area will consist of a 4,000-square-foot building that will replace Center Field Social, six betting windows, numerous rows of betting kiosks, 40 TVs, and a full bar and kitchen. It will also provide live odds updates and a maximum capacity of 187 and full-service beverage and dining options.
Fans that are enjoying the game or any other event inside the stadium will not be able to access the sportsbook but could use the BetMGM app by the start of the 2022 MLB season from their seats.
Why BetMGM is Taking This Approach
BetMGM Sportsbook launched in DC in 2021, but a mobile app is convenient to the user who may want to make multiple wagers. Bettors who are going to an event at Nationals Park can place a wager from up to a two-mile radius from the stadium.
This partnership will last for a while as the exclusive partnership will be a multi-year business venture. The Nationals organization is taking the approach of what neighboring professional teams are doing in the DC area.
Capital One Arena, which is home to the Washington Capitals and the Washington Wizards became the first sporting venue across the United States to house a retail sportsbook through the partnership with William Hill. William Hill opened its sportsbook last May.
Neighboring states like Maryland and Virginia all offer some type of sports betting to their residents. Greenblatt continued by stating;
“The D.C.-Maryland-Virginia region is a great look into how we’re seeking to expand the BetMGM platform with a variety of unique experiences for our customers… We’ve established great partnerships that allow us to bring these one-of-a-kind touchpoints to the DMV.”
The BetMGM Sportsbook at Nationals Park will be open seven days a week from 11:00 a.m. – Midnight ET. Ever since the Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on commercial sports betting outside of cities like Las Vegas, the industry’s landscape has changed rapidly.
There is also a possibility that the Washington Football Team could add a retail sportsbook if the organization decides to relocate to the Commonwealth. Their lease with FedEx Field expires after 2027.
