Earlier in the year, Washington, D.C. took steps to become the first jurisdiction in the U.S. to make online casinos a reality, and now local lawmakers are putting the final touches on a plan that would take effect in September.
Despite the push by some legislators to add the online gambling sites, The Washington Post reports that the city’s finance committee still has to overcome some obstacles before putting the plan into action.
Advocates of the policy say that by offering legal online gambling options, it will reduce the prevalence of less-than-reputable websites that some gamers turn to now. Although some opponents are concerned that it might create an irresponsible culture, Buddy Roogow, the executive director of the lottery agency who has helped lead the charge, says that could not be further from the truth.
“We’re in it to make money. We’re in it to create revenue for the city,” he told the news source. “We’re trying to do it in a way that’s most responsible,”
According to the D.C. Lottery’s website, the proposed site for the casino, igamingdc.com, is expected to be launched as early as September 8 and will offer games ranging from Texas Hold ‘Em to Bingo.
