Washington D.C.'s two restaurants apply for sports betting licenses

"We just want to take advantage of any opportunity that might happen moving forward," said Eric Heidenberger, a D.C. Restaurant Group partner.

2020-01-07

United States

Reading time 1:36 min

Both establishments, owned by The D.C. Restaurant Group, are planning to use a mobile application available only on their premises to take bets, according to D.C.’s Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration. Hearings on the license changes are scheduled for February 24.

Downtown D.C. The Bottom Line and Shaw’s Tavern on Florida Avenue NW have applied for sports betting licenses, according to D.C.’s Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration.

Both establishments are planning to use a mobile application available only on their premises to take bets, according to ABRA’s protest notices. There are no plans for physical betting kiosks at either location.

Both are part of The D.C. Restaurant Group, which counts several other restaurants in its fold, including Northside Tavern and The Madhatter near Dupont Circle and 801 Restaurant & Bar in Shaw.

"We just want to take advantage of any opportunity that might happen moving forward," said Eric Heidenberger, a D.C. Restaurant Group partner, as reported by the Washington Business Journal. He said a lot still needs to be ironed out and sports wagering may not ultimately make its way to his establishments. But he said it's been a tough market for restaurants and the prospect of adding an amenity attractive to customers is worth pursuing.

The applications come as D.C. continues to work toward getting its sports wagering system in place. The D.C. Lottery hopes to get city-operated sports betting up and running this year. It initially suggested it would have wagering in place for the start of the 2019 NFL season, but the city’s sole-source contract with Intralot to create and operate the District’s betting program is facing an unresolved legal challenge from a D.C. resident who claims the deal violates the federal Home Rule Act.

Restaurants and bars have the opportunity to team up with private sports betting providers as opposed to working under the Intralot system. There have been delays in opening the licensing application process for these establishments as well.

The Bottom Line, at 1716 Eye St. NW, and Shaw’s Tavern, at 520 Florida Ave. NW, are located outside the two-block radius around the city’s major pro sports venues where Class B sportsbooks are prohibited. Hearings on the license changes for The Bottom Line and Shaw’s Tavern are scheduled for February 24.