With the Washington Nationals not knowing whether they will have a spring training or regular season because of the current league lockdown, one thing it does know is that a sportsbook has come to its home field. That should attract nearby Virginia sports betting enthusiasts.
BetMGM Virginia and the Nationals announced Monday the opening of The BetMGM Sportsbook at Nationals Park, the first retail sportsbook connected to a Major League Baseball stadium, according to a news release.
This is the 20th retail sportsbook for BetMGM. The betting platform announced plans to open a sportsbook connected to the Arizona Cardinals stadium before the 2022 NFL season begins.
“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,” Adam Greenblatt, CEO of BetMGM, said in the release. “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.”
In June, BetMGM and the Nationals announced that the app was available within a two-block radius of the stadium.
Fans attending a game at Nationals Park won’t be able to get into the new retail sportsbook from the stadium, but they can bet on the mobile app from their seats. And anyone within two blocks of the stadium can use the app.
“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,” Greenblatt said. “They can utilize the BetMGM mobile app anywhere in Virginia, can visit the newly opened retail sportsbook at MGM National Harbor in Maryland, and now in D.C., they can access the first sportsbook connected to a Major League Baseball stadium. We’ve established great partnerships that allow us to bring these one-of-a-kind touchpoints to the DMV.”
BetMGM Active in Nearby States
BetMGM is live for mobile Virginia sports betting and it has opened a retail sportsbook at MGM National Harbor Casino for Maryland sports betting. The first legal Maryland sports bet was placed in December by the Gov. Larry Hogan at the MGM Sportsbook at National Harbor.
The BetMGM retail sportsbook in D.C. is one of two at professional sports venues in the district. In May 2021, Capital One Arena became the first U.S. professional sports arena with a sportsbook when it opened a William Hill/Caesars Sportsbook.
Other MLB stadiums are planning retail sportsbooks including one just outside of Chicago Cubs’ historic Wrigley Field (DraftKings) and one outside of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Chase Field (Caesars). With more states legalizing sports betting, MLB and other professional sports leagues will be adding sportsbooks at stadiums and arenas.
More About the Sportsbook
Accessible near the Center Field gate, the new 4,000-square foot sportsbook features 40 big-screen TVs with live updated odds boards, six live teller windows and several self-service betting kiosks. The sportsbook offers beverage and dining options and is also open year-round from 11 a.m. to midnight, the release said.
“The BetMGM Sportsbook at Nationals Park represents the newest way in which we are providing our fans with the best experiences in sports and entertainment,” Alan Gottlieb, chief operating officer of Lerner Sports, said in the release. “Upon its opening, the sportsbook immediately becomes one of the neighborhood's premier venues for both the savvy bettor and casual fan to watch the top events in an upscale and electric atmosphere.”
Nationals Looking to Rebound
Last season, the Nationals (65-97) finished last in the National League East, 23½ games behind eventual World Series champion Atlanta Braves and ended the season losing five straight games. In 2019, the Nationals won their first World Series title in seven games over the Houston Astros.
Whenever the current lockout situation ends, the Nationals are scheduled to open their Florida spring training schedule on Feb. 26 at the Detroit Tigers at 1:05 p.m. The Nationals are scheduled to open the regular season with a three-game road set at their division rival New York Mets March 31-April 2.
The Nationals’ first home game is set for April 4 as they host the Philadelphia Phillies (time to be announced).
