Having served as president and CEO of the DC Chamber of Commerce for 12 years, I’ve fought tirelessly for our small businesses, ensuring they thrive in our community. Now, as a small business owner, I see firsthand how vital it is for our government to prioritize policies that serve the interests of these entrepreneurs.
This conviction drives my support for the current system that allows DC small businesses to host sports betting kiosks, earning 5 percent of the gaming revenue. These kiosks are a lifeline for our restaurants and bars, drawing in patrons and helping them recover from the pandemic’s devastating impact.
However, B25-753 threatens to dismantle this beneficial arrangement, prioritizing large sports betting operators over our small businesses. The Council’s goal of maximizing revenue in light of GamBetDC’s underperformance is understandable, but shifting to a mobile-dominated system would marginalize our local retailers. FanDuel has already improved the situation significantly, paying the city $5 million upfront and guaranteeing an additional $10 million annually. Their kiosks are replacing GamBetDC’s, promising increased revenue for retailers. Yet, opening the market to more large, out-of-state companies would squeeze out small businesses, depriving them of critical in-person gaming revenue.
Large operators already enjoy substantial privileges, with exclusive rights around our sports stadiums. Expanding their dominance would further disadvantage our local businesses.
During my tenure at the DC Chamber, I welcomed large organizations but never at the expense of small businesses. Today, our balanced system allows both large operators like FanDuel and local small businesses to benefit, ensuring fair competition and substantial tax revenue for the city. Disrupting this balance by favoring additional large operators would harm our small businesses and the local economy.
The Council must reconsider B25-753 and focus on policies that support our small businesses. Maintaining a balanced approach to sports betting regulation is crucial for ensuring fair competition and supporting the backbone of our community. As someone committed to the well-being of DC’s small businesses, I pledge to continue advocating for their interests, reinforcing their role as a central part of our economy and community. Let’s prioritize our small businesses and keep them at the heart of our city’s vibrant economy.