DC United and Caesars Entertainment are "deep in negotiations about opening a sportsbook at Audi Field next year," according to Steven Goff of the WASHINGTON POST. The talks involve a "sponsorship pact in which the gaming company's logo would appear on the sleeve" of the team's jerseys. Sources said that the two sides are "eager to open the sportsbook by the spring, which, if successful, might make the soccer stadium the first major venue" in DC to launch such an operation since the City Council approved legal sports betting in December '18. Monumental Sports & Entertainment and William Hill have "announced plans to operate" a similar sportsbook at Capital One Arena in '20. Nationals Park, Audi Field and the Entertainment & Sports Arena also have been "approved for gaming operations." DC United still would "need to apply for a license from the city and pay $125,000 for a permit," after the city opens the "licensing application process next week." Sources said that for weeks, contractors at Audi Field have been "working on scheduled upgrades and other renovations that would include the sportsbook." It currently is "unclear whether the gaming facility would occupy current space or be part of new construction on the property." Another source said that the plans for the sportsbook "include a restaurant and bar" (WASHINGTON POST, 11/27).
