Renewed Push for Gaming Legislation
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is making another attempt to legalize poker in the nation’s capital, hoping the move will spark life into the District’s struggling economy. Poker is currently illegal in D.C., forcing players to travel to nearby Maryland venues such as Baltimore card rooms and Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, which will host the PokerStars Open this October.
Bowser had previously included the proposal in her $21.8 billion FY2026 budget unveiled in May, introducing the Poker and Blackjack Gaming Authorization Act of 2025, which would permit tournaments for players 18 and older. However, the measure failed to advance and was excluded from the final draft of Council Bill 26-0265.
Economic Stakes for the District
At a press conference on Tuesday, Bowser reiterated her belief that poker could become a new engine for growth in D.C.
“They tell me it’s hot,” she said during her May budget presentation, while promoting the idea of expanding gaming options such as poker, blackjack, and bingo.
Deputy Mayor Nina Albert added that the city is still determining revenue expectations.
“So, the revenue projections really depend on how many events we host,” Albert explained. “But even if we had just one or two marquee national tournaments here, that is another attraction that brings both national and international visitors to D.C., which is always the platform we wanted to create for our entertainment ecosystem.”
Economic Context
The push comes as D.C.’s economy faces mounting challenges. An Axios report highlighted that the District is at a “pivotal moment,” with job growth and hiring unable to keep pace with the number of residents seeking work. The unemployment rate has remained at 6% for several months, while confidence among local business owners remains low.
Bowser is betting that poker legalization could create jobs, attract tourism, and provide a fresh source of revenue — a gamble she hopes will help revitalize the city’s stagnant economy.
