Bill > B26-0656

This bill, the Internet Gaming and Consumer Protection Act of 2026, amends existing District of Columbia law to authorize and regulate internet gaming, often referred to as iGaming, which includes casino-style games like poker and slots played online. The Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG), under the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), will administer a comprehensive framework covering licensing for operators and suppliers, consumer protections, responsible gaming measures, taxation, reporting, and enforcement. Key provisions include requiring internet gaming operators to submit plans for participation by Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs), which are local businesses certified by the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), ensuring at least 35% of their operating budget is contracted with CBEs. The bill also establishes a Community Reinvestment Fund, funded by a 2% assessment on operators' adjusted gross internet gaming revenue, to mitigate social and economic impacts by supporting programs for debt management, financial counseling, domestic violence services, gambling addiction research, and workforce development in tech fields. Furthermore, it explicitly prohibits unlicensed sweepstakes gaming and similar "dual-currency gaming products," which are schemes where different forms of currency or credits can be redeemed for cash or prizes, to prevent unregulated gambling activities. The OLG will set rules for age and location verification, data security, payment methods, and advertising, with a 25% tax on adjusted gross internet gaming revenue, and a portion of that tax revenue dedicated to gambling addiction services.