In early January of this year, BetMGM Sportsbook, a sports betting company, opened a location at  Nationals Park. Sports betting has taken over the sports world the last couple of years, affecting the way that fans watch the games. This BetMGM Sportsbook location will be the first in the sports world to be at a professional stadium. 

The sportsbook location will certainly top any sports betting location that is currently in the Washington DC area. Its state of the art facilities along with location, will quickly become popular amongst the locals and tourists. Some other, older, sports betting locations in the city are the Caesars Sportsbook in Chinatown, and Grand Central in Adams Morgan. In addition, there are bars and local restaurants that offer betting as well. With the new location now open at Nationals Park, BetMGM Sportsbook is the place to be for die hard sports fans looking to place bets, something that has grown in popularity in recent years. 

Going inside of the Sportsbook at Nationals park, people will find the up-to-date betting screens and scores of ongoing games. According to a press release by the MLB, they stated that there are “4,000 square feet of wall-to-wall screens.” Along with the screens surrounding the area, there are six betting windows, 17 kiosks, and a 40 foot bar. Even with all of the equipment available to place bets, people are still able to use the Sportsbook app to place bets. All of the kiosks and betting windows located around the Center Field Gates are just additional ways to increase the demand and opportunity to place bets. 

The location is right in the middle of the city, so parking could be an issue. The Washington Nationals organization released a statement regarding parking during days of an event held at Nats Park. They said that “no parking will be provided for guests of the Sportsbook during days that events are to be held at Nationals Park, including Nationals games and other non-game day events.” Fans who wish to place bets during a Nationals baseball game will have to pay for parking. This is a major factor that could affect the popularity of the Sportsbook. However, with the popularity of betting increasing, it should not become too much of a problem. 

Like all things, there are people who are going to love the fact that there is a location to place live bets, and then there are those who will oppose it. When the Nationals announced on Twitter of the plans, one fan commented “This makes me sick and sad. So disappointing that you are creating an environment where gambling is pervasive in a place that we want to be family friendly.” The comments section is filled with negative remarks about the announcement. One fan commented “I am not against gambling. I would have preferred a restaurant.” On social media, there are very few positive comments about the gambling site on online social media. However, there have been positive reviews as well, illustrating the divisive nature of sports gambling. 

Anyone who wishes to visit the Sportsbook please note that customers must be 21 years or older, and must bring a photo ID to enter and place bets. The Sportsbook is now currently open at Nationals Park and open for business.