William Hill Makes History With Capital One Arena Sportsbook Launch

The first sportsbook to operate within the boundaries of a professional sporting arena officially opened its doors for business on Wednesday, making history in the US sports betting industry.

The launch of the William Hill Sportsbook at Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, brings to a close a collaboration agreement signed last October between William Hill, a Caesars Entertainment company, and Monumental Sports & Entertainment.

Proven leader and innovator in sports betting

Founder and CEO Ted Leonsis said: “Monumental Sports & Entertainment is proud to have worked with William Hill and Caesars Entertainment, a proven leader and innovator in sports betting, to provide the preeminent fan experience and serve as exemplars to the industry as first-in-class and best-in-class.

“Providing a data-driven, technologically-advanced environment in a beautiful, approachable space with fine dining options provided by Chef Stefanelli will further enhance the indelible memories we create nightly at Capital One Arena, and draw even more visitors to our historic downtown DC neighbourhood.”

The 18,000-square-foot, two-story arena has 17 betting windows and 12 self-service betting kiosks, as well as Verizon 5G Wi-Fi, which allows spectators to place bets on their mobile devices using the William Hill app.

Features of the sportsbook

The sportsbook features over 100 television screens, including four on all sides of a jumbotron suspended from the ceiling in the centre of the venue, which is a copy of the one located at centre ice/center court inside Capital One Arena. A bespoke 1,500 square-foot LED screen encircling the whole stadium, providing visitors with the best viewing experience for numerous games across numerous sports at the same time.

A broadcast studio, as well as two VIP sections and a private dining and entertainment room, will be used to hold live television and radio broadcasts. Baseball stitching in the stair railing, old lockers in the main bar, local sports memorabilia around the room, and sketches of local arenas printed on the ceiling are all design elements that pay homage to the heritage of sports and local professional teams.

The sportsbook and restaurant will be open daily, year-round, and will be accessible to the public from F Street. Direct access to and from Capital One Arena will be available during certain ticketed events, which now number 230 per year and attract three million visitors.

Elite level

Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg commented: “With more than 100 televisions, nearly 20 betting windows and a dozen kiosks in the space as well as access to the William Hill mobile app, our guests will enjoy a great game day watching the Capitals or Wizards at home or wagering on their favourite teams during any game.

“Adding Chef Nicholas to our roster has elevated our partnership with Monumental Sports & Entertainment to an elite level, providing the ultimate sportsbook experience for fans throughout the region.”