Washington Mayor Proposes Legalizing Poker and Blackjack to Boost City Budget

^{Photo: Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington}

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has proposed legalizing poker and blackjack in the U.S. capital, The Washington Post reports. The initiative is part of an economic package designed to support the city amid a budget shortfall and the ongoing federal government shutdown.*

According to city officials, legalizing card games could bring in additional revenue, attract more tourists, and strengthen the local entertainment industry. Authorities believe that hosting major poker and blackjack tournaments could establish Washington as a new destination on the gambling map.

The mayor’s office has yet to release revenue projections. Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Nina Albert noted that much will depend on how many large-scale events the city can secure.

“Even if we hosted just one or two major national tournaments, it would be an additional attraction for both American and international visitors. This is exactly the type of entertainment infrastructure we are working to develop in the District,” Albert said.

A similar proposal to legalize card games in Washington was previously included in budget initiatives but was rejected by the City Council. This time, Bowser’s administration intends to introduce the measure as a standalone bill to give it a better chance of advancing.

Currently, only lotteries and sports betting are legal in the District of Columbia.

* Congress has been unable to agree on federal funding, as Republicans and Democrats remain divided over spending, leaving government agencies without resources to operate.