For Immediate Release: December 4, 2018
Contact: Rita D. Lewis, Communications Director: (202) 256-7154; rlewis@dccouncil.us

Councilmember Robert White Looks to a 2nd Vote to
Include Minorities and Women in the Local Sports Betting Industry

Washington, DC —Today, Councilmember Robert White introduced an amendment to the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018 (Sports Wagering Bill) that would have given minority-, women-, and locally-owned businesses robust opportunities to compete in the emerging sports betting market in the District. The amendment failed with seven Councilmembers voting against it, five voting in favor, and one absent. Despite the outcome, he remains committed to working with his colleagues to ensure that minority-, women-, and locally-owned businesses have meaningful opportunities to participate in this new market at the onset. 
 
Although DC is 47% Black, 10% Latino, and 53% female, women and minorities are often relegated to second tier status when it comes to representation and leadership in major business industries. This is largely a result of historic discriminatory government policies and lack of access to capital. With this emerging sports betting industry, the District has a real opportunity to change the color of wealth in the city that reflects its diversity.  
 
On December 18th, the Council will take its second and final vote on the Sports Wagering Bill. This is the last chance to pass an amendment that creates a local sports betting industry where minority-, women-, and local-owned businesses meaningfully participate. “If we miss this opportunity, our local sports betting industry will look like many other industries – with little to no minority or women participation.”


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