Published on: November 21, 2025, 08:18h.
Updated on: November 21, 2025, 08:18h.
- Construction of the NFL Washington Commanders stadium set to commence in 2026
- A casino resort proposal has emerged next to the RFK campus
- Casinos will require Congressional approval to be established in Washington, DC
The upcoming Washington Commanders stadium in Washington, DC, is scheduled to break ground next year, with plans that may incorporate a casino resort if a particular real estate developer’s vision comes to fruition.
In April, city officials partnered with the Commanders’ ownership, led by billionaire Josh Harris, to revitalize the RFK Stadium site, which has been neglected since 2019. The ambitious $3.7 billion project aims to construct a 65,000-seat stadium with a translucent roof, ensuring climate control and daylight access.
The stadium and its two associated parking garages will only occupy 11% of the 180 acres located along the banks of the Anacostia River in the Hill East neighborhood.
Discussions are ongoing about community preferences for the area surrounding the NFL stadium. Initial designs included residential units, affordable housing, parks, recreational spaces, hotels, restaurants, and retail shops, while a new proposal suggests incorporating elements reminiscent of the Las Vegas Strip in the nation’s capital.
Proposed DC Casino
A Pittsburgh-based real estate developer has formed an LLC named Chatman Holdings, LLC, within the district to propose a casino resort on Reservation 13, the city-owned land positioned directly south of the RFK site.
The Chatman proposal entails a gaming facility alongside various dining options, a 1,000-room hotel, 75,000 square feet dedicated to convention space, a bowling alley, and a movie theater. Additionally, it includes 900,000 square feet for office space, 1,400 affordable housing units, and a grocery store.
According to Chatman representatives, this development could generate approximately 5,000 construction jobs and another 5,000 permanent positions at the resort.
However, the proposal has encountered swift opposition. Critics point to Chatman’s lack of experience in constructing and managing a casino or a large resort and argue that slot machines and table games may not benefit the area.
Would the casino’s financial model rely on residents who average a median income of $40,000 to $50,000? Extracting funds from a low-income community is not a viable solution for fostering further development or grocery access,” stated Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Chanettia Nelson.
Conversely, some advisory commissioners have shown support for the concept of a casino.
Casinos create more employment opportunities,” stated Commissioner Shirley Thomson-Wright. “I have heard the mayor express favorable views on gambling multiple times. I believe it will gain traction once we address the concerns.”
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has endorsed a city bill allowing poker and blackjack. However, the Poker and Blackjack Gaming Authorization Act is currently stalled in the City Council.
Congressional Approval Required
At present, Washington, DC’s gambling landscape encompasses a city-operated lottery, in-person and mobile sports betting, along with small charitable games of chance.
A casino establishment would necessitate legislation approval from both the City Council and the mayor. Subsequently, the bill would be submitted to Congress, which has 30 days to approve it; if Congress takes no action, the measure will automatically become law.