Elys Game Technology Corp, an interactive gaming and sports betting technology company, announced approval by the DC Department of Small & Local Business Development (DSLBD) of the BetDupont Certified Business Enterprise Joint Venture between the Company and District Hospitality LLC in Washington, DC.

This approval follows the previously announced sportsbook partnership with District Hospitality, which operates the Ozio Lounge located at 1813 M St. NW in Washington, DC. The agreement has an initial term of three years from the date of issuance of the license with a minimum of two anticipated extensions of 2 years each. Subject to regulatory approval of the DC Office of Lottery and Gaming (DCOLG), the BetDupont CBEJV would allow the Company to operate the third location in Washington, DC for its white label sportsbook solution at the Ozio Lounge.

Following the launch of its small business strategy, Elys has already placed its sportsbook solution at the Grand Central Restaurant and Sportsbook and expects to receive regulatory approval to open its second sportsbook operation at the Cloakroom Gentlemen’s Club under the Cloakbook brand situated at 476 K St NW, in Washington, DC. In April 2022, the Company also announced its CBEJV with AllBets Inc., and in June 2022, the Company announced its fourth planned sportsbook location at the Entitlement Restaurant and Lounge in Washington, DC, both of which are pending approval by the DSLBD.

“While this approval is the first in a two-step process to obtain the license required to operate our sportsbook solution at the Ozio Lounge, we believe the increasing pace of approvals demonstrates our U.S. expansion momentum, as well our ability to operate sportsbooks as an ancillary product for restaurants, bars and other small business establishments in a fully compliant manner,” Michele Ciavarella, Executive Chairman of Elys, said.

“We are excited to partner with District Hospitality and believe the launch of our sportsbook solution will help further establish the Ozio Lounge as a premier destination for both local guests and tourists alike. We also appreciate the support of the DSLBD, which illustrates their commitment to helping both small businesses and the local DC economy. Our sportsbook solution is not only garnering attention within DC, but we believe that interest is growing rapidly in this sector across the nation. We look forward to announcing additional retail locations in the near future, and to replicating this success in additional markets, including our recently announced expansion into the state of Ohio,” Michele Ciavarella added.