Director of the MLGCA (Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency), John Martin, is buoyant that at least a handful of online sports betting applications will be available for Maryland citizens before the end of 2022.
In a recent interview, Martin revealed there could be sportsbooks operating in Maryland in time for the Super Bowl and even before this date.
Last week saw the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) provide applications for operators planning on shifting their services into Maryland, with 60 online and 30 retail licenses up for grabs.
Lawmakers Have an Optimistic Outlook
“I’m optimistic today that we can get someone up and running before the end of the calendar year, if not more,” Martin commented. “There will be some carryover, sure; that’s what we’ve seen with brick and mortar. Some take longer than others, but that’s not because we’re not working on it.
“I think we’ll get some up and running, then more before the Super Bowl than before March Madness.”
Retail sports betting in Maryland has been active since December 2021.
Working In Unison for Sports Betting in MD
Since August 2021, SWARC has worked towards the completion of applications and regulations that can be readied for competitive licenses. It should be noted that the commission’s requirement to give the most equitable and inclusive industry also has extended developments.
Maryland sports betting was first approved in November 2020. Due to an overwhelming discontent among his constituents, Governor Larry Hogan pressed SWARC during the summer months in an attempt to speed the process up.
As applications have not been released, SWARC and the MLGCA are working in unison to select the operators and launch sports betting in Maryland as soon as possible. October 21 is the due date for applications.
Online and Independent Licenses in Maryland
Martin expressed that online licenses will in no way be tangled with existing business relationships between those announced in Maryland sports betting legislation.
“These relationships don’t necessarily carry over,” Martin commented. “You’re not tethered to the partners, but some are doing that initially. You shouldn’t just assume because two partners are partnered in retail that they are in mobile.”
Online sportsbooks with retail shops in Maryland are:
- • Barstool – Hollywood Casino
- • BetMGM – MGM National Harbor
- • BetRivers – Bingo World
- • Caesars – Horseshoe Casino
- • FanDuel – Live! Casino
- • PointsBet – Riverboat on the Potomac
In addition to the current retail sportsbooks, TwinSpires is operating the Ocean Downs Casino retail sportsbook, and Fanatics is preparing to open a sportsbook at FedEx Field.
Retail Sports Betting Numbers in Maryland Sink
From the seven retail sportsbooks in MD, $18.7 million was received in bets, resulting in $3.2 million in revenue and a mere 17.1% hold.
Maryland has seen $209 million wagered since its retail launch in December, holding 11.9% with $24 million in revenue. $3.7 million was collected in taxes
