The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (MGLCC) has delivered an update on the anticipated launch of Maryland online sports betting, suggesting that it may arrive in time for Thanksgiving (November 24).
Progress was made in September after the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) approved the application process for mobile and class B facility sports wagering licences.
Businesses and individuals were given a 45-day window – until October 21 – to submit their applications, and there was hope that Maryland online sports betting could launch before the end of the year.
Then, last month, Maryland Lottery and Gaming approved the qualification of 10 businesses seeking sports betting licences.
The next step is for SWARC to consider their applications for licence awards, and on Monday, November 14, it was announced the licence award meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 16.
These are the ten online operators SWARC will review on Wednesday:
- BetRivers Sportsbook (Arundel Amusements DBA Bingo World)
- BetMGM Sportsbook (BetMGM Maryland Sports LLC)
- DraftKings Sportsbook (Crown MD Online Gaming LLC)
- Caesars Sportsbook (CZR Maryland Mobile Opportunity LLC / Horseshoe Casino Baltimore)
- BetParx Sportsbook (Greenmount OTB LLC)
- BetFred Sportsbook (Long Shot’s LLC)
- Fanatics Sportsbook (Maryland Stadium Sub LLC / Washington Commanders)
- Barstool Sportsbook (PENN Maryland OSB LLC / Hollywood Casino Perryville)
- FanDuel Sportsbook (PPE Maryland Mobile LLC / Live! Casino and Hotel)
- PointsBet Sportsbook (Riverboat on the Potomac)
However, businesses that are awarded licences by the SWARC on Wednesday will not be permitted to immediately begin taking wagers; each business is working with Maryland Lottery and Gaming staff to complete operational requirements.
After SWARC has awarded Maryland online sports betting licences, Maryland Lottery and Gaming will identify an initial start date – no launches will occur before this date.
“Our staff has been in continuous contact with these mobile sports wagering businesses, and has already guided them through many of the necessary steps,” said Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director John Martin.
“The last hurdle is for them to have controlled demonstrations, and SWARC’s awards of licences on Wednesday would clear the way for that to happen.”
Sportsbooks must successfully complete controlled demonstrations of their systems and procedures before they can launch. This involves accepting wagers at specific dates and times approved by Maryland Lottery and Gaming.
The final step before launch is a controlled demonstration.
SWARC is authorised to conduct a competitive process to award up to 60 mobile licences and up to 30 Class B facility licences.
SWARC received 21 mobile licence applications and six Class B facility licence applications.