Analysis Commences on Significant Discrepancies in Maryland Sports Betting
Reading Through the Sports Betting Journey in Maryland
The Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) has been patiently waiting for updates regarding a disparity analysis essential for the launch of legal mobile sports betting. On a recent Thursday, SWARC revealed that the study is underway, yet no definitive timeframe was provided for its completion.
Once the analysis is finalized, SWARC can proceed with the application process for mobile betting licenses. Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) Director John Martin shared with Sports Handle his hope for mobile betting to commence by the beginning of the 2022 NFL season. However, he acknowledged that with each passing day, it becomes slightly more challenging to meet this goal.
Bingo World Steps Up to the Plate
Thursday morning saw the SWARC award Bingo World (Rush Street Interactive) a sports betting retail license, permitting them to kickstart their retail sports wagering operation. The final approval step requires the lottery to conduct financial and technical checks at the location. Bingo World became the ninth Maryland entity to secure a license for retail sports betting, with five of these entities having already launched their operations.
Retail sports betting officially debuted in Maryland in December, primarily at casinos partnered with major operators like Hollywood Casino (Barstool Sportsbook), Horseshoe Casino (Caesars), Live! Casino (FanDuel), MGM National Harbor (BetMGM), and Ocean Downs Casino (TwinSpires).
Riverboat-on-the-Potomac (PointsBet), Long Shot's, and Greenmount Station are the recipients of SWARC licenses but have yet to initiate their retail betting operations. Along with the Bingo World launch, these and other forthcoming launches are anticipated in the coming months.
Insights:
- Mobile sports betting has been legalized in Maryland and is expected to commence after the completion of the disparity analysis.
- Governor Wes Moore signed a bill increasing the tax rate for mobile sports betting operators from 15% to 20% in May 2025.
- The current regulatory environment involves the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, which oversees sports betting operations. Pending approval, the state can license up to 60 online sportsbooks.
- It would be beneficial to contact the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency or review official state announcements for precise details on the disparity analysis's status and timeline for mobile sports betting.
The future of sports betting in Maryland undergoes an exciting development with Bingo World (Rush Street Interactive) receiving a retail sports betting license, marking the ninth such license issued in the state. As they await final approval, the anticipation for both the launch of their retail sports wagering operation and the eventual commencement of mobile sports betting grows.
