Maryland's PointsBet Retail Sportsbook Commences Operations
In a significant move towards inclusivity, Maryland's sports betting market is set to expand with the arrival of new operators, including Bodhi-Naav, a minority woman-owned business. The launch of mobile sports betting platforms, initially slated for late October, is now expected to occur before the end of the year, falling within the 2022 NFL season.
The market's already active landscape, with the official launch of legal mobile sports betting platforms on November 23, 2022, has paved the way for new entrants. Notable operators like Fanatics Sportsbook have already launched their full apps, with others such as bet365 speculated to join the market in the future, potentially by the start of the 2025-2026 NFL season.
The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) has been diligently reviewing applications, with up to 45 days allocated for the process. However, it's hoped that they won't need the full 45 days to review all applicants.
The diversity and inclusion emphasis in Maryland's sports betting legislation is evident in the launch of PointsBet Sportsbook at Riverboat on the Potomac, a historic first for a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) in Maryland's gaming history. The sportsbook, which went live at the start of the 2022 NFL season, marks the seventh sports betting operator in the state.
Riverboat on the Potomac, owned by Bodhi-Naav LLC and Delmock Technologies Inc., a certified MBE, features 21 TVs, a bar, and a lounge, providing a comfortable and engaging environment for sports enthusiasts.
State Sen. Arthur Ellis has emphasised the importance of inclusivity for both Charles County and minority businesses in Maryland's sports betting industry. The partnership between the Riverboat and PointsBet is considered a success in fostering diversity and inclusion in the market.
Moreover, Long Shot's OTB, another woman-owned business, is set to add diversity to Maryland's sports wagering industry with its upcoming Betfred Sportsbook.
The application period for mobile sports wagering licenses in Maryland is currently open, inviting more businesses to contribute to the growing and inclusive sports betting market in the state.
- The arrival of Bodhi-Naav, a minority woman-owned business, signals a change in Maryland's sports betting market, with the intention to launch mobile sports betting platforms before the end of the year, coinciding with the 2022 NFL season.
- The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) is reviewing applications from various operators, including Bodhi-Naav, with the aim to expedite the process and bring more diversity to the market.
- Positive changes in Maryland's sports betting landscape are evident, as Raj Chowdhury, CEO of upcoming entrant Long Shot's OTB, prepares for the launch of Betfred Sportsbook, adding more diversity to the growing market.
- With the official launch of legal mobile sports betting platforms on November 23, 2022, Maryland's sports betting industry is progressing towards inclusivity, with several operators entering the market, such as Fanatics Sportsbook, bet365, PointsBet Sportsbook, and Long Shot's OTB's Betfred Sportsbook.
