Mobile Sports Betting Edges Closer to Legalization in Maryland
HERE'S THE DEAL:
The cream of the sports wagering crop has been hand-picked, as the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission approved 10 mobile operators for licensing on Thursday. This major move brings Maryland one step closer to the start of a booming mobile sportsbook scene.
"We've got a heap of action coming up in the next few weeks, and we're tipping off mobile bets in Maryland sooner than you might think," Maryland Lottery Director, John Martin, announced in a press release. "We know folks have been chomping at the bit for this chance, and they're almost on a roll." To stay in the loop on MD sports betting updates, visit our dedicated section.
Not just mobile, another contestant, Long Shot's Hagerstown, also secured a sports wagering facility license. With its sister establishment in Frederick aiming to launch a retail sportsbook by the end of 2022, it's a double whammy for Long Shot's.
The lottery also dropped some exciting retail sports betting news for Maryland. A retail sportsbook at the home of the NFL's Washington Commanders, FedEx Field, is scheduled to kick off before the end of 2022. However, the partnership with an operator remains under wraps, with whispers suggesting Fanatics could be the lucky partner. In a twist, NFL in-stadium sportsbooks are barred from operating during home games—yep, due to league rules.
Lastly, betPARX at Greenmount OTB in Hampstead could see action as early as this week.
LEARN ABOUT THE LUCKY OPERATORS
The 10 lucky license applicants boast some heavy-hitters in the sports wagering world. Here's the full lowdown:
- Barstool Sportsbook
- Betfred
- BetMGM
- betPARX
- BetRivers
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings
- Fanatics
- FanDuel
- PointsBet
These operators should be familiar to Marylanders, as many already operate retail sportsbooks in the state. betPARX is also set to make its retail debut soon. According to previous reports, FanDuel's retail sportsbook at Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover leads the state in monthly handle.
SO, WHEN CAN WE START PLACING BETS?
Although these ten operators are greenlighted for mobile licenses, they still need to leap through a few more hoops before going live. The Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) is anticipated to meet on Nov. 21 to award licenses to the approved entities.
Once SWARC awards licenses on Nov. 21, each operator will undergo a final technical check with the lottery. Post-checkup, the mobile sportsbooks will be good to go live.
"While we've made great strides, we've still got a few tasks left on the to-do list," Martin added.
Mobile sportsbooks could see the light of day in Maryland as early as late November or early December. Marylanders better buckle up, as less than a month stands between them and the thrill of mobile sports betting!
The approved mobile operators, including Barstool Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, and more, are preparing to launch mobile sportsbooks in Maryland, bringing a boom to the local sports wagering scene. After the Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) grants licenses to these operators on November 21, mobile sportsbooks could go live as early as late November or early December.
