Reason Behind the Delay in Commencement of Mobile Sports Betting in Maryland
Maryland's anticipated launch of mobile sports betting has been met with persistent anticipation, given the delay in its commencement. The legislative framework guiding Maryland sports betting has specific provisions, which have prolonged the process compared to other states.
The Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) plays a crucial role in the process, with its mandate of fostering diversity and inclusion in the sports wagering industry necessitating a meticulous approach to rule creation and license application reviews. This commitment to inclusivity has made the process more extensive, though it is commendable for its focus on creating a diverse sports betting landscape.
SWARC is currently awaiting the results of a disparity study, intended to help ascertain if additional measures are required to increase diversity in the Maryland sports betting industry. Once completed, likely within the coming weeks, SWARC can proceed to award mobile sports betting licenses.
In the interim, bettors in Maryland have options for retail wagering, with five casinos currently offering sports betting services, including major operators such as Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel. Furthermore, four other entities that have been granted licenses are also preparing to launch their retail operations, with Riverboat-on-the-Potomac, partnered with PointsBet, among the anticipated launches within the coming months. Overall, stakeholders remain hopeful that Maryland's sports betting industry will flourish once the lengthy wait comes to an end.
John Martin, director of the Maryland Lottery, voiced his anticipation for the completion of the industry analysis and the subsequent launch of mobile sports betting, reiterating the Maryland Lottery's readiness to proceed. SWARC's next meeting is set for June 16, and a possible mobile sportsbooks launch during the 2022 football season rather than before Week 1 now seems likely.
It is worth noting that Maryland has recently increased the tax rate on mobile sportsbook operators from 15% to 20%, as per the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2025 (House Bill 352), signed by Governor Wes Moore. This legislation directs 5% of the generated tax revenue towards Maryland’s general fund, with the remaining 95% continued funding for education initiatives. The tax hike exemplifies Maryland's strategy for balancing fiscal needs while fostering a sustainable sports betting market.
Maryland's commitment to diversity and inclusion in the sports wagering industry is reflected in its legislative and regulatory framework, even though explicit details on diversity initiatives beyond taxation and public fund allocations are not extensively detailed in the available sources. The state's regulations and public funding partly reflect broader social goals such as education funding through the Blueprint for Maryland's Future Fund.
While mobile sports betting is thriving and generating substantial revenue, there have been political debates regarding the industry, like the introduction of a bill to repeal online sports betting, though it does not affect in-person betting, signaling ongoing discussions about the scope and impact of online wagering in Maryland.
In conclusion, the highly anticipated launch of mobile sports betting in Maryland was officially realized on November 23, 2022, following regulatory groundwork laid in 2021. As of 2025, mobile sports betting is operational in the state, with 11 online sportsbooks available alongside 13 in-person sportsbooks. The state has demonstrated a focus on regulating and taxing the industry to balance fiscal needs while fostering a sustainable market, prioritizing education funding from tax revenue. Maryland's commitment to diversity and inclusion in the sports wagering industry is embedded in its legislative and regulatory framework but is not explicitly detailed in regulations reported.
- John Martin, the director of the Maryland Lottery, expressed excitement about the completion of the industry analysis and the launch of mobile sports betting, stating the Maryland Lottery's readiness to proceed.
- The Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) is currently awaiting the results of a disparity study to help ascertain if additional measures are required to increase diversity in the Maryland sports betting industry.
- With mobile sports betting operations now live in Maryland, bettors have access to 11 online sportsbooks, including brands like Barstool Sportsbook and FanDuel, in addition to 13 in-person sportsbooks across the state.
