Sports betting enthusiasts in Maryland can look forward to the possibility of sports betting apps going live by the start of December. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission have forwarded ten applicants to the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) for final approval. The SWARC is expected to award licenses to these operators during its next meeting on November 21. Once approved, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency will conduct a final review, and each operator must perform a controlled demonstration to ensure their systems and internal controls are functioning correctly before launching online sports betting services.
Ten Operators Nearing Approval:
The ten operators that have been sent for final approval by the SWARC are some of the most well-known names in the sports betting industry. They include Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel, Betfred, BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, Parx, Barstool Sportsbook, PointsBet, and BetRivers. Once these operators receive their licenses, they will be authorized to offer online sports betting services to Maryland residents.
Controlled Demonstration and Launch Date:
After receiving licenses from the SWARC, each operator must conduct a controlled demonstration to ensure the proper functioning of their systems and internal control procedures. This step is essential to guarantee a smooth and reliable user experience for bettors. Once the controlled demonstration is successfully completed, the operators can proceed with launching their online sports betting platforms. The initial start date for mobile wagering will be announced by the SWARC after licenses are awarded.
Ongoing Process and Available Licenses:
Maryland’s sports betting law permits the issuance of up to 60 mobile sports betting licenses, and with ten already in the approval process, there are still 50 potentially available licenses. This presents an opportunity for additional operators to enter the Maryland market in the future, providing bettors with more options and competition in the sports betting landscape.
The pending approval of ten prominent sports betting operators by the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission signals an exciting development for sports betting enthusiasts in Maryland. With the possibility of mobile sports betting becoming available by December, Maryland residents can soon enjoy a diverse range of sports betting options from reputable operators. As the sports betting market in Maryland continues to evolve, additional operators may enter the scene, offering further choices and opportunities for bettors across the state.