Governor Larry Hogan has announced the eagerly anticipated launch of Maryland’s mobile sports betting market, scheduled to commence on November 23rd. This move marks a significant step forward in the state’s gambling landscape, providing sports enthusiasts with the opportunity to engage in online wagering. Maryland’s Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) has granted licenses to a total of 10 online operators, with 7 operators ready to go live on the launch day.
The Exciting Launch and Impending Opportunities:
Maryland’s mobile sports betting market is finally ready to take off, with Governor Larry Hogan expressing enthusiasm for the launch. Hogan acknowledged the prolonged process and the eagerness of fans to engage in sports betting, especially during prominent events like Thanksgiving Day NFL action, college football rivalry weekends, NBA games, the 2022 World Cup, and upcoming Ravens and Commanders games.
Licensed Operators: Pioneers in the Market:
Maryland’s SWARC has issued licenses to 10 online operators, each representing a distinct facet of the market. Among the seven operators prepared for Day 1 are notable names such as Barstool Sportsbook (operating for PENN Maryland/Hollywood Casino), BetMGM (operating for BetMGM Maryland Sports/MGM National Harbor), BetRivers (operating for Arundel Amusements/Bingo World in Brooklyn Park), Caesars Sportsbook (operating for CZR Maryland Mobile Opportunity/Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore), DraftKings (operating for Crown MD Online Gaming), FanDuel (operating for PPE Maryland Mobile/Live! Casino and Hotel in Hanover), and PointsBet (operating for Riverboat on the Potomac).
Pending Approvals and Future Entrants:
While seven operators are set for launch, three additional operators are poised to join the fray pending final approval. BetFred (operator for Long Shot’s in Frederick), BetParx (operator for Greenmount Station in Hampstead), and Fanatics (operator for Maryland Stadium Sub/Washington Commanders in Landover) are diligently working with the Maryland Lottery and Gaming staff to meet the launch requirements. The exact timing of their respective launches is yet to be determined.
Early Registration Bonanza and Mobile Accessibility:
In a bid to create excitement ahead of the launch, players in the state were offered a special early registration offer. Rush Street Interactive (RSI), the operator behind BetRivers, announced that bettors could already register, deposit, wager, and withdraw on the BetRivers sportsbook across various devices, including mobile devices, tablets, desktops, and laptops. Caesars Sportsbook also unveiled its app, downloadable on iOS and Android devices, further enhancing accessibility for bettors.
Maryland’s Growing Sports Betting Landscape:
Recent data from the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission reveals the growing traction of sports betting in the state. In October, Maryland’s seven sportsbooks collectively recorded a betting handle of $39.7 million, showcasing a significant 26.4% increase compared to September’s $31.4 million. This surge led to a new monthly record, underscoring the growing enthusiasm among Marylanders for engaging in sports wagering. After accounting for prizes and promotional play, the taxable win for the month stood at $5.2 million, translating to 13.4% of total wagers.
As Maryland’s mobile sports betting market prepares for its grand launch, excitement and anticipation fill the air. With a diverse array of operators poised to offer their services, players in the state can look forward to a dynamic and engaging sports betting landscape. The growth trajectory of Maryland’s sports betting scene, as evidenced by record-breaking figures, hints at a promising future for both operators and enthusiastic bettors alike.