As Maryland inches closer to the launch of mobile sports betting we look at some of the biggest questions surrounding mobile sports betting in the state.
When Will Maryland Sports Betting Launch?
Sports betting was legalized in 2020 and the launch of mobile betting in Maryland has been a long road with a lot of hiccups. The delay has led to a ton of frustration from sports bettors in the state but the mobile launch is close.
Mobile sports betting is expected to launch before the end of the year, most likely in December. An official launch date has not yet been announced, but it could be as early as late November if the process goes quickly.
The Maryland Lottery Gaming Control Commission (MGLCC) is waiting for the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) to finish its licensing procedures to announce an official launch date. That is expected to happen on Nov. 21, at the next SWARC meeting.
A closer look: What is the SWARC in Maryland and what does it do?
Maryland Launch Bonuses
Although Maryland residents have to wait to place online wagers, they can claim launch bonuses while they wait. Three online sportsbooks — DraftKings, FanDuel, and PointsBet — have announced Maryland bonus offers in the form of free bets for new customers who sign up before sports betting launches.
What Will The Launch Look Like?
Mobile betting will launch on a rolling basis instead of having a universal start date. Once an operator has gained licensing and completed a controlled demonstration it can begin running its mobile sportsbook.
This is important because larger and more experienced sportsbooks can get started quickly. There can be a total of up to 60 mobile licenses granted in Maryland.
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Which Maryland Sportsbooks Are Coming?
On Oct. 27, MLGCC approved the qualifications of 10 businesses for mobile sports betting licenses. That list includes:
While these businesses still need to gain licensure from SWARC it’s likely that we will see them launch in Maryland. DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet, BetMGM, Caesars, and BetRivers could be among the first to launch when mobile betting goes live.
How Much Money Will The State Make?
Mobile sports betting is expected to bring in a large amount of revenue for the state. Maryland retail sports betting has done well in the state but mobile betting is the preferred method for many bettors.
In Maryland, sportsbooks must pay 15% of their taxable winnings to the state with the money going to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund. The fund goes towards public education in Maryland.
For the Fiscal Year 2022 (July 2021- June 2022) sports wagering contributed $2.9 million with just retail sportsbooks.
In September alone, retail sports betting contributed over $984,000 to the state. Since July 1, 2022, the state has received over $1.7 million from retail sports betting. This number will likely skyrocket once mobile sports betting is launched.
Previously, Maryland Sharp estimated that mobile betting could bring in close to $4 million each month.
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Is There Retail Sports Betting In Maryland?
Yes, Maryland retail sports betting went live in December 2021 and there are currently seven retail sportsbooks open.
The operating retail sportsbooks are located at:
- Live! Casino & Hotel (FanDuel)
- MGM National Harbor (BetMGM)
- Horseshoe Casino (Caesars Sportsbook)
- Hollywood Casino Perryville (Barstool Sports)
- Ocean Downs Casino (TwinSpires)
- Bingo World (BetRivers)
- Riverboat on the Potomac (PointsBet)
In addition, there are more retail sportsbooks that are close to launching. DraftKings is partnering with Timonium Racetrack and Betfred Sportsbook partnering with Long Shots. Greenmount Station has also been awarded a license.
There can be a total of 17 retail sportsbooks in Maryland.
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