For those in the Old Line State, it would appear the wait is finally over for those waiting on the legalization of online sports betting in the state. A recent article covering the game scene in the state said that online sports betting is expected to launch in December per some reports. The Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) is ready for a reveal and expected to formally issue online sports betting licenses to 10 qualifying applicants when it next meets on November 21.
As those that are regular readers of this space are aware, this development has been a long time coming and a welcome sight for some in Maryland. Moreover in this report, SBS will be going over some of the latest gaming news coming from the state and also some other thoughts and notes about Maryland wagering.
As one report pointed out, people in the Old Line State have been waiting for some time for the broad legalization of gambling in Maryland. During the November 2020 election, Marylanders amended their state constitution through a ballot referendum to permit gambling on sports both in-person and over the internet. However, nearly two years later, the online sports betting component remains on hold.
During that time, SWARC faced much criticism for its lengthy regulatory approach. The commission has spent months determining how to field online sportsbook applications and distribute the concessions in a manner that adheres to equity stipulations. Those were mandated in the state’s sports betting bill signed by Governor Larry Hogan back in May of 2021. Now, the sports betting agency has received legislative approval to expedite online wagering licenses. As a result, it is becoming increasingly likely that the first legal online wager in the Old Line State will be facilitated by the end of the year.
Per the same report, the Maryland Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review allowed SWARC to avoid a time-consuming disparity analysis on the state of the gaming industry. Moreover, the report was set to be conducted by an outside third party. SWARC will instead require licensed online sportsbook operators to “make a good faith effort” to promote inclusive hiring and maintain a diverse workforce.
According to one report, getting approval from the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (MLGCC) is the first step applicants must complete before being approved for online sports betting operations. During last month’s MLGCC meeting, the agency found 10 applicants suitable for licensure. Per the article, they are Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel, Betfred, BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, Parx, Barstool Sportsbook, PointsBet, and BetRivers. Those 10 operators are likely to be Maryland’s first legal online sportsbook operators. If SWARC issues licenses to the applicants during the November hearing, the final approval step from there will be for the MLGCC to review their operations during a test run. If successful, they can fully go live from there.
After you are all set getting up to speed on the latest news coming out of Maryland, make sure to also look into the variety of resources that SBS has set up for you. For instance, our Maryland sports betting guide has a ton of great details about gaming in the Old Line State and a great selection of betting market info. Moreover, if you are maybe unfamiliar with how to make deposits and withdrawals for your wagers, do not fret as our payment methods rundown is exactly the page you need to never miss out on the action. Finally, if you are trying to maximize your wagers (and stay ahead of the pack), then the SBS best bonus betting sites overview is precisely the page you will want by your side. Here, you will find an amazing catalog of the best welcome bonus offers out there and tips for getting the most out of promotions.
About the Author
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football and basketball across the country. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones. CURRENTLY Business Development and freelance sports writing RESIDES IN Reno, NV EDUCATION University of Nevada BS and MBA EXPERTISE -Sports writing proficiency in: NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and some motor sports -Topical news -Promotional and marketing ideas/updates -Business development Summary Chris Boline serves in a business development sales capacity as his day job. He has previously held sales/marketing positions with The Applied Companies (TAC), KTVN 2 News and the NBA G League’s Reno Bighorns, affiliate of the Sacramento Kings. He is a Reno native and is a member of various community boards including the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET and the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA). Chris graduated from the University of Nevada in 2015 with a bachelors in management and economics and also earned his MBA from Nevada in 2023. More about Chris: Past president of the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA) 2022-23 Two-time honoree for University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year (Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, 2017 & COBAA, 2021) 2021 NCET award for Professional Services Organization of the Year with TAC Northern Nevada Human Resources Association 2020 Best Places to Work-Northern Nevada, Second Place with TAC 2016-17 Reno Bighorns MVP from the Sacramento Kings The Nevada Sagebrush editor-in-chief 2013-15 Associated Collegiate Press 2015 Four-year Non-daily Newspaper Pacemaker honoree University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Dean's List honoree (5x) from 2011-2015 Nevada Press Association award for Best Sports Column – Community in 2015 Education
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