Maryland Sports Betting Review Commission Convenes

Maryland Sports Betting Review Commission: A New Chapter Begins

The Maryland Sports Betting Review Commission (SWARC) has officially been established, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s journey towards launching sports betting. With all seats now filled, Maryland is steadfastly moving towards an anticipated sportsbook launch later this year. This development is a significant milestone following the appointment of E. Randolph Marriner, Chair of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission, as the final member of this seven-member independent commission.

The formation of SWARC and the selection of its members are critical steps under the state’s 2021 sports wagering law, which mandates the inclusion of considerations for racial, ethnic, and gender diversity among license applicants. This approach underscores Maryland’s commitment to ensuring a fair and inclusive sports betting ecosystem.

The SWARC consists of seven members: Thomas M. Brandt Jr. (Chair), Everett D. Browning, Sr., Laura Gamble, Bert J. Hash, Jr., Rosie Allen-Herring, Casandra Stevenson, and E. Randolph Marriner (Chair of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission).

Introducing the SWARC Appointees

The composition of the SWARC is a blend of expertise and experience, drawing from various sectors including finance, banking, and community leadership. Here’s a look at the individuals who will be steering Maryland into its new era of sports betting:

• Chairman Thomas M. Brandt, Jr.: With a background as the former CFO of TeleCommunication Systems and a history of involvement in Maryland’s retirement plans for teachers and state employees, Brandt brings a wealth of financial and administrative expertise to the commission.
• Laura Gamble: Representing the banking sector, Gamble’s role as regional president of PNC for Greater Maryland, along with her trustee positions at the Baltimore Community Foundation and Mercy Health Systems, positions her as a key player in the commission.
• Bert Hash, Jr.: As the current Vice Chair of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission and a retired President and CEO in the banking industry, Hash’s experience is expected to contribute significantly to SWARC’s operations.
• Rosie Allen-Herring: With her leadership role at United Way of the National Capital Area and involvement in various boards, Allen-Herring’s perspective on community and nonprofit engagement will be invaluable.
• E. Randolph Marriner: Marriner’s background in marketing communications and his role as Chair of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission provide a unique blend of creativity and regulatory insight.
• Cassandra Stevenson: Stevenson’s expertise in corporate tax at Raymond James Financial will aid in navigating the financial complexities of sports betting.
• Frank Turner: Drawing from his experience as a former member of the Maryland House of Delegates and his legislative background, Turner’s insights will be crucial to the commission’s decision-making process.

SWARC is authorized to award up to 30 retail and 60 mobile sports wagering licenses through a competitive process, prioritizing racial, ethnic, and gender diversity.

What’s Next for Maryland Sports Betting?

With the SWARC now fully assembled, the focus shifts towards the review and issuance of approximately 100 sports betting licenses. However, before this process can commence, Maryland must finalize and approve state regulations that will govern the licensing criteria. These regulations are expected to receive tentative approval by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission by mid-July, setting the stage for license applications to be accepted soon after.

As Maryland prepares to open its doors to sports betting, the establishment of SWARC and its diverse group of appointees is a testament to the state’s commitment to creating a responsible and inclusive betting environment. With the regulatory framework soon to be in place, Maryland is poised to become a competitive player in the national sports betting landscape.

Maryland sports betting launched in late 2022, with SWARC approving initial mobile licenses on November 16, 2022, for operators including DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM; as of December 2025, multiple sportsbooks like Bally Bet and ESPN Bet are operational.

Conclusion

The formation of the Maryland Sports Betting Review Commission marks a significant step forward in Maryland’s sports betting journey. With a diverse and experienced team at the helm, SWARC is tasked with guiding the state through the complexities of launching a new sports betting market. As regulations are finalized and licenses are issued, all eyes will be on Maryland to see how this next chapter in sports betting unfolds.