The Landscape of Maryland Sports Betting
The journey towards the establishment of sports betting in Maryland has been a roller coaster, full of regulatory hurdles and anticipatory waits. Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the potential launch of Maryland sports betting, the process has proven to be more time-consuming than initially expected. With the NFL season kickoff as a hopeful deadline, the timeline for the official roll-out of sports betting platforms in the state has been pushed beyond anticipated dates.
Maryland sports betting became fully legal with online platforms launching on November 23, 2022, following voter approval via Question 2 in November 2020 and the signing of HB 940 by Governor Larry Hogan in April 2021.
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission approved the crucial 200 pages of sports betting regulations on July 15, marking a significant step forward. However, the delay in publishing these regulations in the Maryland Register by the expected date has contributed to the postponement of the sports betting launch. This procedural delay is indicative of the intricate process involved in legalizing sports betting within a state.
Regulatory Process and Licensing
As of early 2025, 11 online sportsbooks operate in Maryland, including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and bet365, regulated by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission.
Following the approval of sports betting regulations, a 30-day public comment period is mandated by law, further extending the timeline for the launch. The licensing process, divided into two steps, involves the awarding of licenses by the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) and the issuance by the state lottery commission. This process opens up the floor for a diverse range of venues and licensees to enter the sports betting arena in Maryland.
Noncompetitive and Competitive Licenses
Maryland law permits up to 60 mobile sports betting licenses and 30 retail locations, with $5.9 billion wagered on sports in the state in 2024.
The initial phase of licensing focuses on noncompetitive licenses, designated by law for specific venues and entities. This includes professional sports venues, casinos, and horse racetracks highlighted in the sports betting law signed by Governor Larry Hogan. Following this, the competitive licensing phase will begin, introducing a scoring system to guide the process. This segment of licensing aims to diversify the market, involving up to 60 mobile sports betting licenses in addition to 30 competitive retail licenses.
SWARC’s mandate extends beyond mere licensing; it seeks to ensure racial, ethnic, and gender diversity in the licensing process, encouraging minority and women-owned businesses to partake in Maryland’s burgeoning sports betting industry. This approach highlights Maryland’s commitment to inclusivity and equity in the sports betting market.
The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) and Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (MLGCC) oversee the two-step licensing process, with operational regulations approved by MLGCC on July 15, 2021, and effective January 13, 2022.
Anticipation for the Future of Maryland Sports Betting
Despite the delays, the anticipation for the launch of sports betting in Maryland remains high. State officials and stakeholders are optimistic about the future, with Governor Larry Hogan expressing his eagerness for the sportsbooks to go live. The governor’s push for a timely launch underscores the significant economic and entertainment potential sports betting holds for Maryland.
The delayed launch, while frustrating for eager bettors and stakeholders, is a testament to the meticulous process of legalizing and regulating sports betting in a manner that is fair, inclusive, and compliant with state laws. As Maryland navigates through these regulatory waters, the eventual launch of sports betting promises to bring a new era of entertainment and economic activity to the state.
As the SWARC prepares for its next meeting, the sports betting community in Maryland remains hopeful for a resolution that will pave the way for a vibrant and diverse sports betting landscape. The journey towards the launch of Maryland sports betting may have been longer than expected, but the foundations being laid promise a robust and equitable market for all involved.