Maryland Likely to Launch Online Sports Betting Around Thanksgiving
Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. Pictured: The University of Maryland mascot waves a Maryland state flag.
After years of delays, Maryland regulators are on track with their latest target date for online sports betting.
The Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission on Wednesday reaffirmed online sports betting should start between Nov. 21 and Dec. 5.
Along with the Maryland Lotter,y SWARC is tasked with implementing the sports betting law passed by voters nearly two years ago. It’s the longest launch delay of any state to legalize online sports betting.
They announced on Wednesday they’ve received 10 applications for online licenses and expect a few more before the deadline this Friday. They expect those to be approved by Nov. 21 at the latest, the next time the commission meets again.
The lottery will then conduct a final review of approved applicants — the last step before they’re allowed to launch. That will likely take a week or so, regulators said.
Caesars, DraftKings Likely
Caesars is one of the few operators specifically named as an applicant. DraftKings and BetMGM have likely thrown their hat in the ring as well, as they have ties to retail gaming in Maryland.
Regulators are moving forward with a staggered licensing process, versus states like Ohio, where all sportsbooks will start on the same day.
That could give some operators a leg up, depending on how far apart approvals are granted.
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