Maryland Opens Online Sports Betting Application Process
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Maryland is accepting applications for online sports betting licenses, the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission announced Tuesday.
Entities interested in obtaining a license must submit an application by October 21. The announcement comes after the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review approved emergency regulations for online sports betting on Friday.
The SWARC is holding a public hearing for the approved regulations Friday at 11 a.m. ET.
During a recent meeting, SWARC members said they anticipate online sports betting will be live around the Super Bowl in early February.
Marylanders legalized in-person and online sports betting in 2020. Of all the states to legalize online sports betting, it has taken the longest to get it up and running.
“We know sports fans are eager to have mobile wagering, and we also know that it will substantially increase the contributions to education funding, so we’re eager too," John Martin, Director of Maryland Lottery and Gaming said in a press release Tuesday. "We’ve been doing everything we can to have it launch before the end of the year, and now we have a good chance to make that happen."
No Teeth for Diversity Requirement
Much of the delay has come as the commission has waited on results from a “disparity study” — which is intended to determine opportunities for women and minority owned businesses within legal sports betting.
Last week, SWARC announced the long-awaited study shows the state can’t take into account race or gender in deciding whether or not to award a license.
Instead, license awardees will be asked to submit a diversity plan to the SWARC within 30 days of receiving their license.
But Assistant Attorney General David Stamper — who’s office was tasked with the original study — has concluded the commission won’t be able to revoke a license after awarding one.
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