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
Chris Boline is a Reno-based business development professional and freelance sports writer with over a decade of experience covering the NBA G League, Los Angeles Chargers, and national football and basketball. His expertise spans the NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and motorsports, along with topical news, marketing, and promotional content. A proud University of Nevada graduate, Chris earned both his BS in Management & Economics (2015) and MBA (2023). He is active in the Reno community, serving on boards such as the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET, and the College of Business Alumni Association, where he was past president (2022–23). Notable honors include: - Two-time University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year honoree (2017, 2021) - 2021 NCET Professional Services Organization of the Year (with TAC) - 2016–17 Reno Bighorns MVP, awarded by the Sacramento Kings - Nevada Press Association Award for Best Sports Column (2015) - Former Editor-in-Chief of The Nevada Sagebrush Chris blends his passion for sports with a strong background in sales, marketing, and community engagement.
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