Mobile sports betting in Maryland is moving forward after months of delays. The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission approved the draft sports betting applications and regulations. As a result, the commission will send the draft measures to the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review.
Bwager sources expect the committee to approve the measures. After the approval, the process will go through a 30-day public consultation period. Stakeholders can submit their comments during the public consultation.
According to gambling legal news reports, Maryland can have up to 60 mobile sportsbook operators and 30 Class B facility operators. Once the process is complete, the commission can start accepting license applications.
Draft Sports Betting Applications and Regulations in Maryland
Do you want to know how to become a bookie in Maryland? You need to have $500,000 to apply for a license. However, the SWARC has yet to provide details on annual fees and licensing terms. The commission will come up with the guidelines later, which could be another cause of delay.
The SWARC will convene again in August. However, it can’t launch sports betting in the state on time for the upcoming start of the NFL season. Thus, Governor Larry Hogan criticized the SWARC for the lack of progress and delays. He wants the commission to speed up the process.
Maryland passed the sports betting law in May 2021. The state launched its retail sportsbook market in December 2021. However, mobile sports betting remained limbo after several delays in SWARC’s process.
The state legislature created the SWARC to create sports betting guidelines. However, the independent body delayed the process. As a result, the governor was frustrated by the delays.
