Maryland Trying to Kickstart Mobile Sportsbetting Licensing

This story was published more than 1 year ago.

This week the Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission revealed that they're going to be awarding licenses for sportsbetting operators that apply on a rolling basis in the latest attempt to launch sportsbetting in the state this year.

The application process formally opened on September 7th and will end at 5pm on October 21st. Those interested in operating need to put up a $500,000 application fee and show that they're going to be able to abide by the state of Maryland's sportsbetting regulations.

Maryland has been struggling to get regulations in place to begin offering online sportsbetting in the state after voters approved of the activity last year. The lack of movement led to Governor Larry Hogan calling out lawmakers for dragging their feet, and it looks like the state is taking the step of moving without lawmakers.

Regarding the licensing process, Maryland State Lottery Gaming and Control Agency Deputy Director Jim Nielsen said, "It may be desirable - and it's arguably beneficial - for SWARC to award licenses on a rolling basis. The public are clamoring to get sports betting.

"We get comments about why hasn't it launched yet every day. SWARC can make mobile sports betting available somewhat sooner by awarding licences on a rolling basis.

"Anyone that submits a timely and acceptable application may be awarded a license. Awardees would have to complete operational requirements - internal controls, responsible gaming, controlled demonstrations, all those things - and then they could be issued a license in very short order."

"For mobile [licenses], there's little construction that they're going to need to do, so they can move faster than some of the class B operations that we've seen."

About the author

Dustin Jermalowicz // News Editor
Dustin Jermalowicz
Dustin has a long-standing passion for gambling. He has been writing professionally on the subject and breaking industry news for Casino Listings since 2011. His favorite casino games include Blackjack, Poker, and Hi/Lo. A proud native of Detroit, Dustin currently lives in Michigan.