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Online Maryland Sports Betting Can Launch in 2022 After Regulatory Update

Mitchell South

by Mitchell South in Sports Betting News

Updated Sep 22, 2022 · 11:43 AM PDT

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Sep 18, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA;Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) and fullback Patrick Ricard (42) reacted after a play during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
  • State regulators for online Maryland sports betting are allowing a rolling approval process for license applications
  • This decision could allow Maryland sportsbook apps to go live in late November or early December 2022
  • Some of the best sports betting apps in the industry could go live in the Old Line State before the end of this year

After numerous delays that have slowed the launch of online Maryland sports betting, state regulators are fast-tracking mobile wagering in the Old Line State.

The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) met today and decided to permit a rolling approval process for online sportsbook licenses. This regulatory decision sets the stage for a potential launch of Maryland sports betting apps sometime in late November or early December of this year.

Online Maryland Sports Betting in 2022 Now Possible

Regulatory officials for SWARC agreed unanimously on a motion this morning to approve sportsbooks on a rolling basis, as opposed to a universal start date that would see all mobile betting apps launch at the same time. SWARC recently opened the application process for online and mobile sports betting licenses, along with Class B facility sports betting licenses.

Mobile sports betting operators must submit their applications before an October 21, 2022 deadline in order to be considered. SWARC then has up to 45 days to review the applications, at which point the Maryland Lottery and Gaming board will inform SWARC of which applicants have been approved. This brings the process out to December 5, 2022 at the latest.

 

This decision is welcome news for Maryland sports bettors eagerly anticipating the launch of sportsbook apps. Maryland sports betting was officially legalized by Gov. Larry Hogan in May 2021 after voters had approved it in November 2020. In-person sports betting started in Maryland at retail sportsbooks on December 9, 2022, and now mobile sports betting apps could finally become available nearly a year later.

Staggered Launch Dates for Maryland Sports Betting Apps

One important caveat is that this is only possible if SWARC receives less than 60 total online sports betting applications by the October 21 deadline.

The state has set the cap at 60 total online sports betting licenses, and while it’s unlikely they exceed this limit, over 60 applications could potentially delay the process further. SWARC Chairman Thomas Brandt commented, “There are 30 (retail) and 60 (online), which none of us assume will be exceeded, but we certainly cannot approve more if the law doesn’t allow us to go over those numbers.”

The recent launch of Kansas sports betting saw a universal start date that allowed all sportsbooks to go live at the same time, however this will work differently in Maryland. A staggered approach means Maryland will not have to wait for all sportsbooks to be approved before giving the green light to sportsbook apps.

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming commission has already reviewed some of the most notable sportsbook apps that are expected to receive expedited approval.

Expected Maryland Sports Betting Apps

Maryland Sportsbook Apps Potential Launch Date
DraftKings Sportsbook Maryland Late November / Early December 2022
Barstool Sportsbook Maryland Late November / Early December 2022
BetMGM Maryland Late November / Early December 2022
Caesars Sportsbook Maryland Late November / Early December 2022
FanDuel Sportsbook Maryland Late November / Early December 2022

Stay tuned to Sports Betting Dime for all the latest news on a potential launch for online Maryland sports betting.

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