The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) granted two more Maryland online sportsbooks betting licenses this week. Both Bally Bet and WynnBET saw their applications approved and only await the final word from the Maryland Lottery. WynnBET was also approved to launch online in Massachusetts, making this a successful week for the sports betting operator.
Maryland Betting Expands
Lawmakers approved the launch during the SPR Committee Session meeting on Wednesday. Lawmakers deliberated and determined both applications were sufficient for approval. With SWARC approving a staggered launch window, sportsbooks can be approved at any point. This will lead to more betting operation approvals coming in the following weeks and months.
This brings the total number of sports betting apps in Maryland to 12. The meeting also saw the approval of retail operator Long Shot’s Hagerstown. SWARC has continued to work to expand the Maryland betting market. Maryland is expected to be a major U.S. player with early returns supporting that theory.
Early Success With Maryland Betting
Maryland sportsbooks already reported over $186 million in online bets in the first nine days of operation. This saw mobile sportsbooks take up over 84.9% of the entire monthly handle. This is impressive as retail had several weeks of action over online.
Mobile betting was also responsible for over $33.6 million in betting revenue during that period. The Old Line State’s numbers rival those of New Jersey, Indiana, and Pennsylvania during the same period. It is expected that a full month of revenue could eclipse some of the top betting markets.
The addition of Bally Bet and WynnBET won’t be felt immediately. There is no official launch date set for either operator. Additionally, the Maryland Lottery still has to make its final approvals. So far, lottery officials have approved every sportsbook that was approved by SWARC.
Once these markets go live, there will be even more options for Maryland online sportsbooks. It is an exciting time for residents in the Old Line State.
