During a commission meeting, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (MLGCC) approved five new sportsbook licenses. Three operators are retail, while the remaining two are online applicants. This continues Maryland’s efforts to expand its sportsbook offering. The new Maryland sportsbooks will launch at a later date.
Maryland Expands With Five New Operators
Among those approved for sports betting in Maryland include Canton Gaming, LLC. Both the Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille in Baltimore and Towson are now able to operate in the Old-Line State.
The remaining retail sportsbook application approval went to Kathe P. Hospitality. This will see a sportsbook launch at Michael’s on the South River in Riva. This is a waterfront casino local that would now be able to offer odds to patrons.
The online licenses were granted to Crab Sports Maryland and SBOpco, LLC for its SuperBook product. SuperBook’s approval is for both a sports wagering facility operator and an online sports wagering operator. This means SuperBook can launch without the need for approval by SWARC. Crab Sports Maryland will operate in Maryland with Gaming Innovation Group as its operator partner.
Maryland Already Off To A Strong Start
Maryland sportsbooks have already proven to be major players in the sports betting industry. In the first full month of online sports betting being live, $497 million was wagered on sports. The success has been so strong that officials are now looking to expand their local gaming market yet again.
A new initiative to bring online casinos to the Old Line State is being considered. The bill, SB 267 would be placed for a vote on the 2024 ballot should it succeed in the House and State Senate. The Maryland Lottery is continuing the advancement of its local gaming industry due to how locals have embraced online sports betting.
This bill would bring a $500,000 licensing fee for five years to applicants. The license renewal fee will be 1% of the average annual proceeds from the past three years. The Maryland Lottery would tax online casinos 15% of gross gaming revenue and funds would go to the Education Trust Fund.
In the interim, locals can expect more sportsbook applicants being approved by the commission. The local lottery continues to work to advance the gaming market in Maryland.
