Recent Sports Betting News Across Colorado, Maryland And Ohio

These are the recent sports betting events across the industry. Lawmakers have approved new Maryland sports betting rule changes. Colorado sportsbooks have seen a major boom in wagering thanks to the Denver Nuggets title run. Fanatics Betting and Gaming has partnered with the Columbus Blue Jackets for Ohio sports betting. We will break down the sports betting news in these markets.

Maryland Lawmakers Push New Sports Betting Regulations

The Maryland Lottery has passed new gambling rules and regulations changes. These were adjustments made across sports betting, casino gaming, and video lottery terminals. Among the changes include the banning of the term ‘risk-free’ from all sportsbook advertising.

Across the industry, there has been a push to remove terms like risk-free and free bet from marketing strategies. Massachusetts and Ohio were among the first markets to have a strong stance against the language used in the industry. Maryland seems to have now joined in on the nationwide trend. The regulations state: “prohibit advertisements offering or suggesting guaranteed or risk-free gambling outcomes.”

Another rule that advanced was the requirement for retail facilities to include “conspicuous and readable” messaging regarding the self-exclusion program. These are programs that allow locals with a high risk of problem gambling to remove themselves from gambling activities. This rule will give simple instructions for these individuals when they enter a retail locale.

Maryland universities will also now be prohibited from partnering with local sportsbooks. This is part of a growing effort nationwide to end such deals. Earlier in the year, PointsBet and the University of Maryland ended their partnership after facing backlash.

Denver Nuggets Leads To Massive Colorado Wagering

The Colorado Department of Revenue has released welcome sports betting news, including a proceeds report for June 2023. This includes the NBA Finals where the Denver Nuggets took home the NBA Championship. Sportsbooks recorded $310.6 million in total wagers for the month.

Specifically looking at retail operators, $2.4 million was wagered on sports at brick-and-mortar sportsbooks. However, with the success of the Nuggets run, operators paid out $3.1 million to players. This is largely contributed to locals betting on their home team, leaving sportsbooks with the bill.

Despite the NBA Finals only running from June 1 to June 12, 18% of all wagers for the month came from basketball wagers. Fans showed up in droves to watch Nikola Jokic cement his historic season. While betting as a whole was on the rise, the hold rate saw a decline with so many bettors cashing in.

Fanatics Meets Columbus Blue Jackets

Fanatics Betting and Gaming has partnered with the Columbus Blue Jackets to expand its reach in the Ohio market. This will see a Fanatics retail sportsbook open in the Arena District. Bettors will be able to wager on NHL games within walking distance from the Nationwide Arena.

“The Columbus Blue Jackets are constantly seeking new and exciting ways to engage with our fans,” said Cameron Scholvin, Blue Jackets Sr. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “We believe this collaboration with Fanatics Betting and Gaming on a world-class sportsbook location just outside the doors of Nationwide Arena in the heart of the Arena District does just that.”

The Fanatics Sportsbook Columbus will be located at 01 North Front Street. Fans will find the entrance in the alleyway north of the entrances to Buca di Beppo and Starbucks. Operations are set to go live by the end of August.

The sports lounge will be more than 5,000 square feet and see four betting windows. There will be 14 self-service betting kiosks and a giant LED video wall with 20 HD TV monitors. Fanatics will also be hosting a full-service restaurant.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Blue Jackets to bring a world-class retail experience to the arena district in downtown Columbus,” said Ari Borod, Chief Business Officer, Fanatics Betting and Gaming. “The Jackets are one of the youngest teams in the league, and we are excited to leverage our partnership to grow with them and complement our online sports betting experience that is currently being beta-tested in Ohio.”

Stay up to date on the latest sports betting news at TheLines.com each and every week.