Retail sports betting was launched in December of last year, but no online licenses have been granted yet. The process for granting online licenses is facing an indeterminate timeframe for completion.
An important step forward was taken in July when the draft regulations were approved by SWARC. However, there is still work to be done before the launch of online sportsbooks.
The regulations will need to be sent to a legislative review commission for further evaluation. After that, there will be a 30-day period for public review. Finally, the final regulations will be published by the Maryland register.
Operators who wish to launch online and mobile offerings in the state must apply on the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) and undergo mandatory background checks. The operator must be cleared by the MLGCA before SWARC can award a license.
In June, Maryland governor Larry Hogan urged SWARC to finalize the regulations in time for the NFL season launch on September 8. Governor Hogan expressed his frustration as neighboring states such as Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, and Washington DC have already made mobile sports wagering available.
