Maryland’s online sports betting market is officially live, with seven operators now active in the state as of today (November 23).
Barstool, BetRivers, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel and PointsBet can now accept wagers in the state.
Caesars and DraftKings launched before the regulated market officially opened, in preparation for the imminent commencement.
Benjie Levy, head of Barstool Sportsbook owner Penn Interactive, said the license will allow Barstool to reach more customers in the state.
“We are excited to debut Barstool Sportsbook in Maryland and expand our online footprint to our fourteenth state,” said Levy. “We now look forward to introducing our integrated media and sports betting experience and serving the state’s passionate fans with a best-in-class, technology driven online product.”
Eric Hession, president of Caesars Digital, echoed this sentiment and praised the convenience the license would offer Caesars’ customers.
“The launch of the Caesars Sportsbook app in Maryland strengthens our offering for customers in the state,” said Hession.
“With a historically jam-packed sports calendar, customers can now enjoy access to the same unmatched rewards they’ve experienced when betting at Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, in the palm of their hands.”
According to BetMaryland.com, Maryland’s Lottery and Gaming Control Commission is set to hold hearings for other sports wagering applications on December 1.
The applications are from Bally’s Interactive Maryland, Bally’s Interactive, WynnBet and the Digital Gaming Corporation.
Ahead of the market’s launch, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan said that the market would open in time for Thanksgiving, a number of high-profile National Football League (NFL) games and the 2022 World Cup.
“This process took longer than it should have, but we are excited that this launch is in time for fans to place their bets on all the Thanksgiving Day NFL action, college football rivalry weekend, this week’s slate of NBA games, the 2022 World Cup, and this Sunday’s Ravens and Commanders games,” said Hogan.
He added that sports betting would contribute positively to Maryland’s economy, particularly education.
“In addition to allowing Marylanders to bet on the NFL, March Madness, and so much more, sports betting is helping us keep these critical dollars in the state, and is providing another critical revenue source for Maryland schools,” he continued.
“It is anticipated to bring in up to $30 million in revenue next year, and that total is expected to reach nearly $100 million by 2027.”
The Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) opened the sports betting license application period on September 7. This closed on October 21.
Hogan previously criticised SWARC over delays in licensing online betting operators.
Maryland legalized sports betting in December 2021. State residents voted in favor of sports betting at the November 2020 referendum.