Maryland Online Sports Betting Continues To Be A Hassle

• Sports betting in Maryland was approved in May 2021 though an early 2023 mobile sportsbook launch seems likely.

BALTIMORE – Despite signing a bill to legalize sports betting in Maryland in May 2021, the rollout of MD mobile sportsbooks has been a frustrating matter for locals.

In July, Governor Larry Hogan even urged the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) to be ready to launch mobile sports betting by September 8.

This goal will not be met.

Originally, SWARC was tasked to give an equal opportunity to minority- and women-owned businesses to offer sports betting. However, this factor is no longer present after SWARC decided to move forward in July without the analysis.

Regardless, the volume of tax contributions from Maryland sports betting has yet to be beneficial to the state. As 90% of sports bets occur online in the US, Maryland continues to miss out on this benefit.

When Will Maryland Mobile Sportsbook Launch?

After SWARC’s last meeting, the continually adjusted plan now sees Super Bowl 57 as the deadline for launching. This comes as an industry analysis is still is the ether, which helps set the rules and regulations for sports betting.

Once approved, there is a 45 day waiting period to allow applicants to apply followed by another 45 days to review said applicants. However, as SWARC’s past records indicate, this review period could take even longer, especially if the amount of applications is higher than expected.

Maryland is estimated to take in roughly $15 million from legal sports betting tax benefits, once the full industry is up and running. This money would be for the The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund – a fund to help youth education.

Delays have been prevalent in Maryland. But Jim Nielsen – the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency COO – stated the staff “hopes” Maryland mobile sportsbooks will be accepting action by the Super Bowl.

News tags: Larry Hogan | Maryland | Super Bowl | SWARC | The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund