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Maryland in-person sports betting delayed as SWARC requests more information
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Maryland in-person sports betting is delayed again.
The prevailing notion going into today’s Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) meeting was that five Maryland casinos would have their applications approved for sports betting licenses and sent back to the Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) for internal control systems verification, which is the final step before sports betting licenses are awarded.
However, following a nearly two-hour closed session to the public, the SWARC is requesting supplemental ownership information from the five casino applicants. SWARC Chairman Tom Brandt said the commission received written legal advice and has asked for additional information from the applicants. He expects action to be taken on the five applicants at SWARC’s next meeting on Monday, Nov. 18.
The five applicants awaiting approval are as follows. All are partnered with sportsbook operators for Maryland’s eventual launch of online sports betting.
- Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore (Caesars)
- Live! Casino and Hotel in Hanover (FanDuel)
- MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill (BetMGM)
- Hollywood Casino in Perryville (Barstool)
- Ocean Downs Casino in Berlin (TwinSpires)
Potential two week delay in Maryland sports betting
SWARC’s action at today’s meeting delays the process by at least another two weeks. Once approved by SWARC, the Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) will work to verify the entities internal control systems before the licenses can be awarded.
John Martin, director of the MLGCA, previously told Saturday Tradition he is confident his agency can quickly verify the internal control systems and allow Maryland to launch in-person sports betting later this fall. However, the process still takes between 30 to 60 days.
The five casinos were among 17 entities designated in the approved sports wagering bill to conduct sports wagering operations. In August, SWARC voted unanimously that Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission’s qualification standards would be sufficient to award sports betting licenses to the 17 designated entities.
Regulatory Writer and Editor for XLMedia. Sports. Gambling. Not necessarily in that order. Follow him on Twitter @rlinnehanxl