The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (MLGCC) announced the approval of Bingo World in Anne Arundel County for a sports wagering license. Additionally, Bingo World’s operating partner, Rush Street Interactive, was approved for a sports wagering operator license.

Bingo World is the ninth approved Maryland sports betting facility. It was among the original 17 entities designated in the sports wagering law to conduct retail sports betting. Rush Street Interactive will likely operate sports betting services for Bingo World when it launches sports betting.

Ninth approved Maryland sports betting facility

It’s the ninth sports wagering facility to be approved in Maryland. Sports wagering operations launched at MGM National Harbor, Live! Casino, Horseshoe Casino, Hollywood Casino, and Ocean Downs Casino in December.  The MLGCC has also approved three off-track betting venues; Riverboat on the Potomac, Long Shot’s, and Greenmount Station. All three are completing facility upgrades or operational requirements in preparation for their launch dates, which have not been determined.

Bingo World’s application must now be approved by the Sports Wagering Advisory Council before it can launch sports betting.

During January, its first full month of operation, Maryland Lottery and Gaming reported its five sportsbooks took in more than $32.5 million in retail sports bets.

Of the $32,530,831 total handle for the month of January, the sportsbook paid out $28,155,515 in prizes. This resulted in a hold of $4.375 million, a 13.4% hold rate. After reducing the winning payouts and promotional plays, the total taxable win for Maryland was $4.29 million.

More than $640,000 in Maryland sports betting taxes

At a 15% tax rate, Maryland took in $644,098 in January for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which supports public education programs.

The Live! Casino led the way in handle for January, reporting $14.4 million in bets. Here are the total January handles for the five Maryland casinos:

  • Live! Casino: $14,354,392
  • MGM Casino: $10,562,319
  • Horseshoe Casino: $4,689,513
  • Hollywood Casino: $1,513,567
  • Ocean Downs Casino: $1,411,040

MGM National Harbor, Live! Casino, Horseshoe Casino, Ocean Downs Casino and Hollywood Casino began their sportsbook operations during December 2021 with openings occurring from Dec. 9 to Dec. 23. Additional facilities are expected to open in the near future.

Live! Casino leads the way in total handle for the fiscal year to date, reporting more than $21.4 million in total handle. Here are the total fiscal year to date handles for the five Maryland casinos:

  • Live! Casino: $21,457,337
  • MGM Casino: $16,551,261
  • Horseshoe Casino: $7,276,837
  • Ocean Downs Casino: $1,965,258
  • Hollywood Casino: $1,832,568

The total handle in this fiscal year for the state is $49.1 million with $41.5 million in prizes being paid out to bettors, resulting in a 15.4% hold.

Since the inception of the sports wagering program in December 2021, the hold percentage for settled wagers is 10.61%.