The Washington Commanders initial application for a Maryland sports betting facility license has been approved by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency.

The Commanders will construct a sportsbook at FedEx Field if it receives license approval from the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC). It’s another potential upgrade for the facility, Commanders owner Daniel Snyder said during today’s MLGCA meeting.

And hey, they also may finally have a franchise quarterback for the season. So that’s good news.

New sportsbook at FedEx Field

FedEx Field has been “dramatically upgraded” leading up to this season, Snyder said during a brief comment during the application hearing, and he expects big attendance for the year. He did not directly address any potential plans for a retail sportsbook at the stadium during the hearing.

“We’re very optimistic on the season. We finally have ourselves a quarterback,” Snyder said.

The approved application now heads to SWARC for final approval. If approved, it will head back to the MLGCA to be awarded to the Commanders. The timeline sets up the potential opening of the sportsbook sometime during the upcoming season.

The Washington Commanders were among the original 17 entities designated in the Maryland sports wagering law to conduct retail sports betting.

A report published by the MLGCA noted that its investigators interviewed Snyder by Zoom on June 8, 2022, to discuss the franchise’s sports betting facility license. No open criminal cases against Snyder or the franchise were found, but investigators identified “several noteworthy issues involving the Washington Commanders (formerly known as the “Washington Football Team”) and the owner, Mr. Snyder.”

The investigators discussed the issues with Snyder during the June 8 meeting and were “unable to substantiate any of the allegations against Mr. Snyder.”

MLGCA approves several other license applications

In addition to the Commanders approved application, the MLGCA approved sports betting facility license applications for BetFred and Chesapeake Gaming, each by a vote of 6-1. Each will operate sports betting at their OTB facilities:

  • BetFred previously partnered with Long Shots OTB in Frederick, MD, to run the OTB’s sports betting facility.
  • Chesapeake Gaming was formed in 2021 for the of hosting sports betting activities at the Boonsboro OTB facility and restaurant in Boonsboro, MD.

Long Shots OTB was one of the original 17 entities designated in the Maryland sports wagering law to conduct retail sports betting. Chesapeake Gaming was formed after state’s sports betting bill was approved.