But the process for getting sports betting up and running in Maryland is slow.
Baltimore, Md (KM) It’s been a slow process bringing sports wagering to Maryland. But last week, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission said Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore, Live! Casino and Hotel in Hanover and MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill have met all the requirements for receiving licenses to offer sports betting in the state.
John Martin, Maryland’s Lottery and Gaming Director, said these applications will be forwarded to the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission which is responsible for awarding licenses.
Earlier this year, the Maryland General Assembly passed a law allowing sports wagering so residents can place bets on their favorite pro teams. The measure contained a list of 17 sites for sports betting, including the three casinos recommended for licenses. The Lottery and Gaming Control Commission must process those applications.. And Martin says there are many more behind them. “Per the law, we’ve vetting these applicants as they have come in, looking at their ability to meet the standards, the financial integrity that needs to be in place, the licensing of all the relevant people involved,” he says.
One of the original 17 is Long Shots located at the Clarion Inn in Frederick near the FSK Mall. Long Shots provides opportunities for customers to bet on horse races.
Martin says the three casinos which have been recommended for licensing for sports betting already have gaming licenses from the state, which gives them somewhat of an advantage. “These other entities, while they may be in business in Maryland, haven’t been licensed by our Gaming Division,” he said. “So they’re going to take a little bit longer. But we are working through all of them as they make application to us. We are going through the process with each and everyone of them who choose to be in.”
“It doesn’t matter if you’re a lottery retailer, or an OTB {off track betting} location, or just a normal restaurant,” Martin continues. “Even though you have a license for that class of business, you don’t have a gaming license yet. And that’s the process that all of those entities who choose to get in will have to go through.”
But Martin is confident it won’t be too long before customers can put their money down on their favorite pro teams. “Earliest would be late fall, so certainly in time for the football playoffs and the Superbowl. So hopefully get the rest of them on board as fast as we can,” he says.
By Kevin McManus