Maryland, which has a population of six million people, is the latest Mid-Atlantic state to legalise sports betting. With several big professional sports teams based in the area and many more within a couple of hours’ drive, sports betting in the Old Line State is set to be fierce.
In-person sports betting is now available in Maryland. The state’s casinos now accept wagers from Maryland bettors. Since the approval of HB 940, the state has laboured to establish regulations and rules for up to 60 mobile betting applications and 47 retail sportsbooks. It will almost certainly be a booming market whenever it begins. Residents of the state will have access to some of the top sportsbook alternatives available. This is greater than any other legal betting state in the United States. Maryland’s licensing laws indicate it will easily pass DC and become a rival to Virginia.
Late last year, in Oxon Hill, MGM National Harbor opened its doors. One day later, both Horseshoe Casino Baltimore and Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland began accepting sports bets. At full maturity, residents of Maryland can expect up to 47 retail gaming venues and 60 Maryland sports betting apps. John Martin, Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director, intended to have online sports betting available for the 2022 football season.
However, it appears that mobile sports betting in Maryland are still a long way off. Retail establishments are still under construction, according to state regulators. So far, sportsbooks have opened in five casinos, with three more in off-track betting facilities set to open soon. 9 of the 17 approved licenses are still up for grabs.
The sports betting apps in Mayland that are supposed to launch soon are:
DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars
FanDuel, PointsBet, BetRivers
Barstool, TwinSpires, FOX Bet
Rather than operating on Native American land, many of Maryland’s land-based casinos are being run by commercial organisations. As a result, some casino operators will almost certainly strive to get their sportsbooks licensed so they can make twice as much money as previously.
MGM National Harbor Casino, for example, is already open in Maryland and has a sizeable BetMGM sportsbook. It would operate both a retail sports betting shop and a mobile app in this situation, allowing consumers to take advantage of its player-friendly betting markets, unique features, and more from a variety of locations.
Other sportsbooks, on the other hand, are expected to open. Late last year, FanDuel, one of the industry’s biggest and most well-known sportsbooks, partnered with Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland to develop a retail sportsbook.
By early 2022, DraftKings is also anticipated to begin. Both these sportsbook apps provide excellent betting markets and very significant welcome bonuses of up to $1,000 in the shape of deposit matches or risk-free bets.
Maryland residents can already play daily fantasy sports with DraftKings and FanDuel. As a result, both operators will offer sports betting using the same core mobile app platform.
There are dozens of sportsbooks seeking licensure because Maryland is likely to grant many license slots for both mobile and retail sportsbooks. Caesars, BetRivers, and FOX Bet are among the other sportsbooks which may consider expanding to Maryland.
When sports bettors join up for Caesars Sportsbook, an app likely to emerge, they will receive a 100% deposit match up to $1,500. The Caesars Rewards program is also integrated into the app. If you place a sports wager on the app, you will earn points toward your Caesars Rewards account regardless of whether you win or lose.
Overall, residents of MD would have to wait and watch which sportsbooks disclose their intentions to seek Maryland licensure before gamers can get ready.
In Maryland, what kind of sports bets are permitted?
Almost every single one of them! Maryland’s future sports betting law will very certainly allow you to bet on all major American professional sports as well as several other events such as darts, cricket, and NASCAR races.
Is it legal to wager on college sports in Maryland?
Yes. Betting on college sports is now legal in Maryland, including local teams like the United States Naval Academy and the University of Maryland.
Is it possible to wager on sports online in Maryland?
Maryland voters approved legalised sports betting in November 2020, and state legislators passed laws to make wagering easier in April 2021. Maryland online sports betting, on the other hand, will not be available for at least a year, with a launch date set for fall 2022. In Maryland, there are currently no legal online sports betting alternatives.
Do I have to be a Maryland resident to bet online?
You do not have to be a Maryland resident to use the Maryland sports betting app. You must be at least 21 years old and physically present in the state to place a wager.
Is it legal to play DraftKings in Maryland?
Yes, however, it just offers daily fantasy sports at the moment. This is because sports betting has not yet begun. However, because DraftKings already provides daily fantasy sports to Maryland residents, it is a potential candidate for a license when sports betting eventually launches.
In Maryland, who governs online sportsbook apps?
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) will oversee online sports betting in Maryland.
In Maryland, what types of bets and betting markets will be available?
All major professional and college sports will be available, including the NFL, NCAAF, MLB, NBA, NCAAB, NHL, and many others. Betting on in-state college programs is unlikely to be banned; thus, betting on programs like the University of Maryland should be allowed.
Where will the money from sports betting in Maryland go?
Maryland officials predict that legalising sports betting may earn up to $20 million in tax revenue per year. According to both lawmakers and the November 2020 ballot question, the primary objective of this revenue will be to fund public education.