PointsBet launches MD retail sportsbook at The Riverboat on the Potomac

PointsBet Sportsbook Maryland

Maryland online sports betting is still a few months away, but the rollout of retail sportsbooks continued last week with the launch of PointsBet Retail Sportsbook at The Riverboat on the Potomac. The venue, which also serves as a restaurant, event space, and off-track betting (OTB) parlor, took its first sports bet on Friday, just in time for the first weekend of NFL action.

“PointsBet is delighted to commence operations with The Riverboat team in the brand-new sportsbook overlooking the beautiful Potomac River. This is a seminal achievement for the partnership and Maryland’s gaming industry at large as the launch represents the first Minority Business Enterprise to go live with licensed gaming in the state’s history, in line with the spirit of legislation,” said Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at PointsBet Paul Hannon in a release. “It is a proud moment for The Riverboat and for us at PointsBet as their partner. We look forward to the prospective opportunity of bringing the renowned PointsBet mobile product to Maryland next and in doing so further enhancing The Riverboat’s equity and inclusion in the space.”

The waterfront location features 21 HD screens, food and beverage service, a bar area, booths for dining, and a fair amount of space for bettors to stand and take in the action. The property is also in a unique location compared to other Maryland sportsbooks. The land-based entrance to the facility is actually in Virginia. However, because the boat is on the waters of the Potomac, which is owned by Maryland, it is regulated by Maryland.

“I am proud of the work the members of our delegation, Senator Jackson, Delegate Proctor, Delegate Davis, Delegate Patterson, and Delegate Wilson, have put into the sports wagering bill. We fought hard for the sports betting industry in Maryland to be inclusive of both Charles County and minority businesses,” noted Maryland State Senator Arthur Ellis. “The partnership between the Riverboat and PointsBet is a success on both fronts, proof that Maryland can be a leader in equity. This sportsbook gives Charles County a seat at the table, with 100% minority business enterprise (MBE) licensed ownership, in a billion-dollar industry. I trust that the Riverboat and all of its partners will keep up the hard work and be strong partners in our community, and a leader in this new industry for the State.”

Now that the window for online sports betting applications is open in Maryland, PointsBet can also seek a license to offer a complimentary online product. The window to apply in the state closes in October. That puts online betting in Maryland on track to hopefully launch in December or January.