Ten businesses seeking Maryland sports betting licenses have been approved by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (MLGCC).
Yesterday, October 27, online Maryland sports betting license approval was given to Bingo World, BetMGM, Draft Kings, Caesars, Greenmount Station, Live! Casino and Hotel, Long Shot’s, Maryland Stadium Sub, Hollywood Casino, and Riverboat on the Potomac.
Furthermore, according to PressBoxOnline, the MLGCC has approved one business seeking a Class B facility license.
These entities have all been approved after background checks conducted by the MLGCC, which determines whether they demonstrated the honesty, integrity, good character and financial stability to be qualified for a sports betting license.
The businesses are now sweating on the decision of the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC), who will cast the final decision over whether they can form part of the online Maryland sports betting scene.
SWARC evaluates applicants’ suitability and determines whether awarding a license to an applicant is in the public interest, while there are also checks into marketing plans and ownership structures of the business entities.
SWARC will meet on November 21 to go over the recommendations by the MLGCC.
As recently reported, online Maryland sports betting could be live by Thanksgiving, though early-to-mid December is considered a more realistic date.
“We’re pleased that we advanced the process today, but of course the work continues,” said Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director John Martin.
“We’re also very happy to see such a varied group of businesses become part of this emerging market in Maryland.”
As businesses await SWARC’s license awards, they are working with MLGCC staff to fulfill operational requirements.
“There is still a flurry of activity ahead of us over the next couple of weeks, but we’re going to see the first mobile wagers placed in Maryland soon,” added Martin.
“We know sports fans have been eagerly awaiting that opportunity, and we’re almost there.”
