Maryland Online Sportsbooks Eye Thanksgiving Launch

Legal online Maryland sports betting could be available in time for the NFL’s Thanksgiving Day triple-header. The tentative worst-case scenario for online sportsbooks seems to be early December at this point.

On Wednesday, the Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission said online betting could start between November 21 and December 5. 

Sports betting in the Old Line State was legalized by voters almost two years ago. Since then, a series of delays have plagued the state from getting the industry up and running.

Staggered Maryland sports betting launch dates

The commission also announced it has received 10 applications for online licenses and expects additional applications before the cut-off deadline next Friday. Compared to Ohio, where lawmakers have instituted a joint launch date, Maryland sports betting operators will launch on a case-by-case basis. 

A
staggered launch could benefit operators who launch first when it comes to player acquisition. 

Dan Singer, head analyst at sports and gaming consulting firm McKinsey, noted:

“When a market opens up, you’ve got to get out there and start acquiring, because being the first book that someone downloads give you roughly twice as much action as being the second or the third.”

Once all applications are submitted, the Maryland Lottery will conduct a final review. Then operators can begin taking online bets. 

Who could launch in Maryland?

Several operators are already taking bets via land-based casinos. Thus, visitors to and residents of Maryland can expect to see familiar operators launching mobile apps. 

Retail sportsbooks include:

• Live! Casino and Hotel (FanDuel)
• MGM National Harbor (BetMGM)
• Horseshoe Casino Baltimore (Caesars)
• Hollywood Casino Perryville (Barstool)
• Ocean Downs Casino (TwinSpires)
• Bingo World (BetRivers)
• Riverboat on the Potomac (PointsBet)

It’s very likely that operators currently running retail sportsbooks will be approved for mobile licenses first.