Maryland Launches Mobile Sports Betting in November 2022, Completing State's Wagering Market
Maryland launched mobile sports betting in November 2022, adding online sportsbook access to the retail betting that had been available at licensed casinos since December 2021 and completing the state's regulatory framework for a full sports betting market.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland launched mobile (online) sports betting in November 2022
- Retail sports betting at licensed casinos had been available since December 2021
- Maryland voters approved sports betting in a November 2020 ballot referendum
- The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission oversees sports betting regulation
- Major operators launched for the mobile rollout including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and others
- Maryland levies an 15% GGR tax on sports betting revenue
Why It Matters — Players
Why It Matters — Operators
Maryland completed the rollout of its regulated sports betting market with the launch of mobile (online) sportsbooks in November 2022. The state had been operating retail sports betting at its licensed casinos since December 2021 following voter approval of sports betting in a November 2020 ballot referendum, but the mobile launch was delayed while the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission completed its licensing process for online operators.
Background and Legislative Framework
Maryland voters approved Question 2 in the November 2020 general election, authorising sports betting in the state. The Maryland General Assembly then passed legislation establishing the regulatory framework, which the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission administered. The framework created licences for both retail sports betting at casinos and racetracks, and for mobile/online sportsbooks.
Retail-Before-Mobile Launch Sequence
Maryland's phased approach — retail first, then mobile — was not uncommon among US states that launched sports betting in 2021-2022. Retail sports betting started at licensed Maryland casinos in December 2021, providing a test period for the regulatory framework before the wider mobile rollout. Major Maryland casinos including MGM National Harbor, Live! Casino & Hotel, Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, and Maryland Live! operated retail sportsbooks during this interim period.
Mobile Launch and Operators
The mobile sports betting launch in November 2022 was timed to coincide with the Thanksgiving week NFL schedule — one of the busiest periods for sports betting activity. Major operators that launched included DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and others, giving Maryland bettors immediate access to a competitive market. Maryland's proximity to the Washington D.C. metropolitan area — a major population centre — and its border with Virginia and Delaware (which had earlier launches) made the mobile rollout an important event for operators seeking to capture the mid-Atlantic market.
Tax and Revenue Framework
Maryland's sports betting GGR tax rate of 15% places it in a mid-range position among US states. Revenue from sports betting taxes was designated for the Blueprint for Maryland's Future education fund.
- Source:
- Legal Sports Report
- Published:
- November 23, 2022
- Original Article:
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