Maryland opens doors to sportsbook license applications
Operators given 45 days to submit applications to Sports Wagering Application Review Commission
Representatives from the Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) have officially opened the licensing process for retail and mobile sports betting applications.
Under the process, operators looking to obtain mobile and Class B facility (retail) sports wagering licenses have 45 days to submit their applications to SWARC. The deadline for applications is October 21.
Applying for a Class B facility or mobile sports wagering license requires submitting information and fees to both SWARC and the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA).
SWARC evaluates applicants’ suitability for a license in a competitive process and requires payment of a non-refundable application fee.
MLGCA investigates applicants to determine if they demonstrate the integrity and financial stability to qualifiy for a license, and applicants must pay investigative costs.
SWARC’s evaluation of applicants and MLGCA’s investigation of applicants’ qualifications may occur simultaneously on parallel tracks.
In July, SWARC published the first application documents and regulations for the sportsbook market but were unable to accept applications until the Maryland General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review (AELR) approved regulations.
This approval was granted on September 2.
Under the process, SWARC is authorized to conduct a competitive process to award up to 60 mobile licenses and up to 30 Class B facility licenses.
MLGCA director John Martin hailed the launch as “fantastic news” for the state, coming as it did more than a year after enabling legislation was signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan.
“We know sports fans are eager to have mobile wagering, and we also know that it will substantially increase the contributions to education funding, so we’re eager too,” Martin explained.
“We’ve been doing everything we can to have it launch before the end of the year, and now we have a good chance to make that happen.”
Martin continued: “Maryland Lottery and Gaming has been hard at work on background investigations.
“A number of businesses that are planning to apply for mobile licenses have already submitted information to get their investigations started, and our licensing staff will continue guiding them through the qualification procedures.
“We’re focused on expediting our part of the process so mobile betting can start as soon as possible,” he added.