Maryland Anticipates the Arrival of Legal Online Sports Betting
It has been eight months since the first retail sportsbook opened in Maryland. The first online sportsbooks won't be available until fall at the earliest. Legislators passed the laws paving the way to legalize online betting in May 2021. There are studies underway to prepare the legal mechanisms required to undertake the move.
Maryland legalized sports betting in April 2022. Several draft applications were approved during July meeting. Governor Larry Hogan wants to launch mobile sports gambling in September 2022, but the regulation has to be finalized first. There are no less than 60 mobile wagering licenses up for grabs. There is a possibility of more licenses being added in 2025. The state is unlikely to become a big sport betting hub, although it will allow sports fans to enjoy the same privileges as in Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Washington Commanders are rumoured to have moved to Virginia, so their plans to open a sportsbook in Maryland may be in vain.
