MARYLAND, USA — Let the games begin! Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan made a long-awaited announcement Tuesday that mobile and online sports betting will launch across the state the morning before Thanksgiving.
Hogan said seven different sport books will go live at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, after an operational test conducted Monday to make sure all systems work. A dozen more apps are waiting in the wings for their own approval.
Here are the first seven ready to launch:
- Barstool Sportsbook (operator for PENN Maryland/Hollywood Casino)
- BetMGM (operator for BetMGM Maryland Sports/MGM National Harbor)
- BetRivers (operator for Arundel Amusements/Bingo World in Brooklyn Park)
- Caesars Sportsbook (operator for CZR Maryland Mobile Opportunity/Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore)
- DraftKings (operator for Crown MD Online Gaming)
- FanDuel (operator for PPE Maryland Mobile/Live! Casino and Hotel in Hanover)
- PointsBet (operator for Riverboat on the Potomac in Charles County)
"We are excited that this launch is in time for fans to place their bets on all the Thanksgiving day NFL action, college football rivalry weekend, this week's slate of NBA games, the 2022 World Cup, and Sunday's Ravens and Commanders games," Gov. Hogan said.
The governor added that though he's never used online gambling apps, he might place a bet on the Ravens or Terps if he can "get somebody to help [him] figure out how to put an app on [his] phone."
Three other mobile sportsbook have been approved to operate, but said they aren't ready to launch yet:
- Betfred (operator for Long Shot’s in Frederick)
- BetParx (operator for Greenmount Station in Hampstead)
- Fanatics (operator for Maryland Stadium Sub/Washington Commanders in Landover)
The launch of online sports betting across the state has been in the works for two years. Sports betting began on the ballot for Marylanders in November 2020 and it was then signed into law by Hogan in May 2021.
The first in-person sportsbook launched in December 2021. Since then, sports betting became available at MGM National Harbor, Live! Casino & Hotel, Horseshoe Casino, Ocean Downs Casino and Bingo World.
The move online is expected to help the state by keeping those dollars in the state of Maryland and providing another revenue source for its schools. Hogan said that online sports betting is anticipated to bring in up to $30 million in revenue next year, expected to reach $100 million by 2027.
If you or a loved one has a problem with gambling, the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network can be reached at 1-800-522-4700. The network is a single national access point to local resources for those seeking help for a gambling problem. Help is available 24/7 and is 100% confidential.
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