Maryland Sports Betting Inching Closer to Launch with Appointments Set

The DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) is turning into a sports betting hotbed. Virginia and Washington D.C. have live wagering, and Maryland sports betting is inching closer to a launch.

Governor Larry Hogan filled out Maryland’s Sports Wagering Application Review Commission with two appointments on Wednesday. This body needs to be in place for sports betting to be established in the state.

Sports Wagering Application Review Commission

The two latest appointments made by Governor Hogan were Thomas Brandt and Bert Hash Jr. Brandt is a former TeleCommunications Systems CFO and retired from the Municipal Employees Credit Union of Baltimore. House Speaker Adrienne Jones and Senate President Bill Ferguson already filled their two appointments.

Governor Larry Hogan

These seats were filled by Rossie Allen-Herring (United Way of the National Capital Area), Laura Gamble (PNC Bank Regional President), Cassandra Stevenson (Raymond James Financial Head of Corporate Tax), and Frank Turner (former House of Delegates member)

The current chair of the commission is E. Randolph Merrimer. The license review process will begin after the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission approves the regulations. The scheduled review date is July 15, and the commission is expected to pass all legislation.

Governor Hogan signed the sports betting bill into law on May 18.

Commission Responsibilities for Maryland Sports Betting

The first duty for the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission will be to approve the state betting bill. However, the commission is also responsible for reviewing all Maryland sports betting applications.

The Maryland sports betting legislation emphasized female and minority-owned businesses for license priority. The commission must ensure that these businesses are granted equal access to sports betting in the state. This is a significant responsibility because it will set the trend of the market.

Oriole Park at Camden Yards

The group also needs to encourage minority and female-owned businesses to apply. They will conduct recurring studies to see betting engagement amongst these businesses.

The commission will have a big responsibility reviewing all the licenses. Six Class A licenses will be granted to the state’s six casinos, three professional sports teams, and the Maryland Jockey Club.

Additionally, 30 Class B licenses will be granted. The minority-owned businesses will be given these permits. Some providers have already partnered with Class A partners. PointsBet secured access because of a contract with the Riverboat on the Potomac.

The Baltimore Ravens joined forces with BetMGM Sportsbook. Many top providers are expected to try to secure market access in the state.

Hogan Names New Lottery and Gaming Control Commission Director

Governor Hogan appointed John Martin as the new director of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. Martin takes the place of Gordon Medenica, who retired in April.

“Maryland is proud to have one of the best lottery and gaming systems in the country, and with sports betting coming online, we are poised for even more record growth. John Martin has done an outstanding job in his role overseeing the agency, and we are fortunate to have him as our new director.”