The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission took steps to license three state-owned casinos for in-person sports betting just a few days ago. The Governor of the state, Larry Hogan urged the residents of the state to support the start of in-person sports betting during the National Football League season.

Gov. Hogan’s efforts to allow sports wagering

Gov. Hogan urged residents of the state via his Twitter account to email the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) and show support for sports betting during the NFL football season. He has signed the bill on sports wagering in May 2021. Through the bill, he officially legalized in person as well as online sports betting in the state of Maryland. However, as regards the signing of the bill, progress is slow. As for in-person sports betting, no official date has been set for it to begin.

Casinos must be licensed

Director of The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission, John Martin expressed hope that in-person sports betting could be accepted by late fall. However, he did state that licensing of casinos is a must in order to open their sportsbooks to the public.

How many casinos are ready for in-person sports betting?

Live! Casino and Hotel in Hanover, The Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore, and MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill have met the necessary conditions and requirements in order to be licensed for sports wagering. The three casinos have applied and their applications will now be forwarded to the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC). The SWARC will make a decision as regards the licensing of these casinos. A decision on the licensing of the casinos could be taken as early as October 14, 2021 when the next meeting of SWARC is to take place.

Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission role in licensing

The MLGA will make sure that the casinos have implemented the operational and internal control requirements before the licenses are issued. The SWARC has stated that the standards et by the MLGA are sufficient for awarding of the licenses.