The State’s Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) has accepted draft applications and rules for mobile sports betting in Maryland, putting an end to months of delays and blistering criticism from Governor Larry Hogan.

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Approving Proposed Application for Online Sports Betting

During its monthly meeting in July, SWARC unanimously accepted not only the proposed applications and rules for online sports betting, but also the draft regulations for retail sports betting licensing. 

SWARC is permitted by Maryland law to provide up to 60 mobile betting licenses and 30 Class B facility licenses. The commission will now forward the draft applications and rules to the state’s Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review, which is likely to provide “emergency approval.” After receiving the committee’s approval, the procedure will enter a 30-day period of public consultations, during which interested parties and stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide their feedback. 

As soon as the rules go into force and the industry study is complete, the commission may establish a formal application deadline for operators and ultimately develop a schedule for any extra action that may be required.

NFL Season Launch Date Unlikely

In addition to the $500,000 application cost, the draft rules lacked information on license periods and yearly fees, since they would be determined by SWARC at a later date. SWARC will likely not be able to open sports betting in Maryland in time for the start of the new NFL season on September 8, as Governor Hogan recently advised. 

SWARC is scheduled to meet again in August. Governor Hogan issued a letter to SWARC urging the commission to expedite the process and keep Maryland in line to profit from the potential bonanza. 

He suggested that the commission expedite the process and provide live mobile sports betting prior to the start of the NFL season. Maryland authorized sports betting in May 2021, and retail sportsbooks were operating by December of last year. However, mobile sportsbooks have yet to go online due to repeated delays caused by SWARC. 

The nine-member commission established by the state legislature as an independent body has repeatedly delayed the process. In November of last year, Governor Hogan vented his frustration at SWARC, implying that the commission was under pressure to delay as much as possible until one of the major players is ready to launch in the state.

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