In-Depth Analysis of the Gambling Laws in Maryland

History and Timeline for Maryland Online Gambling

The origins of gambling in Maryland trace back to the 1740s when horse racing kicked off at the Pimlico Race Course, marking the earliest form of regulated gambling in Maryland. Over the centuries, this historical foundation evolved, with significant events leaving an indelible mark on the state's gambling landscape.

• 1740s: Pimlico Race Course hosts its maiden horse races, marking a seminal chapter in Maryland's gambling legacy. The absence of dedicated regulations allows the industry to organically flourish until 1870.
• 1952: A watershed moment occurs as charitable bingo attains legal status. This decision serves as a catalyst, sowing the seeds for future expansions in charitable gaming and establishing a precedent for community-oriented gambling initiatives.
• 1973: Maryland residents embrace a groundbreaking shift as they endorse the establishment of a state lottery through a democratic vote. This momentous decision introduces a novel form of gambling, setting the stage for significant contributions to the state's revenue streams.
• 2008: A statewide referendum ushers in a transformative era with the approval for Atlantic City-style commercial casinos. This landmark decision catapults Maryland into a new phase of legalized gambling, paving the way for expansive casino developments.
• 2010 – 2016: The state undergoes a dramatic transformation with the construction and opening of six state-licensed casinos. These establishments offer a diverse array of slots-like games and traditional table games, reshaping the gambling landscape and providing residents with varied gaming experiences.
• 2020: Maryland voters demonstrate their forward-thinking approach by approving the expansion of gambling, specifically giving the green light for online sports betting. This decision reflects an evolving understanding of the digital era's impact on the gambling industry.
• 2021: The enactment of HB 940, the sports betting bill, receives gubernatorial approval. State regulators diligently work on finalizing the intricate details for the imminent launch of legal online sportsbooks in Maryland, ushering in a new era of accessible and regulated sports wagering.
• Ongoing: Despite these monumental strides, the realm of legal online casinos and poker sites remains in anticipation, yet to be fully operational. Presently, Maryland residents can engage in gambling activities at the six state-regulated casinos or explore offshore options that welcome players from the state. Maryland's status as a regional gambling hub is underscored, particularly in the realms of horse racing and tournament poker, portraying a dynamic and continually evolving gambling landscape.

Legalization of Sports Betting in Maryland

Situated amidst Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia, Maryland, home to six million residents, emerged as the final Mid-Atlantic state to embrace the realm of sports betting. The journey began in early 2020, as the Old Line State contemplated its foray into sports wagering.

• March 2020: The Maryland legislature sets the stage for sports betting with the approval of Senate Bill 4 in March 2020. This pivotal legislation becomes law in May 2020 without the governor's signature, propelling the sports betting question to the forefront, eventually reaching the November 2020 ballot.
• November 2020: Maryland voters, exhibiting overwhelming support, back the expansion of commercial gaming to include sports and event betting through a 2-to-1 margin vote. This marked a critical juncture in the state's gaming landscape.
• April 12, 2021: A landmark decision occurs as Maryland lawmakers, on the final day of the General Assembly’s session for 2021, approve House Bill 940, setting the wheels in motion for both retail and online sports betting. The State’s Senate unanimously passes the bill by a 47-0 vote.
• May 18, 2021: Governor Larry Hogan seals the deal by signing HB 940 into law, officially ushering in the era of legalized sports betting in Maryland. The new regulations are set to be enacted on June 1, 2021.
• June 10, 2021: PointsBet secures market access in Maryland through a strategic partnership with the Riverboat on the Potomac, positioning itself for a role in the unfolding sports betting landscape.
• July 15, 2021: The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency takes a crucial step by approving rules and regulations for legal wagering. This initiates a 30-day public comment period, ensuring transparency and stakeholder participation.
• August 16, 2021: The State's Sports Wagering Application Review Commission convenes for the first time, commencing the process of refining the regulatory framework for sports betting.
• October 4, 2021: The final rules and regulations for Maryland sports betting undergo official review after a public comment period, underscoring the commitment to a thorough and inclusive regulatory process.
• November 18, 2021: Retail sportsbook licenses are distributed to five prominent casinos, solidifying the groundwork for the retail component of Maryland's sports betting market.
• December 9, 2021: Maryland enters the realm of retail sports betting, with Governor Hogan placing the inaugural sports wager at the MGM National Harbor, marking a historic moment in the state’s gaming evolution.
• June 15, 2022: Frustrated by delays, Governor Hogan issues a letter to the SWARC, urging expedited commencement of legal online sports betting by September 8, adding a sense of urgency to the unfolding narrative.
• August 1, 2022: BetRivers takes a significant step by opening the state’s first non-casino retail sportsbook in partnership with Bingo World, contributing to the diversified landscape of sports betting locations.
• September 6, 2022: The SWARC opens the application process for online and Class B sports betting licenses, marking a crucial phase in expanding the market and welcoming diverse operators.
• November 23, 2022: Maryland's online sports betting officially launches, with seven sports betting applications going live. This momentous occasion transpires two years after state voters enthusiastically approved mobile sports betting.
• December 12, 2022: The SWARC awards sports betting licenses to industry heavyweights Bally Bet and WynnBET, underscoring the competitiveness of Maryland's burgeoning sports betting market.
• December 14, 2022: Maryland reports a staggering total sports betting handle of $219 million for November 2022, with mobile betting contributing a noteworthy $186.08 million in a week’s handle, affirming the robust engagement of the state’s residents.
• January 20, 2023: The sports betting landscape takes an innovative turn as the Fanatics sportsbook at FedExField becomes the first to open a retail sports betting location inside an NFL stadium, adding a unique dimension to the overall sports betting experience.
• February 9, 2023: The momentum continues as Maryland welcomes its eighth online sportsbook, Betfred Sports, going live and contributing to the dynamic and competitive landscape of legal sports betting in the state.