The process of implementing sports betting in Maryland has moved to the next phase of public comment.
The 30-day comment period pushes the start of sports betting into the NFL season. Beginning in time to bet on the NFL to start the season, at least retail sports betting, would have been difficult. The legalization of sports betting expands gambling in Maryland.
Beginning Friday, the public can provide feedback on the state’s introduction of retail and online sports wagering by submitting comments via mdgaming.com. There will also be a public meeting on Sept. 22.
Specifically, the public is invited to send comments to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency regarding the agency’s sports wagering regulations.
Comments may be submitted in the following ways:
- Using the online form available here.
- Sending an email to [email protected].
- Sending comments by mail to James B. Butler, Managing Director of Organizational Compliance, Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, 1800 Washington Blvd., Suite 330, Baltimore, MD 21230.
The window for comments is from Aug. 27 through 11:59 p.m., Sept. 27. Mailed comments must be received by Maryland Lottery and Gaming by Sept. 27. Comments will not be accepted by phone.
Comments will be published on mdgaming.com after the public comment period has concluded.
Public Meeting Sept. 22
The MLGCA will hold a public meeting on the regulations at 10 a.m. on Sept. 22 in the auditorium on the first floor of the Montgomery Park Business Center, 1800 Washington Blvd. in Baltimore. A live audio stream of the meeting will be available at promdgaming.com, and a recording of the meeting will be posted to the website.
Those who plan to attend the meeting are asked to inform the MLGCA by sending an email to [email protected]. Individuals requiring an accommodation in order to participate in the meeting may contact James B. Butler at 410-230-8781.
Sports wagering was passed by the Maryland General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Larry Hogan earlier this year. The law provides for both retail and online sports betting and is the most inclusive of any such law in the United States. If all available retail licenses are awarded, the state will have scores of bricks-and-mortar sportsbooks, both big and small, throughout the state. In addition, dozens of online sports betting licenses are available.
It’s anticipated that larger operators, such as the state’s biggest casinos, will be among the first to open retail sportsbooks, perhaps during the 2021 football season. Online sports betting isn’t expected to launch until 2022.
A Sports Wagering Application Review Commission is reviewing applications and will award licenses. Maryland Lottery and Gaming, tasked with regulating the sports wagering industry, is also part of the vetting process for applicants.
Tax money raised from sports betting is mostly earmarked for education.
