As we await the launch of mobile Maryland sports betting, the state’s eight sports wagering facilities combined for a handle of $39.66 million in October. That was an increase of about 26.4% from September’s handle of about $31.38 million.
The revenue for the sportsbooks was a little more than $5.3 million, reflecting a hold percentage of 13.4%. Taxable win was slightly less, $5.21 million, which was down about 21% from September’s figure of about $6.56 million. The difference might be explained by the fact that earlier in the NFL season, underdogs were doing a good job of covering the spread, which is usually a good outcome for the sportsbooks.
The sports wagering tax (15% of the taxable win) was $781,642 last month. That tax amounted to $984,308 in the Maryland September sports betting revenue figures. Sports gambling tax money goes toward education in Maryland.
Maryland Sportsbook Breakdown For October
The top two retail sportsbook operators had more than $10 million each in total handle. They were (by handle): Live Casino & Hotel ($15.4 million) and MGM National Harbor ($10.4 million). The others were Hollywood Casino Perryville ($5.29 million), Horseshoe Casino Baltimore ($5.18 million) and Ocean Downs Casino in Berlin ($2.24 million).
In addition to those five casino books, three other locations accept sports wagers including a new one in October.
BingoWorld topped $1 million in wagers placed on sporting events, Riverboat on the Potomac had $44,235 and the off-track betting outlet at Greenmount recorded $19,805. The state issued Greenmount Station OTB its sports betting license in late October.
Maryland Sports Betting, October vs. September
Maryland Mobile Sports Wagering Coming
Regarding online Maryland sports betting apps, the state Lottery & Gaming Control Commission recently found 20 applicants “qualified” for sports wagering licensing — 10 applicants for Mobile Sports Wagering licenses and 10 applicants for Online Sports Wagering Operator licenses. That finding was passed to the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission, which determines suitability and votes to “award” licenses. The SWARC’s next regularly scheduled meeting is Nov. 21.
Following the SWARC vote, awardees then return to Lottery & Gaming for final phase approvals on procedures and operations in controlled demonstrations.
Online wagering — with the beginning of operations reliably accompanied by Maryland sportsbook promotions — might launch in Maryland in late November, though early- to mid-December is more likely.
The applicants that Lottery and Gaming found to be qualified for licensing were:
For Mobile Sports Wagering Licenses:
Arundel Amusements (Bingo World in Anne Arundel County)
Crown MD Online Gaming LLC (DraftKings Maryland Sportsbook)
CZR Maryland Mobile Opportunity LLC (Caesars Entertainment/Horseshoe Casino Baltimore)
Greenmount OTB LLC (Greenmount OTB in Hampstead)
Long Shot’s LLC (OTB in Frederick)
Maryland Stadium Sub, LLC (Washington Commanders’ home stadium in Landover, Md., FedExField)
MGM Maryland Sports LLC (BetMGM/MGM National Harbor)
PENN Maryland OSB, LLC (PENN Entertainment/Hollywood Casino Perryville)
PPE Maryland Mobile LLC (Live! Casino & Hotel)
Riverboat on the Potomac (OTB at Colonial Beach, Va., but in Maryland waters)
For Online Sports Wagering Operator Licenses:
American Wagering (Caesars Entertainment)
BetFred (partnered with Long Shot’s)
Crown MD Online Gaming LLC (DraftKings Maryland, previously reported as partnered with the Maryland State Fairgrounds)
Betfair (FanDuel Maryland, which has a sportsbook at Live! Casino & Hotel)
FBG Enterprises Opco, LLC (fan gear company Fanatics, reportedly at the Commanders’ homefield)
betParx Maryland Promo Code (Greenwood Racing, partner with Greenmount OTB)
Penn Sports Interactive (PENN Entertainment)
RSI MD LLC (Rush Street Interactive, partnered with Bingo World)
PointsBet Maryland Sportsbook (online company partnered with Riverboat on the Potomac)
