Maryland’s sports betting industry is expanding, with the approval of two additional online sportsbooks. SuperBook Sports, a large name in Las Vegas, and Crab Sports, a Maryland-based startup now have approved licenses to pursue an online betting opportunity.
After launching in-person sportsbooks in late 2021, Marylanders voted to legalize sports betting for 2020 and the first legal online bookings went live in November 2022. Along with the new licenses, there are three more opportunities for professional teams that relocate to the state as well. Hopefully these new additions will further enhance the gambling experience for Maryland residents!
Two New Maryland Online Sports Betting Operators
It has been exciting news for both SuperBook and the state of Maryland with the recent approval of an online sports betting license, an online sports betting operator license, and a retail sports betting operator license from the MLGCA. This news means that eager sports fans will soon be able to make their bets live in Maryland.
SBOpco, which is SuperBook’s parent company is already operating online sportsbooks brilliantly in six states, with intentions to launch operations in more than a dozen more. The company has also boasted two brilliant retail sportsbooks so far. And although SuperBook had announced a partnership with the Baltimore Orioles for a “lounge” at Camden Yards previously, there are currently no hearings scheduled as the MLB franchise has yet to hold its own retail sports betting license.
On the other hand, Crab Sports promises to bring a unique and dynamic approach to the Maryland sports betting market. As a start-up venture, they boast an immersive attitude, emphasizing partnerships with local businesses as their primary platform for boosting market share.
This was accepted by the Chairman Thomas Brandt of SWARC, who noted that it is the first relatively small mobile sports wagering license thats part of their consideration set. Currently, eight online sportsbooks are live in Maryland, and BetFred has recently premiered alongside an off-track betting facility called Long Shot’s Frederick-based. With such diverse activity in progress, Crab Sports will have plenty of opportunities for success when it launches later this year.
Next Wave Of Sportsbooks
The Maryland State Lottery & Gaming Control Agency recently approved diversity plans from BallyBet, WynnBet, and Long Shots’s restaurant and bar. The plans allow these businesses to hold controlled demonstrations at both their Frederick and Hagerstown locations. These demonstrations will allow customers to explore the world of in-person betting through the experience that only Ballybet, Wynnbet and Long Shots can offer.
Although these businesses have cleared the first hurdle on their journey to offering legal in-person gambling, they still must complete more steps before becoming operational. And with such stiff competition for this unique market segments, the future for these companies is sure to be interesting!
