Dec. 2, 2021
Maryland Lottery and Gaming staff working with facilities to schedule controlled demonstrations
(Baltimore) — The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (MLGCC) today determined that Riverboat on the Potomac and Long Shot’s have met the qualification requirements for sports wagering licenses.
The two venues are among the 17 entities that were designated in the sports wagering law to conduct sports wagering operations, pending a review of their qualifications to receive licenses. Riverboat on the Potomac is located in Colonial Beach, Va., and its planned sports wagering area will be located in Maryland, on the banks of the Potomac River. Long Shot’s is located in Frederick. As small businesses with minority and women owners, Riverboat on the Potomac and Long Shot’s support the legislative intent of the sports wagering law to create an inclusive and diverse market.
Their applications will now be forwarded to the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC), which is responsible for awarding the licenses.
“We’re extremely happy to see these two locally owned businesses move forward, and we’re eager to continue working with them in the coming weeks to launch their sports wagering operations,” said Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director John Martin.
Hollywood Casino in Perryville; Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore, Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover; MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill; and Ocean Downs Casino in Berlin were awarded licenses by the SWARC on Nov. 18. Maryland Lottery and Gaming staff are working with those five facilities to schedule their dates for controlled demonstrations. As the last step prior to their public openings, all sports wagering facilities must successfully complete two days of controlled demonstrations, during which guests invited by the facilities will participate in live wagering under the observation of Maryland Lottery and Gaming staff.
“Controlled demonstrations are an important final step before sports wagering opens to the public,” Martin said. “They serve as a dress rehearsal for the facilities and their staffs, and they allow Maryland Lottery and Gaming to assure the public that these operations are ready to go.”
During each controlled demonstration, Maryland Lottery and Gaming staff conduct on-site monitoring to ensure that all systems perform as required, and to verify that operational and revenue reporting controls are effective.
“Everything is on pace for the first public openings to happen in December,” Martin said. “The facilities and the public are eager to get started, and so are we.”
About Maryland Lottery and Gaming
Maryland Lottery and Gaming operates the Maryland Lottery and is responsible for regulatory oversight of the state’s casinos and sports wagering program. To keep Marylanders informed and promote integrity and transparency, Maryland Lottery and Gaming posts monthly financial reports on casino revenue at mdgaming.com, along with annual fiscal year data. For more information on all Lottery products, promotions and news, visit mdlottery.com. Maryland Lottery and Gaming reminds players to play responsibly and within their budget; resources are available at mdgamblinghelp.org or by calling 1-800-426-2537.