Dec. 10, 2021
Governor Hogan attends openings of two sports wagering locations
(Baltimore) — The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (MLGCC) has issued sports wagering facility licenses to Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover and Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore. Governor Larry Hogan attended ceremonies today at both facilities to mark the launch of their sports wagering operations.
Live! opened its FanDuel Sportsbook at 9:30 a.m. today, followed by the opening of Horseshoe’s Caesars Sportsbook at 1 p.m.
Prior to receiving their licenses, Live! and Horseshoe successfully completed two days of controlled demonstrations, during which invited guests participated in live wagering as Maryland Lottery and Gaming staff ensured the facility complied with all required procedures, and that its systems and revenue reporting controls functioned properly. MGM National Harbor’s Bet MGM Sportsbook & Lounge opened to the public on Dec. 9.
“This has been an exciting week for sports fans in Maryland,” said Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director John Martin. “Our staff has worked closely with these three facilities — everyone involved is proud to see that effort come to fruition. And for us, the effort continues.”
Ocean Downs Casino in Berlin and Hollywood Casino in Perryville will be holding controlled demonstrations soon, and it is anticipated that both locations will open to the public before the end of December.
Long Shot’s in Frederick and Riverboat on the Potomac, located on the banks of the Potomac River in Colonial Beach, Va., were awarded licenses by the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) on Dec. 8, and are completing numerous required tasks prior to their openings, which are anticipated in early 2022.
The seven facilities that have been awarded licenses are among the 17 entities that were designated in the sports wagering law. Additional locations and the launch of mobile sports wagering are anticipated in the coming year. Apart from the 17 designated entities, the SWARC is authorized to conduct a competitive process to award up to 30 brick-and-mortar licenses and up to 60 mobile licenses. An application process for the competitive licenses has not yet been created.
Maryland’s sportsbooks will contribute 15% of their revenue to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which supports a variety of education programs. The General Assembly’s Department of Legislative Services has estimated that when the sports wagering market is fully launched, it will contribute $15 million to $25 million per year to education funding.
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.