After a long wait which seemed like it would never end, sports betting in Maryland will finally begin, on Thursday, December 9, at MGM National Harbor. As revealed by the prominent sportsbook, BetMGM will accept Maryland’s first legal sports wager at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday. Officially launching sports betting in the Free State.
The news came after five land-based Maryland casinos were issued a sports betting license in November. Effectively allowing sports betting in the state to commence.
Sports Betting In Maryland Is A Go
Sports betting in Maryland has been legal since Gov. Larry Hogan signed bill HB 940 into law in May 2021. With regulations for sports betting approved in July 2021. However, while it has been legal for months now, sports betting has yet to begin in Maryland.
The delay did not go down well with Maryland residents, who made it clear that they want to see sports betting launched. By approving a ballot to go through with the legalization in November 2020. However, after seven long months of waiting, the wheels are now finally in motion as we get closer to the first Maryland wager being placed.
As revealed earlier this week, sports betting in Maryland will begin on Thursday, December 9, at MGM National Harbor with BetMGM. To commemorate the occasion, former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann and Gov. Larry Hogan will place the first bet together. At the BetMGM Sportsbook and Lounge, with the residents able to follow suit.
The prominent U.S. sports betting provider took the opportunity to be there at the launch of sports betting in the Free State seriously.
The lounge will have a 360-degree jumbotron, a 110-foot wraparound screen showing live games. Meanwhile, the customers will be able to order food and drink to their seats – imitating what you would experience watching the game at a stadium.
More Sportsbooks Follow
While BetMGM will accept the first sports wager in Maryland. It won’t be the only sportsbook that will operate in the state. Take a look at the Bparlay.com BetMGM Sign Up guide for more information about the provider.
As many as eight different online sportsbooks are set to become available to wager.
FanDuel is confirmed to launch its sports betting operation on Friday, December 10, at 9:30 a.m. At Sports & Social Maryland in the Live! Casino & Hotel. As revealed by FanDuel, it’s planning to hold a special ribbon-cutting ceremony for the occasion. With football Hall of Famer Ed Reed placing the first wager at the new sportsbook.
Besides FanDuel, Maryland will also welcome Caesars Sportsbook to the state later the same day. It is said to launch its sportsbook at Baltimore Horsehoe Casino. With Hogan, Mayor Brandon Scott, Adalius Thomas, Torrey Smith, and Baltimore-native former NBA star Muggsy Bogues in attendance.
Other News
In addition, Ocean Downs Casino (TwinSpires) and Hollywood Casino Perryville (Barstool Sportsbook) are expected to launch retail sportsbooks by the end of the month. Unfortunately, there are no set dates for either, so for now. The Maryland bettors will have to make do with the three sportsbooks that will open their doors by the end of this week.
It is also worth noting that while Maryland is expected to launch online mobile betting, it likely won’t be available until the second half of 2022 or even later. Although quite disheartening news, mobile sports betting in Maryland is projected to be huge. Wisconsin Sports Betting has also now opened up on the 30th November 2021.
The state is making available 60 online sports betting licenses. Which is more than any other state. So while it may take a while longer before Maryland bettors can place bets via their phones, the wait will be worth it.
