Sports betting is doing well in the state of Maryland when it comes to retail betting options, but mobile gaming is nonexistent. Governor Larry Hogan is not happy about the delay in online gaming, and he wants a state committee to take action. Mobile wagering must be in place by the next NFL season in September.
The governor feels that bureaucratic roadblocks have been in the way, and he wants to see changes made so that the state can begin to reap the benefits of mobile betting.
Stop Wasting Time
Hogan recently sent a letter to the Sports Wagering and Application Review Commission. This group is in charge of providing final approval for a sports betting license in the state. The governor told the commission that residents are tired of watching nearby states offer mobile betting and they don’t have access to the activity.
The governor did not mince his words in the letter, stating that the commission has not taken decisive action to implement the decision of the voters and instead has allowed the process to become stagnate. The governor points out that residents are angry and discouraged over the inability of the commission to get the job done.
Right now, players have access to sports betting at five casinos including the MGM National Harbor and the Horseshoe Baltimore. Players who do not live near a venue must travel some distance in order to place a bet. With mobile betting, players could simply post a wager from home.
Prioritize Mobile Betting Licensing
The governor wants to see the commission prioritize mobile betting within its next meeting and set a timeline that is firm and transparent. This way, residents can feel at ease knowing mobile wagering is coming.
Hogan has also asked the commission to release application drafts for mobile sports betting regulations and licenses. It is unclear if the commission will take the recommendation of the governor and get the ball rolling on the mobile licensing process.
So far, retail sports betting has contributed close to $2.7 million to Maryland coffers via casinos. If mobile betting were to come into play, the numbers would be quite higher. Across the United States, sports betting markets have shown that players prefer to wager online rather than in person. It is much more convenient and costs less for many players due to the need to travel.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out and if the committee will take action and begin pushing to get mobile sports betting up and running in the state.