Bally Bet and WynnBet were both awarded licenses from Maryland regulators, receiving conditional approval as online sports betting operators.
A second Long Shot’s retail location in Hagerstown, MD also received approval for a sports wagering facility license.
Bally Bet, WynnBet awarded online sports betting licenses
Maryland’s Sports Wagering Application Review Commission met Wednesday for a regularly scheduled meeting, where the latest Maryland online sportsbook applicants were the first items of discussion.
Bally Bet already operates sports betting and online casino operations in seven states.
Meanwhile, WynnBet already operates in nine states and intends to launch in seven additional jurisdictions in the near future.
Both operators were awarded sports betting licenses during the meeting, subject to each operator submitting a Memorandum of Understanding to Maryland regulators.
These awardees must also submit formal diversity plans to ensure their business structure complies with Maryland regulations.
Next up, the MLGCC will review each brand’s internal controls and monitor the platforms via a controlled demonstration before awarding the official green light for launch.
Long Shot’s applies for second retail license
Regulators also discussed providing a retail facility license to a second Long Shot’s location during the Dec. 14 SWARC meeting.
Commission members voiced concern over the ongoing issues that must be remediated before a facility launch, including a zoning approval. However, SWARC ultimately decided to unanimously approve Long Shot’s new facility license, pending final statutory requirements before launch.
An initial Long Shot’s off-track betting location in Frederick was one of the 17 locations designated for a retail sportsbook.
After completing all necessary licensing steps, Long Shot’s then launched its temporary Betfred retail sportsbook at its Frederick location in November.
Long Shot’s has also partnered with Betfred to debut an online sportsbook app, though a launch date has yet to be determined.
The Maryland Lottery gave initial Class B-2 approval to the Long Shot’s Hagerstown location during its previous review, and SWARC moved to advance that application award during Wednesday’s meeting.
The sportsbook operator for the brand’s new Hagerstown location has yet to be announced, however. This leaves the timeline for launch still up in the air.
This Hagerstown location must undergo a zoning amendment process before being awarded an official license. New zoning is expected to go into effect in early 2023.
The next SWARC meeting will take place Jan. 18, 2023 at 9 a.m., where diversity plans from the first 10 Maryland sportsbook operators will be discussed.
