The impending launch of online sports betting in Maryland is getting all the attention lately, but retail sportsbooks are still setting up shop in The Old Line State.
Long Shot’s restaurant and off-track-betting parlor in Frederick began taking in-person wagers via its brand-new Betfred Sportsbook kiosks on Friday.
Long Shot’s launches in-person Betfred Sportsbook
Long Shot’s OTB is the ninth retail sportsbook location to open since Maryland sports betting was legalized back in December 2021.
Long Shot’s and Betfred also happen to be online sports betting partners. However, the Betfred Sportsbook app will not go live when Maryland online sports betting launches this Wednesday.
For now, Long Shot’s is taking sports bets within a temporary retail setup. A 6,000-square-foot space will open in the spring, according to a recent press release.
Long Shot’s CEO Alyse Cohen expressed excitement about what will be the “only sportsbook in the entire region.” Furthermore, she noted that Long Shot’s is the “first and only 100% woman-owned sportsbook in Maryland.”
Cohen said:
“Long Shot’s is very excited to bring both retail and mobile sports betting to Frederick County. We are thrilled to add not only jobs, but also to support our state’s education fund. It will be a big win for everyone in Frederick.”
The permanent sportsbook will feature a video wall surrounded by theater-style seating and lounge chairs. Food and beverage service will also be available.
Online sports betting is part of Long Shot’s bigger plan
Betfred and Long Shot’s were among 10 applicants approved for mobile sports betting licenses last week by state gambling regulators. Maryland online sports betting is set to begin on Nov. 23.
For unspecified reasons, Betfred and Long Shot’s told gaming officials their online sportsbook app would not be ready by the start date.
Instead, the two brands anticipate a launch of the Betfred online sportsbook in Maryland in early 2023.
Additional in-person sportsbooks coming to Maryland
Long Shot’s is one of 17 locations earmarked in Maryland’s sports betting law as viable retail sportsbook locations. Others include FedEx Field, M&T Bank Stadium and Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Among those three, only FedEx Field in Landover, MD has filed a sports betting license application with the state. At a recent public meeting, state gaming officials seemed optimistic that a Fanatics-branded retail sportsbook would soon be opening at the home of the NFL’s Washington Commanders.
A Maryland Lottery press release also noted that Chesapeake Gaming in Boonsboro was approved for a license and is working its way through the final steps to launch.
