Wagering on esports was removed from Maryland’s sports betting bill in 2020. It remained barred in late 2021 when wagering on professional sports, collegiate sports and international sports became legal in the state.
A year later, when online betting was legalized in The Old Line State, esports remained off limits.
Now, Oddin.gg wants to change that. The Czech-based company thinks Maryland is a prime state to legalize wagering on esports because it was a part of the original legislation to legalize sports betting.
Oddin.gg targets Maryland as it works to expand esports betting across US
With a dozen online sportsbooks available to bettors in Maryland, the state’s sports wagering industry is thriving. Maryland sports betting enjoyed a total handle of nearly $450 million in September. October handle was even higher at $483 million.
Oddin.gg knows it is on a long journey to get esports betting legal throughout the US. The company is starting by going after the low-hanging fruit, and Maryland fits that bill. Betting on esports was allowed when lawmakers first began debating sports betting legislation. It was later dropped in an effort to get the measure passed.
The effort in Maryland comes on the heels of Oddin receiving a temporary license to operate esports wagering in Colorado. There’s also pending approvals in Ontario and New Jersey underway, says Oddin.gg co-founder and CEO Vlastimil Venclik.
“This expansion reflects our dedication to providing engaging, reliable and compliant betting services to esports enthusiasts across the United States,” Venclik said in a statement.
Oddin adds a powerful familiar face to help its efforts
For the company to solicit esports wagers here, Maryland first needs to legalize betting on esports. To increase the chances of that happening, Oddin has partnered with top lobbyist Bill Pascrell III.
Venclik said in a statement that Oddin is looking to expand esports betting across the US with Pascrell at the forefront.
“Our pursuit of additional state licenses, in partnership with Bill, marks a significant advancement in our mission. We’re not just growing our footprint; we’re innovating and enhancing the esports betting experience, setting new industry standards.”
Pascrell is a powerful political and legal figure with decades of experience within local and federal governments and political campaigns. He praised Oddin for focusing on America as a foundational component to building a successful industry-leading home for esports betting.
Venclik says that’s the plan.
“We’re excited about what the future holds and are committed to being at the forefront of this rapidly evolving market. We strive to be the leading force dispelling the misconceptions surrounding esports betting (as well as a) vigilant guardian of the (game’s) integrity, not just in North America but globally.”
