Retail sports betting is expanding in Maryland, and Calvert County is joining the club.
Elys Game Technology announced a partnership with Rod N’ Reel Resort. The agreement will give Elys a cut of all revenue made from their sports betting infrastructure.
Rod N’ Reel partners with Elys for sportsbook
As of now, there are currently six retail sportsbooks in Maryland. Rod N’ Reel could mark the seventh to go live. Resort president Mary Lanham said:
“We look forward to offering sports gaming as an amenity to the resort experience, establishing Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort as a premier destination for the local community and visitors along the Chesapeake Bay.”
Located in Chesapeake Beach, Rod N’ Reel Resort sits on the Western edge of the Chesapeake Bay. It’s been a staple of Maryland culture for nearly 80 years. Before expanding to its current form, its restaurant opened in 1946.
Michele Ciavarella, Executive Chairman of Elys Game Technology added:
“We are excited to enter this partnership with the Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort in Maryland, and to provide an end-to-end, first-in-class “Build-a-Bet” sportsbook solution consistent with the amazing experience that Rod “N” Reel Resort currently offers its guests, and we look forward to working with management to fulfil their inaugural sportsbook goals.”
Pending steps to Maryland retail launch
Rod N’ Reel was one of the seven Class B entities designated in last year’s sports wagering law, allowing them to apply for a retail betting license before the application window officially opened to the public.
That application window opened on Sept. 6 for all other companies and will close on Oct. 21.
Next up, the resort will need to obtain regulatory approval from both the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission, as well as the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission.
Once approved, Rod N’ Reel will work with Maryland Lottery to set up its betting infrastructure, which will be assessed and tested before a final launch is scheduled.
Elys a familiar face in sports betting
Elys Game Technology may be unknown to many Maryland bettors. However, the brand already operates in five states, and they also have a sportsbook in Washington D.C.
Grand Central Restaurant & Bar, in Adams Morgan, is one of the few places to make an in-person bet within our country’s capital. Sports fans can place a wager on one of the Elys kiosks located near the front of the restaurant. Otherwise, those in D.C. can use the GambetDC app or a handful of other sportsbooks within a couple blocks of the app’s retail location.
Elys recently debuted in a fifth D.C. retail location this past June. Its launch at Rod N’ Reel will mark the sixth state in which the brand operates its sports betting platform.
