One of the gambling industry’s most iconic brands is patiently waiting to introduce its name to Maryland.
Following approval by state gaming officials, WynnBet has only a few regulatory hurdles left to clear before launching its online sports betting app.
WynnBet stays mum on Maryland launch date
Maryland online sports betting kicked off on Nov. 23 — the day before Thanksgiving — with seven operators. Five others, including WynnBet, are licensed in Maryland but have yet to go live.
WynnBet, the digital segment of Las Vegas-based Wynn Resorts, is staying quiet on a potential start date in the Old Line State.
Seth Medvin, WynnBet’s executive director of marketing, declined to say whether a WynnBet Maryland launch before the end of the year is possible. As the days tick down, though, a debut in early 2023 is looking more likely.
“We do not comment on timeliness until we are providing a firm launch date to prospective players.”
Can WynnBet run with Maryland’s sports betting big dogs?
WynnBet is currently available in seven states including New Jersey, Virginia, Michigan and Colorado.
While Wynn is a recognizable name to land-based casino players, the brand’s success has not fully translated to the digital market. Wynn spent millions in the early months of widespread U.S. sports betting legalization to acquire customers and compete in a crowded environment.
The gamble has yet to pay off. FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, Barstool and PointsBet dominate in nearly every state with legal online wagering.
Trailing the bigger online sportsbooks in both market share and revenue, Wynn Interactive reportedly floated the idea of selling WynnBet earlier this year.
Nonetheless, Wynn went ahead with Maryland’s online sports betting licensing process.
The Maryland Lottery & Gaming Control Commission found WynnBet qualified for an online license in early December. On Dec. 14, the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission awarded the brand a mobile license.
Next, WynnBet must successfully complete a controlled demonstration to confirm its platform is fit to launch.
Options for online sports betting in Maryland
Maryland law allows for up to 60 online sports betting licenses, though only 21 have submitted applications.
The seven online sportsbooks currently accepting bets in Maryland are:
Betfred, Fanatics and BetParx are licensed and targeting an early 2023 launch for their online sports betting apps.
Bally Bet was awarded an online sports betting license on the same day as Wynn Bet. And similarly, Bally’s Corporation has yet to announce a start date in Maryland.
