Not all retail sportsbooks reside inside a casino. The latest BetRivers Sportsbook opened in Bingo World in Baltimore, the first outside of a casino in Maryland and the ninth retail location since a referendum legalized sports betting in the state in 2020.
The 3,000 square-foot venue, which opened August 1, includes a lounge area with 32 theater-style seats, 21 hi-def video screens, 12 sports wagering kiosks, and three over-the-counter machines to place bets, according to Card Player.
“We are so excited and honored to be the first operator outside of a casino to offer Maryland residents a retail sportsbook,” said Bingo World President Randy Clemens. “Together with our partners at RSI, we can offer bettors a world-class in-person sports betting experience at the BetRivers sportsbook and lounge.”
It should be interesting to see how it turns out, since sports betting typically skews to a younger demographic, while bingo skews older.
“We are thrilled to partner with Bingo World to launch the BetRivers retail sportsbook in the state of Maryland,” said Richard Schwartz, CEO of Rush Street Interactive. “With Bingo World’s brand recognition in the Baltimore area, the easy-to-access venue. We look forward to delivering convenient and exciting sports betting options to retail customers and are excited about building trust and loyalty as they become familiar with our award-winning product.”
Retail and online sports betting were both legalized in Maryland last year, after state Governor Larry Hogan signed the bill to approve the move. This was after voters backed sports betting during the state referendum in November 2020, according to Yogonet Gaming News.
Retail sports betting became available in December 2020, but online wagers have yet to launch, irking Hogan.
