If Maryland is going online with sports betting by the NFL kickoff on September 8, the various agencies involved may have to speed up the process.
The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) posted draft applications and regulations on its website last month. The commission bears responsibility for setting up the regs for what could be as many as 30 retail locations and up to 60 online operators.
Still, given the commission’s inaction, it’s unlikely they’ll make the kickoff deadline proposed by Governor Larry Hogan. SWARC Chairman Thomas Brandt hopes applications can be sent in by late summer. Hogan wants a date; the commission ignored his request.
Once SWARC approves, the draft of the regulations goes before a legislative review commission and a 30-day public review period. The Maryland Register also needs to publish the final regulations.
Hogan also requested that SWARC prioritize mobile licensing for the 17 places named for retail licenses in the legislation. The 17 sites include casinos partnered with national sportsbook brands.
Potential licensees submit information for background checks to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency Licensing (MLGCA) portal. The MLGCA must qualify an operator before the SWARC can award a license. The sportsbook can operate once the MLGCA issues the license following final approvals.
Then there is the diversity inclusion clause in the legislation—in the draft regulations, the commission requires applicants to make a good-faith effort to solicit and interview “a reasonable number of minority and women investors.”
