In a 5-2 vote, the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission awarded in-person sports betting licences to Live! Casino and Hotel in Hanover, MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore, Hollywood Casino in Perryville and Ocean Downs Casino in Berlin.
Customers could soon be able to place bets on-site in a first for the state, and in time for the NFL playoffs, but before this can happen, each casino must sign a ‘memorandum of understanding’ and complete several procedural steps.
Maryland’s State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency will work with the five properties to ensure their systems of internal controls, standard operating procedures, security and surveillance systems, responsible gaming plans and employee training procedures are adequately robust.
And in a final step prior to approval, each operator must perform a controlled betting demonstration while under observation by staff from the State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. John Martin, the Agency’s Director, said he hopes to have the reviews completed in 30-45 days.
While most parties welcomed this move, Frank Turner, a member of the Commission, voted against approval, citing concern about the lack of women and minority-owned businesses involved.
“The only thing we’re asking is, give us a little more time, so that some of these minority and women-owned businesses can catch up, and they can start at the same starting point. We don’t ever seem to start at the same starting point that everybody else does, and then we get left behind, just like we did with the cannabis,” said Turner, in reference to Maryland’s medical marijuana program.
“We got left behind, and that’s what I’m trying to avoid this time.”
