Numerous delays finally came to an end last Thursday with the issuance of the first sports wager by Governor Larry Hogan on a Super Bowl game: Washington Football Team and Baltimore Ravens.
In an official statement, Hogan assured that “this is the culmination of years of efforts to bring sports betting to Maryland. He added: “Sports betting will help raise more money for the State, whose earnings will provide a new source of revenue for public education, without increasing the tax burden on families and small businesses”.
The official launch in Maryland took place at MGM National Harbor’s BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge. It had been seven months since state lawmakers passed the law, which a year earlier had been endorsed in a referendum by 67% of voters.
The regulation guarantees five licenses, which are awarded to casino operators. In addition, another 30 licenses have been awarded to individuals, and another 60 for mobile and online.
In addition to the five casinos, 17 other establishments are eligible to install betting machines, racetracks, betting parlors and bingos. The tax rate is 15% of the gross income of the companies, and the annual tax collection is expected to reach $107 million.
