Maryland sports betting is inching closer to the start as Gov. Larry Hogan filled out the state’s Sports Wagering Application Review Commission with two appointments Wednesday.
Hogan appointed to the commission:
- Former TeleCommunications Systems CFO Thomas Brandt
- Retired Municipal Employees Credit Union of Baltimore CEO Bert Hash, Jr.
The license review process will begin after the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Commission approves MD sports betting regulations, which are slated to be reviewed in the commission’s July 15 meeting.
Hogan signed the sports betting legislation into law May 18.
Seven seats filled out in Maryland
The appointments fill out seven seats on the commission created by legislators in the Maryland sports betting bill. House Speaker Adrienne Jones and Senate President Bill Ferguson already filled their two appointments each:
- Rosie Allen-Herring, United Way of the National Capital Area
- Laura Gamble, PNC Bank regional president
- Cassandra Stevenson, Raymond James Financial head of corporate tax
- Frank Turner, former House of Delegates member
The chair of the Lottery and Gaming Commission holds the seventh seat, or whomever that person designates. The current chair is E. Randolph Merrimer.
Commission vital for sports betting operators
The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission will review and approve sports betting license applications in Maryland.
The commission is also responsible for adopting regulations for the application review. A key piece of their consideration will be applicants attached to minority- and female-owned businesses, as dictated by the recently signed legislation.
An annual study to ensure those businesses are participating in the industry will also be reviewed by the commission.
Plenty of Maryland sports betting licenses to review
The commission will be busy when applications roll in.
Legislators awarded Class A licenses to six of the state’s six casinos, three professional sports teams and the Maryland Jockey Club. Along with seven named entities, there are 30 open Class B licenses.
Along with the 30 Class B licenses for competitive bid, there can be up to 60 mobile licenses. Class A and B license holders can apply for mobile licenses.
Partners lining up
PointsBet secured market access in a deal with the Riverboat on the Potomac, one of four licensed OTBs in the state, in May. The Riverboat on the Potomac also has minority ownership, which could help the license receive quick approval.
The Baltimore Ravens partnered with BetMGM.
New Lottery and Gaming Control Commission director
On Wednesday, Hogan also appointed John A. Martin as the new director of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency.
Martin succeeds Gordon Medenica, who announced his retirement in April. The move took effect Thursday.
“Maryland is proud to have one of the best lottery and gaming systems in the country, and with sports betting coming online, we are poised for even more record growth,” Hogan said. “John Martin has done an outstanding job in his role overseeing the agency, and we are fortunate to have him as our new director.
“I want to sincerely thank Gordon Medenica for his service to Maryland, particularly for the pivotal role he played in establishing our very successful vaccine lottery.”
