The launch date of Maryland sports betting is in flux, but DraftKings is making a play in the market.
The company announced a partnership with the NFL‘s Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday. DraftKings becomes the “official daily fantasy sports partner” and an “official sports betting and free-to-play partner” of the Ravens.
“The newly penned relationship offers something for every kind of sports fan and will allow them to engage with DraftKings’ digital content, free-to-play product, daily fantasy sports and, perhaps soon, sports betting, to ultimately bring them closer to the action alongside one of the top teams from the AFC North,” DraftKings Chief Business Officer Ezra Kucharz said in a release.
The Maryland Register has not published MD sports betting rules, which starts a 30-day public comment period. That could start by the end of the month.
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission website says designated licensees could have retail sports betting open this fall.
Details of DraftKings Maryland partnership
The deal is DraftKings’ fifth active deal with an NFL team. It is not the only gaming deal for the Ravens, as BetMGM secured a spot as one of the team’s “official gaming partners” in May.
The team is planning for three sports betting deals, according to the Baltimore Sun.
As part of the deal, the team’s “The Lounge” podcast will feature DraftKings-branded and custom content. The company also becomes the title sponsor of WBAL-1090 News Radio‘s Gameday Insider and presenting sponsor of the Ravens Wired video series.
M&T Stadium will also feature DraftKings branding throughout, including a suite. In MD sports betting law, M&T Stadium is one of the designated licensees for a retail sportsbook in Maryland.
There will be 60 mobile licenses available, one of which likely will go to DraftKings.
Maryland sports betting update
Gov. Larry Hogan signed MD sports betting legislation into law in May. Legislators hoped to have Maryland sportsbooks running sometime this fall, at least by the World Series.
The sports betting rules have inched along, but still must be published by the Maryland Register. Until then, an official launch date cannot be set.
The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission held its first meeting Monday. The commission passed the designated licensees on to the MLGCC, which will perform background checks and issue licenses.
