- Local casinos write Sports Wagering Application and Review Commission to expedite licensing.
- Operators say the process is taking too long and not coinciding with state law.
- Minority requirements are likely the hold-up.
The commercial casino operators in Maryland are not happy with the way sports betting licensing has progressed in the state.
Horseshoe Baltimore, MGM National Harbor, and Live! Casino Maryland want to be able to start offering services as quickly as possible, though the process is taking a really long time.
To speed things up, the operators joined forces and sent a letter to the Sports Wagering Application and Review Commission, calling on the group to move things along.
No Longer Willing to Wait Around
The three casinos were found suitable by the state Lottery and Gaming Control Commission already. However, the sports betting law in the state is complex and requires that the new Review Commission take a look at each operator and application for sports betting services.
In Maryland where they looking to introduce gambling education in high schools , up to 60 mobile sports betting licenses can be approved, along with brick-and-mortar casinos. Professional sports stadiums, racetracks, and the fairgrounds. Because so many entities can offer services and there is a lot of paperwork to review, the process has been delayed.
Capital News Service
The casinos say that this process must change. In the letter to the review commission, the three casinos point out legal language in the law that requires the state to provide licensing in a timely fashion after approval is given by the Gaming Commission, which is has.
The operators are considered Class A applicants and they have already undergone scrutiny by the Gaming Commission and met the conditions for licensing based on state law. Despite this, the Review Commission has delayed approval for licensing for many weeks and there has not been an explanation as to why there is a delay.
The casinos also pointed out that they are proven partners with state residents, as well as the entire state, and legislature.
Together, the venues have provided over $12 billion in payment since starting services in 2010. The operators are asking the Review Commission to give speedy consideration to those who have applied and met requirements of the law.
Is the Minority Stipulation Hindering the Process?
As part of the sports betting law in the state, there is a section that requires the industry to be inclusive. The commercial casinos can take part as well as smaller businesses. The legislation requires a certain number of recipients to be a minority owned business or meet certain goals. The commercial casinos do not fall into this category as they already meet minority requirements via employment positions.
The casinos pointed out in their letter that this should not be a hinderance. The venues have already hired many people to work within new sportsbooks and the employees have not been able to work yet due to the delay.
Unfortunately for the operators, they have missed out on a portion of the NCAAF and NFL season, a busy time for sportsbooks. The hope was that the sportsbooks might be up and running by the start of the new season.
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