The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency has granted initial approval for DraftKings to open a retail sportsbook at the Timonium Racetrack.
The retail sportsbook is part of a 10-year partnership agreement with the Maryland State Fair that was signed back in 2020. The racetrack is one of 17 pre-approved locations which will be allowed to launch retail sports betting operations under Maryland’s sports betting legislation HB 940 which Governor Larry Hogan signed into law in May 2021.
According to the gaming control agency, a dozen Class B locations have been approved, each of which will also be allowed to launch online sports betting platforms at some point in the future. This will give DraftKings the ability to launch immediately once online sports betting in Maryland is finally underway. However, the company has also inked a deal with the Baltimore Ravens which could also give DraftKings access to the online industry.
It remains unclear when online sports betting will launch as the Sports Wagering and Application Review Commission (SWARC) has all but confirmed that the industry will not be ready for months.
The SWARC will meet again today, when they’re expected to approve proposed online betting regulations. The meeting may also include a final approval for DraftKings retail operations.
Image credit: Forsaken Fotos / CC BY 2.0
Based in London, Natasha is a former sports journalist with experience working for some of the biggest athletes & brands in the world of sports and iGaming.