BALTIMORE (WJZ) – Gov. Larry Hogan blamed what he called “endless bureaucratic roadblocks” and on Wednesday urged a state committee to roll out mobile sports betting by the start of the NFL regular season in September.
In a letter to the Sports Wagering and Application Review Commission (SWARC), the legislative body that finally approves licenses in the state, Hogan said Marylanders had grown frustrated when they saw the launch of mobile betting in Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington , DC saw, but not their condition.
CONTINUE READING: Baltimore Spending Board approves 3% water price hike for next 3 years
“Rather than act decisively to implement the voters’ decision, you have allowed the process to stall and become mired in overly bureaucratic procedures that have unnecessarily delayed the state’s ability to maximize the revenue potential of this burgeoning industry,” he wrote . “Sports fans in Maryland just want to be able to place bets on their mobile devices – they voted for it and are upset and discouraged at SWARC’s inability to make that happen.”
Bettors can go to five casinos in the state and place personal bets, the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Live! Casino in Hanover, the Horseshoe Baltimore, the Ocean Downs Casino in Berlin and the Hollywood Casino Perryville.
According to numbers released last week by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, these casinos have contributed nearly $2.7 million to the state coffers in the current fiscal year.
CONTINUE READING: Scott says it’s too early to confirm Abell committed a hate crime, 2 remain seriously injured
Ahead of SWARC’s next meeting on Thursday, Hogan urged the committee to prioritize mobile betting licenses and establish a “firm and transparent schedule” for residents.
He also asked the panel to release draft mobile sports betting license application and regulations.
This isn’t the first time Hogan has goaded the committee. He expressed frustration at SWARC’s pace after the Gambling Commission sent the first casino licenses for approval and stung the committee last October.
“It seems like the legislature is putting pressure on the commission to delay things for as long as possible,” the governor said Nov. 3.
MORE NEWS: Army-Navy Game returns to Baltimore in 2025
By a vote of 5 to 2, the licenses were approved on November 19th. MGM National Harbor became the state’s first operational sportsbook on December 9th.