Maryland regulator grants Bingo World and RSI the market's ninth sports wagering license

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (MLGCC) announced Friday the approval of Bingo World in Anne Arundel County and Rush Street Interactive (RSI) for a sports wagering license.

Bingo World’s application must now be approved by the Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWARC) before it can launch its sports betting operations. 

The property is the ninth approved Maryland sports betting facility, being among the original 17 entities designated in the sports wagering law to conduct retail sports betting.

Sports betting operations in the state launched December at MGM National Harbor, Live! Casino, Horseshoe Casino, Hollywood Casino and Ocean Downs Casino. The MLGCC has also approved three off-track betting venues; Riverboat on the Potomac, Long Shot’s and Greenmount Station, which are currently completing facility renovations or operational requirements in preparation for their launch dates. 

In January, which was its first full month of operation, Maryland Lottery and Gaming reported its five sportsbooks took in more than $32.5 million in retail sports bets. Out of the total handle, the sportsbooks paid out $28.1 in prizes. This resulted in a hold of $4.3 million, a 13.4% hold rate. The total taxable win for Maryland was $4.29 million.

Live! Casino topped the list when it comes to betting handle in January, reporting $14.4 million in bets, followed by MGM Casino with $10.5 million, Horseshoe Casino reporting $4.6 million, Hollywood Casino with $1.5 million and Ocean Downs Casino with $1.4 million.

Live! Casino also led the way in total handle for the fiscal year to date, reporting more than $21.4 million in total. The total handle in fiscal year for the state was $49.1 million.