GiG finalizes platform and sportsbook deal with Crab Sports for Maryland market

Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) announced Thursday it has formalized a new deal to provide its platform and sportsbook to brand Crab Sports, following a head of terms agreement signed in June. This deal, oriented for the upcoming Maryland market, marks the first of its kind in the US for the company since the acquisition of sportsbook provider Sportnco earlier this year.

GiG's turnkey solution, “powered by leading technology and flexible architecture," includes the technical platform and sportsbook, driven by GiG’s data and GiG Logic rules-based solutions. The company says the deal provides "an example of the potential contained within the newly combined product offering" after the Sportnco acquisition.

Maryland’s sports betting market is anticipated to generate $217 million in revenue in its first year alone. The state opened its licensing process Tuesday. Both GiG and Crabsports are “highly optimistic for the future of the partnership," the company said in a press release.  

Our head of terms with US brand @crabsportsmd has today been formalised, for our award winning platform and sportsbook.$GiG #Maryland #Regulatedmarkets #Sportsbook #Platform #PlatformProvider #iGaming https://t.co/atqpYstrmL

— Gaming Innovation group (GiG) (@GIG_online) September 8, 2022

Richard Brown, CEO of GiG, stated:  "I am excited to be partnering with a localized brand like Crab Sports in Maryland, US. We view the Maryland and the wider US market as a strong opportunity given our expertise in personalization and building a unique customer experience."

“We believe we can partner with brands, such as Crab Sports, and truly provide them with differentiation on the market and help them compete against the nationwide Tier 1 players. We look forward to working with the excellent team at Crab Sports to help build a brand and an experience that will stand out in Maryland," Brown added.

GiG's Richard Brown

Maryland took a big step Monday toward rolling out mobile sports betting when the state's Lottery and Gaming Commission (MLG) announced on Tuesday that it had begun accepting applications for sports wagering licenses. Applicants have until October 21 to apply for either a mobile or retail sports wagering license, and each operator will then have an additional 30-day window to provide the required background check information.

The Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) unanimously approved a policy amendment last week requesting companies awarded a mobile betting license in Maryland to submit a diversity plan. As the body works out the final regulations, the mobile betting launch will not be in place for the NFL kickoff, to take place today, potentially delaying months.