PointsBet opens new retail sportsbook at The Riverboat on the Potomac in Maryland

PointsBet announced Monday the opening of its PointsBet retail sportsbook in partnership with The Riverboat on the Potomac. The amenity will become Maryland's latest in-person sorts gaming option.

The PointsBet Retail Sportsbook at The Riverboat on the Potomac will feature 21 high-resolution screens, a bar setup with food and beverage offerings, an exclusive lounge area, booth seating and standing room. It is set to provide bettors and sports fans with an “elite sports viewing and betting experience."

In addition, guests visiting the sportsbook, which is part of the larger 1,000-person capacity facility, will “also enjoy the Riverside location with stunning views," PointsBet stated. Partner The Riverboat on the Potomac LLC comprises Bodhi-Naav, a minority women-owned business; and Delmock Technologies Inc, a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE). 

Paul Hannon, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at PoinstBet, said: "PointsBet is delighted to commence operations with The Riverboat team in the brand-new sportsbook overlooking the beautiful Potomac River. This is a seminal achievement for the partnership and Maryland's gaming industry at large as the launch represents the first Minority Business Enterprise to go live with licensed gaming in the state's history, in line with the spirit of legislation."

"It is a proud moment for The Riverboat and for us at PointsBet as their partner," added Hannon. "We look forward to the prospective opportunity of bringing the renowned PointsBet mobile product to Maryland next and in doing so further enhancing The Riverboat's equity and inclusion in the space."

The launch of the PointsBet retail sportsbook comes in time for the peak season of the wagering calendar, including the start of the NFL, NCAA Football, NBA, and NHL seasons. "This strategic partnership with The Riverboat on the Potomac has positioned PointsBet to quickly offer its sports betting products on the starting line in Maryland," the company said.

Maryland State Senator Arthur Ellis also commented: "I am proud of the work the members of our delegation, Senator Jackson, Delegate Proctor, Delegate Davis, Delegate Patterson, and Delegate Wilson, have put into the sports wagering bill."

“We fought hard for the sports betting industry in Maryland to be inclusive of both Charles County and minority businesses. The partnership between the Riverboat and PointsBet is a success on both fronts, proof that Maryland can be a leader in equity." 

When it comes to the impact of this sportsbook in the community, Ellis said that it gives Charles County “a seat at the table," with 100% minority business enterprise (MBE) licensed ownership in a billion-dollar industry. 

“I trust that the Riverboat and all of its partners will keep up the hard work and be strong partners in our community, and a leader in this new industry for the State," he concluded. 

PointsBet had initially conducted a "beta test" of the sportsbook in mid-August for a limited number of guests. The company adds its 12th US market with the Maryland launch.

Last week, the Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) unanimously approved a policy amendment requesting companies awarded a mobile betting license in Maryland to submit a diversity plan. As the body still works out regulations and finalizes details ahead of launch, the mobile betting market could still be months away from going live, with a potential date by the end of calendar year.

The plan must be submitted to the Commission within 30 days after licensure approval and should include strategies to obtain a diverse group of owners or contractors, conduct diversity-related events and proposed timelines and benchmarks to achieve diversity objectives.