DraftKings to launch its mobile sportsbook in Maryland this week

DraftKings announced Friday that, following a mandatory early access test period from November 21-22, the company expects to launch its online sportsbook in Maryland, pending receipt of regulatory approvals, on November 23, 2022. The DraftKings sportsbook app is expected to be fully live for eligible customers ahead of the NFL action on Thanksgiving Day.

DraftKings will offer eligible customers in Maryland the opportunity to place legal and regulated bets across collegiate sporting events and professional sports leagues, including the NFL, NHL, NBA, and more. The product features a variety of bets, such as same-game parlays, player props, special odds boost selections, and more.

Hey Maryland 👋

We have some exciting news... DraftKings Sportsbook is going live Monday 11/21 at 2PM EST with Early Access!

You still have time to take advantage of $200 in free bets: https://t.co/Z897KccS4Z pic.twitter.com/vPa9QBE95N

— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) November 18, 2022

Matt Kalish, DraftKings Co-Founder and President of DraftKings North America, said: "With an active sports season currently underway, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to launch our top-rated sportsbook app in Maryland. Our product delivers fans an exciting sports betting experience."

Matt Kalish, DraftKings Co-Founder and President

For his part, Cal Ripken, Jr., Special Advisor to the Board of Directors for DraftKings, commented: "As sports gaming continues to grow across the nation, it was important to me that if I entered this space I would partner with a company that placed an emphasis on responsible gaming."

"With that top of mind, I joined the team at DraftKings and I am thrilled that it will be leading the way here in Maryland. Now, sports fans in our state will have access to the DraftKings Sportsbook, a safe and regulated betting option, and a respected corporate leader," Ripken added.

Cal Ripken, Jr., Special Advisor to the Board of Directors for DraftKings

Further establishing a presence in the state, last year, the Baltimore Ravens named DraftKings an Official Sports Betting Sponsor of the team. The move allows DraftKings to reach Ravens fans "in new ways" by offering exclusive game day experiences, autographed merchandise, and opportunities to participate in VIP-focused events during the NFL season.

The state of Maryland will officially launch mobile sports betting on November 23, two years after Maryland voters passed a referendum approving sports betting. The state has been working through its process to launch sports betting and ten now-licensed sportsbooks are nearing launch.

Of those 10 licensees, three will not be ready to begin receiving bets on Wednesday, according to the Maryland Lottery Director. Marylanders will initially have the option to choose one of seven companies: Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel and PointsBet.

The sportsbooks will have a soft launch on Monday from 2 to 10 p.m. ET. They will then shut down all day Tuesday for an audit to make sure there are no issues. Barring any problems, they will then be able to re-launch on Wednesday, November 23 with no restrictions.

Baltimore Ravens

The launch comes Thanksgiving week and the two biggest things Marylanders will likely be wagering on are the Baltimore Ravens and the World Cup. The Ravens host the Panthers this weekend and currently hold a one-game lead on the Bengals in the AFC North. The World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world and will run from November 20 through December 18.

According to new estimates released by the Maryland Sports Wagering Commission on Wednesday, analysts predict in the first year alone, mobile sports betting will bring in $26 million in tax revenue for the state. By year five, they expected mobile sports betting to bring in close to $100 million dollars.