Maryland sports betting: Barstool and BetMGM launch their mobile offerings

Legal mobile sports betting in Maryland is now a reality after the state's market launched Wednesday with seven operators greenlit to commence operations: Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet. The companies have started rolling out promotions for first-time players and sharing their first impressions on this landmark expansion.

Among the operators currently taking bets are Penn Entertainment's Barstool Sportsbook and BetMGM, a joint venture between MGM Resorts and Entain. As part of its launch, Barstool has committed a donation to the Coppin State University Development Foundation. Its parent company, PENN, operates Hollywood Casino Perryville in the state as well, which includes a retail Barstool Sportsbook. Benjie Levy, Head of Penn Interactive, commented: “We are excited to debut Barstool Sportsbook in Maryland and expand our online footprint to our fourteenth state. We already enjoy a solid retail presence in Maryland and engage with a large base of fans through our property as well as Barstool Sports and theScore’s powerful digital content offerings."

Levy also stated the company is looking forward to introducing its integrated media and sports betting experience and serving the state’s fans with a “best-in-class, technology-driven" online product. “The timing could not be better to debut Barstool Sportsbook with the World Cup getting underway and as we’re in the midst of a busy sports calendar,” he added. 

MARYLAND

We are now live on Google Play. New players get up to $1,000 back in bonus cash if their first bet loses. Download the Barstool Sportsbook app now. pic.twitter.com/qdqt098WEN

— Barstool Sportsbook (@BSSportsbook) November 23, 2022

To celebrate its launch, Barstool is offering several promotions for new users including New Player Bonus that awards new players with up to $1,000 in bonus cash if their first wager loses; and a $100 bonus giveaway that awards new players with $100 in bonus cash for playing a wager of $1+.

For his part, BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt also spoke about his company’s launch in the state, noting that it is “a significant milestone that elevates our vision to deliver world-class entertainment to sports fans in the DC-Maryland-Virginia region.”

“The convenience of our best-in-class mobile app connects directly to the engaging atmosphere we’ve created in our retail sportsbooks at MGM National Harbor and Nationals Park," Greenblatt stated.The mobile app complements the BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge at MGM National Harbor, which opened in December 2021. The BetMGM Sportsbook features a 360-degree jumbotron and a 110-foot screen. MGM National Harbor has more than 40 sports betting kiosks located throughout the casino, a second BetMGM Sportsbook on the casino’s second level and a BetMGM betting counter and four kiosks at TAP Sports Bar. Melonie Johnson, MGM National Harbor’s President & COO, stated: “Today’s announcement is monumental as it allows us to expand our sports betting offerings and connect with guests beyond our resort’s walls. The BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge is an incredible amenity, and the addition of the mobile app further enhances our customer experience.” 

Three remaining license awardees informed the state that they would not be prepared to launch this week. They include Betfred (operator for Long Shot's in Frederick), BetParx (operator for Greenmount Station in Hampstead), and Fanatics (operator for Maryland Stadium Sub/Washington Commanders in Landover).