Chris Boline
The wait officially came to an end! People have been rejoicing the change for Maryland sports betting, with online wagers launching on Wednesday, Nov. 23. This was the day before Thanksgiving in the United States, which obviously meant that people were fired up to get in some online bets for the Turkey Day action, as there were three games. Well, to no surprise, online sports betting is already a major hit for Maryland.
With online options only being open for about a week, a report states that an unreal amount of wagers have been placed. Prior to last Wednesday, sports betting was legal in Maryland, but only at authorized in-person locations. This was great for sports fans out there, but no one can argue that being able to bet from the comfort of your own home through a mobile outlet. That’s why people were calling for this to happen.
As things stand, there are seven sportsbooks that have been launched in Maryland for people to use. As you can imagine, these sportsbooks are all in strong competition trying to attract new customers in Maryland. With this, loads of new promotions are being released on their sites in an attempt to try and beat out others in the market. Thus, people all over Maryland are getting free money or matched money for bets.
This is only going to continue in the coming weeks and months. The excitement for online sports betting is through the roof and will continue. People love the new options they have for wagers inside of the state, which is no surprise. This has been a long time coming for Maryland and its legislators. People are thrilled that they finally made this happen, with things only being beneficial for the state as well.
Today I was proud to announce the formal launch of online sports betting in the State of Maryland. Beginning tomorrow morning—Wednesday, November 23 at 9 A.M.—seven different sportsbooks will go live.
Details: https://t.co/uJiEwr7wS3 pic.twitter.com/2vkvWvmQxj
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) November 22, 2022
NFL wagers were a big hit for online sports betting launch
As you probably could have guessed, NFL wagers were a big hit for online sports betting launch in Maryland. With people in Maryland being so focused on the Washington Commanders, you knew they were going to race to place an online bet on the team going up against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 12. That’s right, people didn’t think twice in checking the NFL betting odds and putting some money on their favorite team.
Well, those people who did so cashed in big time, as the Commanders were able to record a thrilling win over Atlanta. In that matchup, the Commanders came out on top 19-13. In the win, running back Brian Robinson Jr. put on a show, rushing for 105 yards, while also adding two receptions for 20 yards and a touchdown. With it being a low-score game, Robinson came up big time for his squad and the people who bet on Washington.
Before that game, though, people also bet big on the Thanksgiving Day matchups in the NFL. This of course included the huge game between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants. People in Maryland also bet big on this one, as the two NFC East squads are rivals of Washington. In that meeting, the Giants jumped out to a 13-7 lead at halftime, but Dallas went on to win 28-20.
For those who bet Dallas to cover the 10-point spread, they took a bit of a hit, but those who had faith in the Giants covering cashed out in style. Now, people all over Maryland will keep betting on the NFC East sides and they’ll surely be ready to check the Super Bowl betting odds consistently, as Washington currently holds one of the NFC Wild Card spots. We’ll see if they can hang on to it the rest of the way.
HAPPY VICTORY MONDAY pic.twitter.com/zawyimQRAB
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) November 28, 2022
More online betting options could be on the way for Maryland
In some other good news for the good folks of the state, more online betting options could be on the way for Maryland down the road. Per a report, three more sportsbooks have applied to get their licenses in Maryland. If they end up getting approved, that would bring the total amount of online sportsbooks for people to take advantage of to 10. Things surely won’t stop there, however, as more and more sportsbooks will be applying sooner than later.
The fact that seven sportsbooks were launched from the start was considered a major win for the people of Maryland. Now, it will be on the gaming commission to decide how many sportsbooks they want to move forward with. Obviously, the more options there are for the sports bettors in Maryland, the better.
All in all, things are looking quite promising for sports betting as a whole for Maryland. While other states sit on their hands to even get things legalized, Maryland has taken a huge step in bringing more joy to their citizens. Only more happiness will be on the way with the added benefits that are to come. Again, kudos to Maryland for delivering this new option, as the online betting launch could not have gone much better.
