Maryland Regulator Clears Bally Bet for Launch
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (MLGCC) has cleared Bally’s Interactive for online sports betting launch in the state. This would mark the ninth state in which the gaming and betting operator’s online sports wagering products are available.
Last week, Bally’s Interactive operated a demonstration of its Bally Bet brand, highlighting its technological capabilities to the commission. The testing was completed on July 25, confirming that the operator’s systems were functional and in proper order and securing its foray into the Free State.
As a result, the operator has now secured access to the state’s betting market, allowing it to tap into yet another regulated jurisdiction. Bally’s sportsbook would be the 13th online sportsbook in Maryland. In addition to that, the state has 12 live retail sportsbooks.
Prior to Bally Bet’s launch, the Veterans Services Corporation also entered Maryland’s online betting market.
Bally Bet’s Ninth US Market
As mentioned, Maryland marks the ninth market where Bally Bet is available. The sportsbook is also available in eight other states, including Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio and Virginia.
While not one of the most popular brands, Bally Bet has been steadily growing its presence in the US. Despite lagging behind its wagering competitors, the company has been bullish on bolstering its footprint and remaining consistent.
As part of Maryland’s betting sector, Bally Bet will contribute to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, supporting local public education programs. In FY 2023-24, the fund secured $60.3 million in tax revenue from sports betting operations. The Maryland market, on the other hand, reached $384 million in handle in June.
Bally Bet’s launch in Maryland comes a month after Betfred announced its exit from the state. The latter operator decided to depart from the Free State after recording the tenth-lowest handle out of all 13 licensed sportsbooks in the state.
