Fanatics gets approval for operating in Maryland, now looks for SWARC’s

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission approved the construction of a Fanatics-owned retail sportsbook in the state as decided at a monthly meeting last week. The vote came out unanimously in favor of the sportsbook. The commission said the financial condition of Fanatics is a major factor in the decision. Check out the best bookmakers for betting on sports.

“Fanatics Holdings has sufficient liquidity to meet its financial obligations and working capital requirements for the foreseeable future,” the commission said.

Check out the top sportsbooks for betting on sports

4.6/5

DraftKings Review

New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!

Bet now

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 2/22/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 2/15/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

4.6/5

FanDuel Review

Bet & Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!

Bet now

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. Visit www.helpmygamblingproblem.org (MA). Play it Safe. Call 1-800-547-6133 or visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-855-860-2942 or visit gamblinghelplineonline.org (WV). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, MD and restricted states for KS). An affiliation with Kansas Star Casino. First online real money wager only. $5 free deposit credited. Bonus credited upon wager of $5 or more within 72 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.

4.5/5

BetMGM Review

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Bet now

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

“Additionally, the Company’s financial ratios and margins are generally favorable and its auditors have not expressed any concern with the Company’s financial condition or operations.”

Fanatics now needs the approval of the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission to start operating. Even so, the sports apparel and trading card company has not yet announced the location of the sportsbook.

Fanatics founder Michale Rubin is selling interest in Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, owner of Philadelphia 76ers of NBA and the New Jersey Devils of NHL. Observers said Rubin’s stake withdrawal is to not cross the league rules concerning team owners’ and gaming companies’ relationships.

In 2020, the people of Maryland voted to legalize sports betting and Maryland’s casinos will be automatically granted licenses for in-person sports betting. But, no sportsbook is live yet as of now. Sports wagering is currently only live in five land-based casinos across the state.

Governor Larry Hogan (R-MD) looks toward the NFL 2022 season and hopes for a faster regulatory process and issuing of licenses by the SWARC.

“It has been nearly two years since Maryland voters resoundingly approved sports wagering in November 2020, and well over a year since I signed HB 940 into law in May 2021,” Hogan said to SWARC earlier in June.

“Instead of decisive action to implement the voters’ decision, you have allowed the process to stagnate and become mired in overly bureaucratic procedures that have needlessly delayed the state’s ability to maximize the revenue potential of this emerging industry.”