The latest Maryland sports betting deal pairs a local sportsbook entity with a business that specializes in one of the state’s most famous products.
Maryland-based Crab Sports has announced a sports betting partnership with Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, a longtime Baltimore restaurant.
Crab Sports is set to launch later this year. WBAL radio in Baltimore originally reported the agreement.
More About Crab Sports
Crab Sports touts itself as a sportsbook “backed by Maryland people” that will cater to the local market. Baltimore is home to the NFL’s Ravens and MLB’s Orioles, and also is close to teams that play in Washington D.C., including the NFL’s Commanders, NBA’s Wizards, NHL’s Capitals, baseball’s Nationals and D.C. United of Major League Soccer.
The union with Jimmy’s Famous Seafood is an example of a way for Crab Sports to differentiate itself from nationwide operators that run Maryland sports betting apps such as BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings and Caesars.
Crab Sports does not have a launch date set yet.
This aim to be an operator with a local focus is spelled out on the Crab Sports website: “Our team will be run by MD people through and through. No outsourced teams or teams in far away lands ... just local Maryland folk.” Crab Sports was incorporated in Delaware on Oct. 22, 2021, according to Maryland Lottery and Gaming documents.
Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, in southeast Baltimore, has been operating since 1974, according to the restaurant’s website. The restaurant is known for its crab cakes – a famous Maryland staple – and ships them nationwide.
Maryland Sportsbook Process Underway
Crab Sports was one of two operators to gain approval from SWARC (the state’s Sports Wagering Application Review Commission) last month for a Maryland sportsbook license.
Before going live, the operators must gain final approval from the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission, including proof of operating ability with a controlled demonstration.
The other operator approved by SWARC in February was SBOpco, LLC, the corporate name for the Maryland SuperBook Sportsbook.
Those two seek to join the list of sports betting operators in the state. As of February’s financial reporting at the Maryland Lottery and Gaming website, there were 10 retail and eight mobile sportsbooks operating in the Old Line State, with more on the way.
Record Maryland Revenue in February
In the February Maryland betting revenue report, the state set a record with more than $18.6 million in revenue, or taxable win.
That was despite the handle (amount wagered) falling 23.1% compared to January, from $441.5 million to $339.4 million.
With March Madness here, Major League baseball gearing up for the regular season, and playoffs near for the NBA and NHL, stick with BetMaryland for the best Maryland sportsbook promo codes you’ll want to take advantage of before placing a wager.
