The long-planned retail Fanatics Sportsbook Maryland at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, noteworthy in that the location is the home of the NFL’s Washington Commanders, will open next week, according to published reports.
The facility will be part of a growing trend of sportsbooks opening at stadiums and sporting arenas across the country.
Retail Maryland Sportsbook Awarded in August
The retail sportsbook was actually “awarded” a sports facility license by the Maryland Sports Wagering Application and Review Commission (SWARC) in August. However, before being “issued” a license to start taking bets, a sportsbook must pass final muster with the Maryland Lottery & Gaming Control Agency, including successfully demonstrating its operations and procedures.
Online sportsbooks in Maryland launched on Nov. 23, 2022. Retail sportsbooks began operating in the state in late 2021.
Fanatics is reportedly inviting fans to attend the sportsbook during its test period, noon-8 p.m., Jan. 17, to place real wagers and help test the sportsbook’s systems. The official opening is Friday, Jan. 20.
Commanders’ Connection to Fanatics Sportsbook
The Fanatics sportsbook is paired with Maryland Stadium Sub, LLC, an entity controlled by Commanders’ owner Dan Snyder.
The two entities were also awarded mobile sports betting licenses by SWARC prior to what became the official launch of online sports gambling in Maryland on Nov. 23.
However, they were not ready to complete the final phases in the approval process for mobile wagering. At the time, 10 mobile operators were awarded licenses but only seven Maryland sports betting apps launched on Nov. 23.
It’s unclear when a Fanatics mobile sports betting operation might launch in Maryland.
Regarding the Fanatics retail sportsbook in Landover, there is a question about in-person patronage when there are no events being played.
Factors That Might Weigh Against Location
The Commanders have ended their 2022 season, missing the NFL playoffs. And bettors who want an in-person wagering experience can choose from two relatively nearby casino sportsbooks – one at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, about 15 miles from FedExField, and another at Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover, about 23 miles from the stadium.
FedExField won’t be the first major sports facility in the area with a sportsbook. There are two in Washington, D.C.: Nationals Park, home of Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals, has a nearby BetMGM Sportsbook, and the Capital One arena, where the NBA Washington Wizards and NHL Washington Capitals play, has a Caesars sportsbook.
In the Old Line State, the BetMGM Maryland Sportsbook as well as Caesars are two of the major national operators up and running with mobile sports betting apps, joining the likes of FanDuel and DraftKings, among others. In December, the first full month of operation for mobile wagering in the state, online wagers accounted for more than $478 million of the $497 million bet statewide on sporting events. That follows a pattern set by dozens of states that had adopted legal, regulated sports betting – online betting often seizes more than 90% of the market.
