Maryland gaming regulators have indicated that the sale of the Washington Commanders from Dan Snyder to Josh Harris should not cause any disruption to the Maryland sports betting operations that were licensed and launched when Snyder owned the organization.
NFL owners approved the sale of the Commanders to Harris on July 20.
Little Drama Expected Over Transfer
In a quickly-called informational meeting of the Maryland Lottery & Gaming Commission on that same day, John Mooney, Lottery & Gaming’s Managing Director for Regulatory Oversight, gave a report noting that the Snyder-controlled gaming businesses, under the name Maryland Stadium Sub (MSS), holds two licenses, one for retail sports wagering and one for mobile wagering on Maryland betting apps.
“Commanders owner Dan Snyder is the sole principal of MSS. After the transaction closes, Mr. Snyder will no longer be associated with the Commanders or MSS,” Mooney told the commission.
“Joshua Harris, who is currently qualified by the Commission, will take control of MSS. Two other individuals will also own greater than 5% interest in MSS, but will not have any control of MSS and will not take any sports wagering profits until such time that each is qualified by the Commission.”
Regarding the ongoing business of sports gambling, Mooney told the commission, “There is a desire to ensure continuity of sports wagering operations under both licenses after the transaction closes.
MSS holds the two sports wagering licenses. It will continue to conduct sports wagering under Mr. Harris’ control. Mr. Harris has been found qualified by the Commission. (Lottery & Gaming) Agency staff will investigate the transaction and present its findings to the Commission for approval as soon as practicable.”
There was no immediate commission vote required.
MSS A Humble Player So Far
Maryland Stadium Sub, with the more recognizable brand name Fanatics Sportsbook, has been a newer and smaller player in Maryland sports wagering, so far.
For June, the MSS retail operation had about $265,000 in handle out of a statewide total of $10.66 million. Also for June, the MSS mobile sport wagering operation had about $1.6 million in handle out of a statewide total for the month of almost $244 million.
June was the first full month that MSS was taking online bets.
