MD: Disparity Study to be Finalized Within Weeks
The state mandated disparity study should be finalized within the next couple of weeks. Draft mobile/retail licensing rules were approved earlier this month by the SWARC. It was expected that the disparity study would force updates to the approved rules to include direct requirements for minority/woman ownership. However, we are now hearing that the application process could move forward without any direct minority/woman requirements.
It is important to note that the current rules do contain a 5% ownership requirement with an individual with a net worth under $1.8m.
This is a quickly evolving situation, which we know is critical to many members plans for entering the market and we will provide additional updates as available.
iDEA also met with the MD Lottery at the NCGLS conference, where they provided a possible timeline for applications, license review and launch. You can get details here.
iDEA continues to monitor activity of the SWARC and MD Lottery and also communicates with these bodies as needed.