Maryland SWARC Survey Released. iDEA Members Encouraged to Participate.
Last week, the Maryland Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWARC) announced an industry survey to gather feedback on how they should regulate mobile (and limited retail) sports betting in order to achieve the legislature’s goal of maximizing minority and women participation in Maryland’s sports wagering industry. The survey has been released and can be accessed via this link. They are seeking responses by February 18, 2022 at 2pm ET.
They are asking online sports betting companies that would like to participate in the market (many of which are iDEA members), to answer the survey. They also welcome input from Maryland’s land-based entities, such as casinos, tracks, OTB and Bingo Halls. A couple key points: 1) Responses can be submitted anonymously and 2) You don’t have to respond to every question.
We encourage iDEA Members to review the survey packet, and to respond. Responses will be fully reviewed by the SWARC (and their outside counsel) and will help shape the licensing rules for mobile sports betting. If you have any questions, or need more information, please contact John Papppas, jpappas@ideagrowth.org.
Additionally, the SWARC is just now engaging with a firm to conduct a new disparity/industry study. We expect it to be 2-3 months until results are presented.
Based on this study, and input from the survey the SWARC will develop requirements for Class B and mobile licenses with respect to minority/small/woman business ownership.