BERLIN — Sports wagering at the Ocean Downs Casino moved closer to becoming a reality on Thursday after the state’s application review commission approved the license for the local casino and four others around the state.
Last month, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (MLGCC) determined the Ocean Downs Casino met the qualification requirements for a sports wagering license. That approval forwarded the applications for sports wagering for five casinos in Maryland, including the Ocean Downs Casino, to the state’s Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC), which is responsible for awarding the gaming licenses.
The SWARC has been criticized somewhat for dragging their feet on approving the first round of sports wagering licenses. In the last week, pressure has come from the applying casinos and even Governor Larry Hogan after SWARC did not approve the applications in October.
On Thursday, however, SWARC voted 5-2 to approve the sports wagering licenses for the five casinos including the Ocean Downs Casino. Other applicants approved by SWARC on Thursday included the Hollywood Casino in Cecil County, the Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore, the Live Casino in Anne Arundel County and the MGM Casino at National Harbor.
Last year, the General Assembly approved legalized sports wagering in Maryland for as many as 17 potential locations. The divided 5-2 SWARC vote on the five casino locations on Thursday is indicative of a divided commission on the initial round of applications. Those on the commission who were opposed reportedly cited an unfair playing ground by awarding the first batch of licenses to established gaming facilities in the state. The two nay votes reportedly wanted equal consideration for minority-owned and women-owned businesses seeking sports wagering licenses.
What Commission the MAFIA Commission ?????
GOTTI commission !!!!!
The Costra Nostra Commission !!!!! LOL
Gambino commission ??
Govt Mafia commission !!!!!
Biden commission !!!!!
Pelosi commission !!!
Schumer commission !!!!