Maryland has been a pioneer in sports wagering, mostly due to its huge and growing population of sports fans. The state legalized sports betting in 1963, and it went on to legalize daily fantasy sports in 2016. This year, the state is set to become the first in the nation to offer fully regulated and legal sports betting apps. Here’s a look at the legal status of sports betting apps in Maryland.
Full Registry Required
One of the first things you’ll see upon launching any of the popular sports betting apps is a notice about the state of Maryland’s full sports gaming registry. The state requires online sportsbooks and fantasy sports sites to display a full list of their license and accreditation information. Some of the details on this list include the following:
- Trademark name
- Phone number
- Address
This will serve as your customer service contact in the event you have any questions or problems. You’ll also be required to input your ID and password before you can place any sports bets. Although registration doesn’t take long, it is a necessary step to ensure your account is secure.
Full Regulation
When the NCAA legalized sports betting on a national level, it required every state to follow suit. As a result, every state has legalized sports betting to some extent, with Maryland being among the first to pass legislation and establish a formal framework for a regulated and legal system. This year, the state is taking the next step by becoming the first to offer fully regulated and legal sports betting apps. It’s no secret that the illegal online sportsbooks operating out of China have had a hand in inspiring this new wave of innovation.
This new generation of legal sportsbooks are technologically sophisticated and offer a superior variety of sports compared to what you’d find at an unlicensed online sportsbook. The convenience for bettors combined with the professionalism of these apps means that more and more Maryland residents are likely to turn to them in the future. If you’re a sports fan looking to place a wager this year, you can do so legally and securely via a sports betting app.
However, this doesn’t mean legal betting apps are perfect. Just like with any other industry, oversight is always a possibility. If you run up against any problems, you can contact customer service directly through the app. They’ll be more than happy to assist you or point you in the right direction.
Taxes
Although taxes aren’t specifically mentioned in the Maryland sports betting legislation, they are definitely an aspect that the state considers when establishing a legal framework for sports betting. It’s important to remember that not every legal sportbook offers a tax-free experience. Those that do will be the first to advertise that feature, as it draws in a more specific audience.
It is also important to note that in some states, including New York, bookmakers are actually required to pay taxes on income derived from wagering activities. In the face of such a requirement, many sportsbooks have simply closed shop and relocated to another state where they’re not liable for state taxes. Remember, though, that the location of your account determines what tax rate you’ll be charged. Those that are located in a state with a high rate may become eligible for a tax refund when they win or lose.
Accessibility
Although not specifically mentioned in the Maryland sports betting legislation, accessibility is also a major issue that the state has to deal with. After all, if you can’t place a bet due to technological reasons, you can’t enjoy the other benefits of a legal sportsbook. For example, if you’re deaf or hard of hearing, it may be difficult to place a bet via traditional methods, such as phone lines or email.
However, this is one area where the state does not regulate sports betting. If you’re writing to ask about the legality of a particular app or website, accessibility is not a concern. But if you’re encountering issues, then it may be time to consider another option.
Technology & Security
One of the most critical aspects of any legal sportsbook is security and technology. Without a robust connection to the internet, you can’t provide your customer with the safe and convenient experience that enables you to compete for their business.
This is where things can go wrong if they’re not handled correctly. If you’re not equipped to offer the latest security technologies and have outdated software, you’ll be at a distinct disadvantage. Such a disadvantage can put you out of business very quickly. But it’s also something that you can avoid by being proactive and keeping up with the latest trends in technology.
For example, if you see that many of your competitors are using outdated software and have very poor customer service, you may want to consider investing in state-of-the-art technology to offer customers a superior experience. You can do this by either purchasing new equipment or outsourcing the task to a company that can provide this level of service.
Variety
In most places, including most of the states that have legalized sports betting, there are simply not that many options when it comes to the sports that you can bet on. This is changing, as more and more states are expanding the variety of sports and sports books that they offer, but it still comes down to choosing between baseball, basketball, and football.
This is one area where you may want to consider looking at legal options in other countries. Overseas companies that specialize in gaming often provide a variety of sports and live events, as well as offer a more sophisticated experience for their customers. It’s something to consider, especially if you want to offer your customers a sense of adventure that they can’t find at many of the smaller, local sportsbooks.
Customer Service
One of the most critical aspects of any business, legal or not, is the ability to provide high-quality customer service. Even in the world of legal sportsbooks, where you have an online directory of licensees and accredited agencies, you can’t expect to succeed if you don’t have capable and attentive personnel to take care of your customers.
Just because a business is registered in a state does not mean that it meets the standards of the state itself. Just because a business is registered in a state does not mean that it meets the standards of the state itself. In many cases, especially with larger websites, registration does not even begin to address the issue of customer service. If you want to be able to provide a satisfactory experience to your customers, focus on this issue first.
Ultimately, any business, including ones that are legally registered in a state, can be held accountable for their actions and decisions. It is therefore necessary, as a matter of good business practice, to maintain high standards of accountability and ethics, especially if you want to be able to succeed in this industry.
More Than Just A Sportsbook
Many bookmakers and sportsbooks only offer sports betting, but this new wave of innovation is leading to a more robust and diverse industry. Just as some states only offer online casinos or poker, others that have legalized sports betting only offer that as a part of their framework. But that doesn’t mean that all legal sportsbooks are created equal. In fact, some of them offer a complete package of entertainment, including live sports games, poker, and even casino tables.
If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for all your sports betting needs, then consider a legal sportsbook that offers a variety of games and entertainment. Just keep in mind that even with all these extra advantages, security and technology are still the number one priority. Without them, you’ll never be able to offer your customers a good experience.