In a very busy Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency meeting, the commissioners approved three SBOpco sports betting license applications for its SuperBook sports betting brand.

The MLGCA approved SuperBook applications for an online sports betting license, an online sports betting operator license, and a retail sports betting operator license in the Old Line State.

The approved applications will next go to the Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) for a hearing.

Seven sports betting license applications approved

SBOpco will use its SuperBook brand and operating platform for its online and retail sports betting services. The company has not yet publicly announced a partnership with a facility that holds a Maryland retail sports betting license, so it’s unknown where its retail sportsbook will be located.

SuperBook did previously announce a partnership with the Baltimore Orioles for a sports betting “lounge” at Camden Yards, but the MLB franchise does not currently hold a retail sports betting license and no hearings are scheduled. In other states, sports betting lounges are typically branded areas in a stadium or arena where fans can access wifi and place online bets, but cannot place retail sports bets.

The MLGCA approved all three applications by a vote of 6-1, with Commissioner Harold E. Hodges casting the lone vote against each.

If next granted a license by SWARC, the applications will return to the MLGCA for further testing and regulatory approvals. If approved for launch, Maryland will be SuperBook’s eighth live state.

Several other sports betting applications approved

In addition to SBOpco and its SuperBook brand, the MLGCA also approved three retail sports betting facility license applications and a separate online sports betting license application.

Canton Gaming applied for two retail sports betting facility applications. Both applications were approved by a vote of 6-1, with Hodges casting the lone nay vote. Canton Gaming, which has partnered with BetPARX to run its sportsbook, plans to host two retail sportsbooks at Green Turtle sports bars located in Baltimore and Towson.

Crab Sports, which has partnered with GiG for its Sportnco online sports betting platform, had its online sports betting license application approved by a vote of 6-1, with Hodges again casting the lone vote.

Finally, Kathe P. Hospitality Services had its application for a retail sports betting facility license approved by a vote of 6-1, with Hodges also casting the lone nay vote. The business is located in Arundel County in Riva and operates mainly as a full-service caterer for large parties and wedding receptions. It told the MLGCA it will be converting the facility into a retail sportsbook and moving its catering company elsewhere.

No partnership with a sports betting operator was noted in its application.