Sports Wagering - Licenses and Application of Minority Business Enterprise Program Requirements
Summary
HB797 makes two main changes to Maryland’s sports wagering law. First, it directs the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission, subject to existing legal limits, to accept and consider sports wagering facility and mobile sports wagering license applications submitted before January 1, 2027. Second, it extends the sunset date for the statute requiring sports wagering licensees to comply with the State’s Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program from July 1, 2024 to July 1, 2026.
The bill also preserves and reinforces the State’s diversity and small-business participation goals in the sports wagering industry. It keeps in place the requirement that, to the extent practicable and constitutionally permissible, licensees comply with MBE requirements, and it continues the process for the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs to work with the Attorney General and licensees to set participation goals and procurement procedures for construction, equipment, and ongoing services related to sports wagering.
Impact
HB797 would amend the State Government Article provisions governing sports wagering licensing and MBE participation. It would extend the enforceability of the sports wagering MBE program by two years, from July 1, 2024 to July 1, 2026, and would require the licensing commission to consider certain applications submitted before January 1, 2027. The bill affects sports wagering operators, prospective applicants, and state agencies involved in licensing and minority business participation oversight.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes in the provided materials, the bill appears to be framed as a procedural and equity-focused update rather than a controversial policy overhaul. Its sponsors present it as a measure to keep the licensing process open for eligible applicants while maintaining minority, small, and women-owned business participation goals in the sports wagering market. The overall tone is supportive of continued market access and diversity participation.
Contention
The main points of potential contention are the extension of MBE-related requirements and the mandate that the commission accept and consider applications submitted before January 1, 2027. Supporters are likely to view these provisions as promoting fairness, competition, and inclusion in a regulated industry. Opponents, if any, may argue that extending MBE obligations adds compliance burdens or that the application deadline change could affect licensing timing or market entry, but no specific opposition is reflected in the provided transcripts or voting history.