FedEx Field Commanders Sports Betting License Gets Final Approval
By Jack Moore
Washington Commanders’ bid for a sports betting license at FedEx Field received final approval on Wednesday.
The Maryland Sports Betting Application Review Board has approved the application for a Class A-1 sports betting facility at Landover Stadium, Maryland submitted by Commanders owner Dan Snyder.
Under Maryland law, the board of review can only approve sports betting licenses that it deems to be in the public interest, which includes whether the proposal would improve state fiscal resources, spur development economic and would help regulate an otherwise unregulated black market.
The committee’s vote to approve the request was unanimous with one abstention.
The review board also approved an application from a company called Chesapeake Gaming, which operates an off-track betting parlor in Boonsboro, Maryland.
Maryland Lottery officials have yet to officially issue the license and are expected to oversee other administrative steps as the bookmaker rolls out.
Commanders are expected to open a sports betting parlor inside the stadium, similar to facilities at Capital One Arena and Nationals Park in DC Among NFL teams, the only other franchise with a similar setup is the Arizona Cardinals.
In a statement, the Commanders said, “Our organization appreciates the time and effort of the State of Maryland and its leaders to develop a regulatory framework and review our application to operate a retail bookmaker at FedExField. We endorse the approach taken by Maryland leaders to invite fair and diverse participation in the legal sports betting market, and we look forward to revealing more about our plans to stakeholders and fans in the weeks ahead.
Last week, another body, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, voted 6-1 to approve Snyder’s license, after investigating Snyder’s financial background and team management.
“Several notable issues involving Washington Commanders, officially known as the Washington Football Team and the Washington Redskins, and owner Mr. Snyder have been identified,” said John Mooney, general manager of the regulatory oversight of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control. Agency, last week.
Snyder was interviewed by the lottery agency on June 8.
“During the meeting, issues involving Mr. Synder and the Washington commanders were discussed,” Mooney said. “Staff are unable to substantiate any of the allegations against Mr. Snyder.”
Additionally, the lottery agency said Snyder “meets the standards of financial stability, integrity and accountability” for the sports betting app.
As part of Maryland Matters’ content sharing agreement with WTOP, we feature this article by Jack Moore. John Domen of WTOP contributed. Click here to access the OMCP news website.
