PointsBet Enters Maryland Sports Betting Via Riverboat Group

PointsBet has secured access to online and retails sports betting in Maryland after reaching a 10-year agreement with the Riverboat Group. Maryland has recently legalized sports betting and hopes to launch by the upcoming NFL season in September.

Australian-based sportsbook announced the deal through a news release, revealing its partnership details with Riverboat on-the-Potomac LLC. According to the release, the strategic deal quickly offers the two partners their “best-in-market” sports betting product in online and retail capacities as soon as Maryland sports betting goes live.

Old Line State uniquely designed its sports betting laws aimed at facilitating smaller businesses, particularly minority-owned and women-owned businesses in the sports betting industry. The Riverboat on-the-Potomac, a simulcast horse racing facility, is one such minority business that had been proactive throughout legislative hearings before Maryland sports betting laws were finalized.

Details of the Deal

The agreement will allow PointsBet access to The Riverboat establishment, a licensed off-track wagering facility in Charles County, pending regulatory requirements.

The Australian-based company plans to bring its “best-in-market proprietary technology and premium brand mentality” to eager customers who pushed the state to legalize sports betting last November.

PointsBet USA CEO Johnny Aitken said the company looks forward to quickly introducing to the fans the newly legalized competitive advantages PointsBet possesses in owing its technology end-to-end, such as its ease of use and the deepest slate of wagering options available in the world.

Maryland voters approved sports betting last November through a referendum, and Gov. Larry Hogan signed the sports betting bill into law in May, a month after the General Assembly approved sports betting in April.

The Riverboat on the Potomac, a renowned off-track betting (OTB), keno, and a licensed lottery retailer location situated on the edge of the Potomac River.

Riverboat, First Minority Business to Enter Maryland Sports Betting

While PointsBet finds its way through entering a new market, the deal makes the Riverboat on the Potomac the first minority business in Old Line State to join sports betting.

The establishment has a strategic place in Maryland gaming. While it is situated on the bank of the Potomac River and taking customers from Virginia, the betting lounge, liquor store, restaurants, and other facilities are located over the Maryland state line.

Riverboat contributes to Maryland Lottery revenue.

Between 1950 and 1968, the Riverboat – or Little Reno – was among a few places in the United States where slot machines were available.

Shared Goals Bring the Two Together

Riverboat Group’s Co-Managing Member Wintson DeLattiboudere expressed excitement over what he said a “new endeavor.” He said the landmark deal has provided an incredible model for the diversity and inclusion of minority business enterprises (MBEs) all over the country.

“We’re proud to be associating with a company that understands and believes in the value of inclusiveness in every facet of the industry, from owners to the bettors, “ DeLattiboudere said.

Riverboat Group’s official also expressed gratitude to the state legislature for approving legislation favoring minority groups. “We look forward to a future filled with remarkable successes not only for our partners but for the residents of Maryland and their communities.”

PointsBet operates global operations from Australia and Ireland to the United States. The Australian-based operator is vying to share its claim in the flourishing US market following the annulment of the PASPA in 2018.

So far, PointsBet is live in New Jersey, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Colorado, and Michigan. In Maryland, the sportsbook will utilize NBC Sports – its exclusive sports betting partner – to promote its brand.