Sportsbook Operators Are Moving Into States Without Sports Betting

• FanDuel and William Hill are making deals in states without legal sports betting.
• Florida and Maryland are expected to consider sports betting legislation in 2020.
• Having sportsbooks present in their states could push legislatures to legalize.

MIAMI – William Hill and FanDuel have made deals in recent weeks in states that do not have legal sports betting.

William Hill has joined forces with Casino Miami to open up a new racebook and a sportsbook. This will be the first time that William Hill operates in Florida.

With FanDuel, they are setting up daily fantasy sports and have a new sports betting deal in the works. FanDuel is working with the Cordish Companies which is based in Baltimore, Maryland. At the moment, both companies are looking to open new sportsbooks in Pennsylvania. But they are looking towards the future as well.

“This partnership allows us to capitalize on the incredible success of sports betting to date, and bring FanDuel’s top sports betting operations to Cordish destinations across the United States,” said Matt King, CEO of New York FanDuel.

Helping Out With The Sports Betting Legalization

One of these Cordish locations could very well be Maryland. At the moment, Maryland sports betting has not been legalized yet. Efforts to legalizing sports wagering in the state stalled back in March. But it was indicated that lawmakers believe the sports betting debate could come back in 2020.

The reason for this is because legalizing sports betting in Maryland would require a statewide referendum.

The situation for Florida is different. Although three sports betting bills are on the table for Florida in 2020, the path to legalization is steeper.

Florida voters decided in 2018 that no gambling expansion can happen without a statewide referendum. That includes the legalization of sports betting. However, Casino Miami sees that sports betting is possible in Florida.

“This new racebook will provide us with an incredible amenity for guests and will place us at the forefront of the forthcoming Florida sports betting business,” said Phillip Ruffin, owner of Casino Miami.

By partnering with William Hill, Casino Miami would have an advantage if Florida legalizes sports betting. However, it’s possible that casinos would not be allowed to operate sportsbooks. The Seminole Tribe in Florida has a stronghold in the gambling market in the state. They are one of the most influential gambling groups in the state and much has to go through them to be considered.

But it will be a new year and anything is possible. At the very least, both Maryland and Florida are going to consider sports betting legislation for the new year.

Perhaps the presence of FanDuel and William Hill can push lawmakers into legalizing sports wagering in both states.

News tags: Baltimore | Casino Miami | Cordish Companies | FanDuel | Florida | Maryland | Matt King | Miami | Pennsylvania | Phillip Ruffin | William Hill