A recent survey of likely Maryland voters has determined that the majority would welcome iGaming and would like to see the NFL’s Washington Commanders remain in the state. Let’s see how these results may change the panorama for online sportsbooks and overall sports betting in Maryland.
The Survey Says!
A study conducted between November 9-14 by Victoria Research on behalf of political lobbying group Perry, White, Ross, and Jacobson, surveyed 813 registered statewide voters of diverse political persuasions and 502 Baltimore Democrats likely to vote in the next election.
The results were favorable to not only bringing iGaming to the Old Line State but also keeping the Washington Commanders in Maryland. A third conclusion also revealed that the voters would also like to see increased promotion of the Preakness States, the iconic middle leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown.
Specifically, the 45-question survey showed that more than 66% of those polled would welcome online casino gambling, while roughly the same percentage would support not only greater publicity of the Preakness Stakes but tying the race to the state’s longstanding horse racing tradition.
The survey also revealed that 70% of those polled would support legislative initiatives to keep the Washington Commanders in Maryland. This appears to be a trial balloon to identify whether the owners of the team can expect financing for a refurbished or newly constructed stadium.
Wizards & Caps Moving Out?
ESPN has reported that the owner of the Washington Wizards and Capitals, Ted Leonsis, may be pulling the plug on the teams’ DC locations. A proposed new arena nestled in Alexandria’s Potomac Yard neighborhood, in northern Virginia, appears to be the destination that would leave Maryland and, more specifically, DC residents without their local NBA and NHL franchises.
The first major step has already been taken, as Virginia state legislators have already approved a new arena. However, a full vote of the Virginia assembly would be required to move the project forward. An 8,000,000-square-foot entertainment district would be created, which would include the arena itself.
Both teams have been calling the Capital One Arena, located in downtown DC, home since 1997 and Leonsis reportedly wants $600 million in public funding to stay the course. The teams can exit the lease in 2027 and play the following season in neighboring Virginia if the project is approved.
As word broke of the possible move, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced an initiative to grant $500 million in financing to Leonsis’ Monumental Sports & Entertainment for “a complete renovation and modernization” of the existing Capital One Arena.
“This proposal represents our best and final offer and is the next step in partnering with Monumental Sports to breathe new life and vibrancy into the neighborhood and to keep the Washington Wizards and the Washington Capitals where they belong — in Washington, DC,” Bowser said.
Naturally, there would be a backlash if Leonsis moved his franchises out of the DC area and it came quickly enough as former Washington Post sportswriter Michael Wilbon expressed his outrage at the possibility.
Wilborn asked, “What does that say to your fan base that has been loyal despite zero years of contention for that franchise for a championship?”
Bookmakers Review will continue to follow this story and update our readers as events unfold.
Calculators
