Bet365 has received approval to commence operations in Maryland after obtaining a license from the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA). This will allow the operator to compete alongside major players like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM in the state’s online sports betting arena.

This licensing decision marks Maryland as the 15th state in the U.S. where bet365 will operate its sportsbook, coming shortly after its launch in Kansas, as reported by Gambling Insider. The brand’s aggressive growth strategy in 2025 has already witnessed simultaneous entries in Tennessee and Illinois this March.

Originating in the U.K., bet365 initially entered the U.S. market through New Jersey, subsequently broadening its reach to states like Colorado, Ohio, Virginia, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Indiana, Arizona, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, according to Covers.com. The company plans to debut its services in Missouri on December 1.

With this launch, bet365 becomes Maryland’s 12th mobile sportsbook, joining industry leaders such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM, along with other competitors including Caesars, Fanatics, Bally Bet, betPARX, BetRivers, ESPN BET, and local entities like Crab Sports Maryland and LetsBetMD.

The competitive landscape in Maryland’s sports betting sector remains fierce. In July, total wagers placed by operators reached $364.1 million.

The state permits up to 60 mobile sportsbook licenses, the highest allowance in the nation, although experts remain skeptical that this cap will be met. Since the start of mobile betting in November 2022, Maryland residents have placed wagers topping $15 billion. This has resulted in $1.7 billion in operator revenue, contributing nearly $185 million in tax revenue for the state.

An official statement from bet365 is anticipated soon, building on an active August that also featured a partnership announcement with Inspired Entertainment to introduce a range of virtual sports products.

For the MLGCA, this approval comes during a particularly active time. Earlier this month, the agency rescinded a previously granted lottery contract to Intralot after finding that its proposal did not comply with procurement standards.