GiG Supports Crab Sports in Maryland
Author:
Megan Butler
Crab Sports has successfully launched its online sports betting services in Maryland, thanks to its collaboration with Gaming Innovation Group (GiG). As part of the partnership, GiG supplied both its platform and sportsbook solutions to the wagering operator. The link-up between GiG and Crab Sports was initially announced in June 2022 and was concluded in September of the same year.
Crab Sports has finally unveiled its online sports betting product in Maryland as the result of a collaboration with Gaming Innovation Group (GiG).
?Colin Lloyd/Unsplash
Crab Sports is Eleventh Operator to Go Live in Maryland Since Launch of Legal Sports Betting
In a significant move for the Maryland sports betting market, Crab Sports has officially launched its online sports betting platform in partnership with Gaming Innovation Group (GiG). Through this collaboration, GiG is providing both its cutting-edge platform and sportsbook services to enhance the wagering experience for Crab Sports customers.
The partnership between Crab Sports and GiG was initially revealed in June 2022, and after a period of finalization, the online sports betting offering is now available to Maryland bettors as of the recent launch. With this development, Crab Sports joins the ranks of 11 other operators that have already gone live in Maryland since the state opened its legal online wagering market in December of 2021.
The introduction of Crab Sports’ online sports betting platform adds further competition to the rapidly growing Maryland sports betting landscape. BetMGM, Caesars, PointsBet, BetRivers, DraftKings, Barstool, FanDuel, Betfred, Fanatics, and SuperBook are already established players in the state, making it an exciting time for Maryland bettors who now have a wide array of options for their sports wagering activities.
Crab Sports Aims to Showcase Power of Localized Strategy with Maryland Launch
Derek Baker, co-founder of Crab Sports, expressed tremendous excitement about the forthcoming launch of their platform in Maryland. Recognizing the collective efforts that led to this milestone achievement, Baker conveyed delight in the outcome of their partnership, which resulted in the creation of a product that positions them to compete effectively against the industry’s leading players:
“We are incredibly excited to be launching Crab Sports in Maryland. Together, we have accomplished a tremendous amount to reach this milestone. We’re delighted our partnership has delivered a product to help us compete with the best in the market.”– Derek Baker, Co-Founder, Crab Sports,Press Release
Baker made clear his anticipation in showcasing the potency of their localized approach and the promising future they have in common:
“We are looking forward to demonstrating the power of our localized approach and our shared bright future ahead.”
Meanwhile, Marcel Elfersy, GiG’s chief commercial officer, showed his enthusiasm for the launch of Crab Sports, emphasizing the value of partnering with a localized brand. Elfersy highlighted the shared vision of both companies, aiming to capitalize on the opportunities within Maryland and the broader US market by establishing a robust partnership between operator and provider:
“It’s great to be launching with a localised brand like Crab Sports. We share their vision that Maryland, and indeed the wider US market, can benefit from the opportunities of a strong partnership between operator and provider, building a unique and personalised customer experience that is tailored for local interests.”– Marcel Elfersy, Chief Commercial Officer, Gaming Innovation Group (GiG),Press Release
Elfersy drove home their belief in the potential for differentiation can assist their partners in competing effectively against other leading online operators and leveraging the opportunities in a rapidly growing marketplace:
“This differentiation, we believe, can help our partners compete with the other leading online operators and capitalise on what is a burgeoning marketplace.”
Fantatics Launched First Retail Sportsbook Inside NFL Stadium in Maryland
Fanatics Betting and Gaming, the sports betting and gaming division of sports apparel giant Fanatics, achieved a remarkable milestone in January 2023 by becoming the first-ever sports wagering operator to open a physical retail sportsbook within a National Football League (NFL) stadium. The prestigious FedExField stadium in Maryland, which serves as the home of the NFL team Washington Commanders, now houses this groundbreaking sportsbook, marking Fanatics’ entry into the sports betting market and its debut in the state of Maryland, with the Commanders acting as its market access partner.
With an expansive area of 5,000 square feet, the Fanatics retail sportsbook offers a luxurious betting experience. It features eight betting windows, 21 self-service betting kiosks, two LED video walls, and 38 TV monitors, providing an immersive and dynamic environment for sports enthusiasts. Moreover, customers can relish the convenience of a full-service restaurant while placing bets on a diverse selection of major sports events.
This innovative venture by Fanatics Betting and Gaming further enriches the landscape of sports betting within NFL stadiums, offering fans and bettors alike a unique and enjoyable gaming experience at the iconic FedExField stadium. With the Fanatics retail sportsbook now open, Maryland residents and visitors can indulge in a thrilling fusion of sports and wagering, all under one roof.
Washington Commanders team president Jason Wright chose to thank Maryland’s former governor Larry Hogan in particular during his shared statement:
“When our journey began over two years ago, we knew we had to reinvigorate the guest experience at FedExField and open the campus to the community. Today is a special moment in realizing that vision as we open this innovative sportsbook, operating seven days a week for sports fans throughout our community. We owe a debt of gratitude to Former Governor Hogan, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, and numerous other elected leaders who supported our vision of an equity framework that will ensure minority participation in this venture; allowing us to do right by the community and the fans at the same time.”– Jason Wright, Team President, Washington Commanders,Press Release
Legal Sports Betting Landed in Maryland in December 2021
Maryland’s long-awaited foray into the world of legal regulated sports betting finally became a reality on December 9th, 2021. The state marked the momentous occasion by granting five sports betting licenses to prominent land-based casinos. Among these, the MGM National Harbor complex stood out as the first retail sportsbook location where state Governor Larry Hogan placed the historic inaugural bet.
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Commission’s Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) efficiently facilitated the licensing process, aiming to kickstart legal sports betting operations within a two-month timeline. The five casinos granted licenses include Hollywood Casino in Perryville (owned by Penn National), Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore (operated by Caesars Entertainment), Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover (a property of Cordish Companies), MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, and Ocean Downs Casino in Berlin (owned by Churchill Downs).
With these esteemed casinos now equipped to offer sports betting services, Maryland’s gaming landscape is evolving to embrace the excitement and potential of a regulated wagering market, providing a new level of entertainment for sports enthusiasts and bettors in the state. Governor Larry Hogan made sure to note that the celebration was the result of more than a years’ worth of hard work:
“Today marks the culmination of more than a year of effort to get sports betting up and running here in the State of Maryland. In addition to allowing Marylanders to bet on football, basketball, and more, sports betting will also help to keep more dollars in-state and will provide another critical revenue source for public education without raising taxes on families and small businesses.”
