Sports betting sent $6.3 million to education fund in July

The $6.3 million generated by sports betting in July for public school education was the fourth-best one-month transfer since sports betting began in the state, according to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. File photo by Danielle E. Gaines.

Sports betting in Maryland generated nearly $6.3 million for public school education in July, the fourth-best one-month transfer since sports betting began in the state, according to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency.

Last month, more than $333 million in bets on sports events were placed in the state, an increase of nearly 35% year-over-year. The $6.3 million sent to the state’s dedicated fund for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education program represents an 89% increase over July 2023 totals.

Of that amount of betting in July, nearly $325 million in wagers on sporting events were placed in the state through an online app — about 97.5% of all sports bets placed. Retail locations accounted for the balance.

Currently, there are 13 mobile platforms and a dozen retail locations in the state. That is up from 11 mobile applications and 10 retail sportsbook locations in July 2023.

Also last month, the state’s problem gambling fund received nearly $90,000 in expired sports wagering prizes.

Maryland began accepting sports bets in December 2021. Since then, the activity has contributed $94.7 million to the state’s education fund and $3.3 million to the problem gambling fund.