The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) was established in Maryland’s sports wagering law (HB 940 of the 2021 Regular Session). In accordance with the law, the SWARC is authorized to conduct a competitive process to award up to 30 retail sports wagering licenses to entities that were not designated in the law, and up to 60 mobile sports wagering licenses. To the extent permitted by federal and state law, the SWARC shall actively seek to achieve racial, ethnic and gender diversity when awarding licenses.

According to the sports wagering law, the SWARC is comprised of seven members:

• Two appointed by the Governor of Maryland
• Two appointed by the President of the Maryland Senate, excluding current Senate members
• Two appointed by the Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, excluding current House of Delegates members
• The Chair of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission