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DraftKings Sportsbook Maryland is working through the final steps of the regulatory process to launch its online product. On Monday, bettors in Maryland can take part in that process through DraftKings’ soft-launch period.
For a few hours, DraftKings will accept some online bets to verify its compliance with Maryland’s regulations. The sportsbook has an offer for new users to take advantage of if the testing period goes well, too.
DraftKings Sportsbook Maryland initiates soft launch
As of 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, Nov. 21, DraftKings is testing its sports betting app in Maryland. That means eligible bettors in the state will be able to actually place bets for a limited amount of time.
That window will close at 10 p.m. ET on Monday. At that time, DraftKings will scale its app back down to only allowing people in Maryland to register their accounts and deposit funds. Last week, DraftKings shared that it hopes to execute its full, permanent launch in Maryland on Wednesday.
That will be pending approval from regulators in the state, however. From 10 p.m. Monday night until DraftKings receives that clearance, all betting activity will be suspended. For that reason, Marylanders just have a small window to take advantage of a new user welcome offer from DraftKings.
DraftKings offers $200 in promo bets for new customers
DraftKings isn’t the only online sportsbook in Maryland engaging in a test period and accepting account registrations. For example, BetRivers, Caesars and FanDuel are also participating in Monday’s soft launch.
To compete with offers from those apps, DraftKings is offering app users new to its online sportsbook a welcome bonus of promotional bets worth $200 once it executes its full, permanent launch in Maryland. That is likely to happen sometime on Wednesday, provided everything goes well.
All you need to do is get DraftKings’ Android or iOS app, complete the registration and make a minimum deposit. Then, when DraftKings has gone live for good, place your first real-money wager of at least $5.
At that point, DraftKings will credit your account with promo bets worth $200 for you to use for subsequent wagers. You can use those promo bets just like cash to place any bets you like on the app at that point.
It’s a great way to try out the app with no risk to your budget. With Marylanders’ help on Monday, the time to claim those free bets could come as soon as Wednesday.
