Long Shot’s in Frederick plans to bring back online sports betting in Maryland through a new deal with PureWager. The local, women-owned OTB says the partnership will power a fresh mobile sportsbook aimed at Maryland players.
The company still runs its retail book with Caesars Sportsbook, but its digital product has been offline for more than a year.
The target launch is late 2025 or early 2026, pending state approvals. The move marks a return to the online market after an earlier partner left the U.S.
What’s Changing and When
The biggest change is the new digital partner. PureWager will supply the online platform and player account tools under its own brand once the app goes live.
Long Shot’s already holds a mobile license in Maryland from its prior setup, which could help speed the process, but PureWager still needs full approval to operate in the state. The companies signed an eight-year agreement, signaling a long-term plan rather than a quick test.
There is no set go-live date yet. The owner, Alyse Cohen, has said the goal is to launch by the end of 2025 or early 2026, which lines up with the time it often takes to complete testing and licensing.
Until then, on-site betting continues at the Frederick location through Caesars MD. That retail book reopened in December 2024 after Long Shot’s previous operator, Betfred, exited the U.S. market in 2024.
Maryland’s rules also matter. Class B licenses like Long Shot’s are designed for smaller, local sportsbooks, and state law requires at least 5% ownership by a woman or minority.
As a locally owned shop, Long Shot’s wants to carve out a niche against national brands such as DraftKings and FanDuel, which dominate mobile betting in the state.
What It Means for Maryland Bettors
For players, the return of a Long Shot’s Maryland sports betting app could mean another choice in a crowded field. More competition can lead to better promotions, unique odds boosts, and local tie-ins. PureWager says it brings a proprietary tech stack and will run the app under its own name once approved.
If the rollout follows the plan, users should expect standard features like live betting, same-game parlays, and quick deposits and withdrawals, along with local-focused offers.
The timing is important. Since online betting launched statewide in November 2022, most of the action has moved to mobile. Smaller retail books have reported lower in-person handle, which makes a strong digital product key to staying competitive.
A working online book can also help Long Shot’s promote events at its Frederick venue, where fans can still bet in person and watch games on-site.
There are still steps ahead. PureWager must complete suitability checks, testing, and certification before it can take bets in Maryland. That process includes system reviews, responsible gambling tools, and compliance with state rules.
Players should also remember that launch targets can shift. If approvals or testing take longer than expected, the first bet could slip into 2026. Until then, bettors who like to wager in person can keep using the Caesars Sportsbook at Long Shot’s.
The plan gives Maryland a locally rooted option in the mobile market. If the launch lands on schedule, Long Shot’s could offer something different from the national apps—Maryland-specific promos and a brand that knows the community—while still meeting the standards the state requires.
