This year’s event, running from October 17-20, will see an exciting addition— MD sports betting. In a groundbreaking move, Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland has partnered with local startup sportsbook Crab Sports to offer exclusive betting markets for the event.
This marks the first time sports wagering will be available for equestrian Eventing in the United States, adding a unique new dimension to an already thrilling event.
New Partnership Brings Sports Betting to Maryland 5 Star
Crab Sports MD, a sportsbook that launched in 2023 and is tailored specifically for the Maryland market, has developed exclusive betting markets for the 5 Star, including options for overall winners in both the CCI5*-L and CCI3*-L classifications, as well as Top 3, Top 5, and Top 10 finishes.
The partnership aims to not only bring more fan engagement to the event but also to showcase the state’s leadership in both sports and entertainment. As Craig Williams, Crab Sports Director, noted,
“Partnering with local businesses and events is at the core of what we do, and this collaboration allows us to connect with our Maryland customers in meaningful ways, going beyond where others are willing to go.”
Attendees and fans of the event can register for Crab Sports’ betting services through their website or mobile app, using the promo code MD5STAR to access betting options specifically related to the Maryland 5 Star.
All new users will also receive a $500 Bet Insurance offer, providing a second chance if their initial wager is unsuccessful. Markets will be open from October 14 through the end of the event on October 20, giving fans ample opportunity to engage with the competition in a new way.
For Jeff Newman, President and CEO of the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, this collaboration is about enhancing the fan experience while staying true to the event’s local roots.
“This collaboration brings a new level of excitement and engagement to our event, as it marks the first time sports betting will be available at an equestrian event of this caliber featuring eventing in the U.S.,”
said Newman.
A Unique Spectacle for Equestrian Fans and Families Alike
The Maryland 5 Star, one of only two events at this level in the U.S. and one of seven worldwide, is billed as the “Triathlon of Equestrian Sports.” The prestigious 5 Star (CCI5*-L) competition is the pinnacle of the Olympic sport of Eventing, combining dressage, cross-country, and show jumping into one thrilling showcase of skill, endurance, and precision.
Maryland Public Television (MPT) is returning as the official regional broadcaster, offering nine hours of live coverage across the four-day event. Viewers can tune in on MPT-HD, the MPT livestream, and the PBS app, giving those who cannot attend in person the chance to experience the excitement from home.
Lucinda Green, one of the most celebrated figures in Eventing and fresh off commentating at the Paris Olympics, will provide expert analysis throughout the competition, bringing her wealth of experience to the broadcast.
In addition to the top-tier competition, the Maryland 5 Star features a variety of family-friendly activities, making it more than just an equestrian event. Kids’ Corner, featuring a petting zoo and interactive games, and the annual Maryland Corgi Cup, a race with about 100 corgis, are among the activities designed to entertain spectators of all ages.
Savannah Fulton, a world-class rider, emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive atmosphere:
“If you’ve got someone in the family who loves horses, you can send them to the horses. And if maybe your brother doesn’t like the horses, you can watch the Corgi races or get your face painted. There is something for everyone.”
