This decision comes as the operator pivots away from its ambitious expansion plans across multiple states, including Maryland, Tennessee, Ohio, and others, to refocus on its Nevada operations, where it has a strong retail presence. The bar’s continued operation, albeit under the SuperBook branding for now, represents a bittersweet footnote to SuperBook’s attempt to establish itself as a major player in the U.S. sports betting landscape.
SuperBook Bar and Restaurant a Reminder of SuperBook’s Brief Maryland Presence
SuperBook Sports’ departure from Maryland underscores the challenges smaller operators face in an industry dominated by heavyweights like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM. Despite its efforts, which included becoming a “most visible sponsor” at Camden Yards and converting the once-popular Dempsey’s Brew Pub and Restaurant into the SuperBook Bar and Restaurant, the sportsbook struggled to gain traction in Maryland.
According to reports, SuperBook Sports MD accounted for less than 0.1% of the state’s total sports betting revenue in 2024, a meager share that paled in comparison to those of the giants in the industry.
The SuperBook Bar and Restaurant, nestled within the iconic ballpark, had been seen as a potential differentiator for the sportsbook. With air conditioning — a rare luxury in the ballpark — reasonable prices, and a menu that offered lighter fare like salads and a hummus board, it provided a much-needed respite for fans seeking a break from the summer heat.
The space also boasted numerous televisions, ensuring that patrons wouldn’t miss any of the action on the field while enjoying a draft beer, something no longer available in other parts of the stadium.
However, despite these amenities, the bar struggled to draw significant betting activity to SuperBook’s platform. The lack of exclusivity for the SuperBook app within the lounge meant that patrons were free to use other, more popular sports betting apps like DraftKings or FanDuel while enjoying their meal. This diluted the impact of the SuperBook branding and made it difficult for the operator to carve out a significant market share in Maryland.
What’s Next for SuperBook?
The restaurant’s future branding remains uncertain, but it is unlikely that the SuperBook name will persist beyond the current MLB season. This is a particularly poignant reality for the Baltimore Orioles, who had partnered with SuperBook in 2022 with the hope that the sportsbook’s presence would enhance the game-day experience and attract a loyal customer base. Unfortunately, the numbers tell a different story. SuperBook accepted less than $500,000 in bets in Maryland in June 2024, a figure dwarfed by the FanDuel MD $160 million handle in the same month.
As SuperBook Sports retreats to its Nevada stronghold, the Baltimore Orioles are left to consider how to rebrand the restaurant and make the most of the remaining season. Patrons, meanwhile, will continue to enjoy the amenities of the SuperBook Bar and Restaurant for the time being, perhaps with a touch of nostalgia for what could have been a more enduring partnership. As the season progresses, fans can still find refuge in the cool, comfortable space, even if the SuperBook logo that adorns it is destined to become a relic of a failed expansion effort.
