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Frequently Asked Questions - Maryland Racing Commission

  1. Are applicants for a license required to be fingerprinted?
  2. What is the term of a license?
  3. What is the date of the Preakness?
  4. How many racetracks are there in Maryland?
  5. How many Off-Track Betting facilities (OTB) outlets are there in Maryland?
  6. How does one go about obtaining the right to operate an OTB outlet?
  7. Where can I mail my application and payment?
  8. What forms of payment do you accept?

Are applicants for a license required to be fingerprinted?
Yes, if the applicant has never been licensed in Maryland or is not currently licensed and in good standing in another jurisdiction; otherwise, no.

What is the term of a license?
Presently, some licenses expire at the end of the calendar year, others on June 30.

What is the date of the Preakness?
The 3rd Saturday in May of every year.

How many racetracks are there in Maryland?
There are two thoroughbred mile tracks, Laurel and Pimlico, one thoroughbred Half mile track, Timonium (during Timonium race meet, the State Fair is also being held) and one steeplechase track, Fair Hill. There are two standardbred tracks, Rosecroft and Ocean Downs.

How many Off-Track Betting facilities (OTB) outlets are there in Maryland?
There are presently six Off-Track Betting Facilities (OTB). There is no legal limit to the number of OTB outlets.

How does one go about obtaining the right to operate an OTB outlet?
Contact a thoroughbred or standardbred racetrack and negotiate a contract with either or both of them first. Then, if you have successfully negotiated a contract with either of them, contact the Commission for an application. Since the law requires that the betting operation must be operated by the racetrack, the Commission will not entertain an application that does not include a contract with one of the racetracks.

Where can I mail my application and payment?

Department of Labor
Maryland Racing Commission
300 E. Towsontown Boulevard
Towson, Maryland 21286
410-296-9682
Fax: 410-296-9687
e-mail: dloplmarylandracingcommission-labor@maryland.gov

What forms of payment do you accept?
At this time, we accept check or money orders made payable to “Maryland Racing Commission” for payments that are mailed. Cash payments are only accepted at the race track. Transferred payments from your Horseman's Account are acceptable with a written request along with your application.