Greene Turtle could add sports betting at Canton, Towson locations … – The Business Journals

Greene Turtle, a Maryland-based sports bar chain known for its beer and food, might soon be adding sports betting into the mix.
Greene Turtle, through Canton Gaming LLC, on Thursday received initial approval from the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission to add sports wagering facilities to two of its locations, one in Canton and one in Towson. Greene Turtle now needs a license to operate the betting facilities, which could be awarded by the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) on Feb. 15.
Greene Turtle applied for the license in partnership with BetParx, who will operate the sportsbook if final approval is granted.
Thursday’s news was a long time coming for Greene Turtle. CEO Geo Concepcion told the Baltimore Business Journal that this step is something that the company had its eye on for years. Concepcion believes that having a sports wagering facility on site is something that will make Greene Turtle a unique destination for sports fans, and help set them apart from other bars.
Greene Turtle is now working on prototypes and designs to make its sports bars the best place to watch a game, and if they get a license, the best place to bet on a game too.
“When we were made aware that retail licenses would be available, it was certainly something my team was focused on and thinking about,” Concepcion said. “If we wanted to play in this area, most importantly, we wanted the right partner to do this at the highest level of execution possible.”
When Maryland voters approved sports gambling in the state in 2020, Concepcion knew this would be a big opportunity for Greene Turtle. The sports gambling business, especially with the addition of mobile sports betting, has exploded since the first mobile bets were received at the end of November. In one week in November and the full month of December, Marylanders bet more than $716 million on sports.
“Whether it was retail sports gaming or mobile gaming — not necessarily that we would be in the gaming business — but we knew we wanted all of our locations to be places people could enjoy themselves, and if they were involved in sports betting, that Greene Turtle is a great place to watch a game,” Concepcion said.
Greene Turtle will have multiple games at once and get bettors all the data they need, as the sports bar has introduced tickers to show scores and betting lines. Concepcion also said Greene Turtle is working on further prototypes to help bettors and sports fans alike be informed of all that is going on in the sports world.
The Greene Turtle won’t be alone in marketing to those who bet on sports, and Concepcion and his team knew they needed to keep the restaurant and bar different and on the forefront with the right partner and in-person betting options.
“I think this is going to be a really unique offering from the Greene Turtle and probably be some of our highest foot traffic locations with our coolest designs and the highest energy,” said Concepcion.
Greene Turtle’s new location in Canton is expected to open early this year, according to the Baltimore Sun. It will take over space previously occupied by On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina after its other city location in Fells Point closed in 2020. The Towson location is also currently under construction and slated to open this year.
Maryland’s lottery and gaming commission also this week gave initial sportsbook facility approval to Michael’s on the South River in Riva in Anne Arundel County, and gave initial approval to two mobile sportsbooks, Crab Sports Maryland and SBOpco LLC, which will work with operator Super Book.
All five applicants received initial approval based on background investigations to determine whether they demonstrated the “honesty, integrity, good character and financial stability to be qualified for a sports wagering license.” The applicants now await approval from SWARC, which will evaluate their suitability and determine whether awarding a license to the applicant is in the public interest.
If Greene Turtle gets its license and things go well for the company, Concepcion said it could lead to offering sports betting at more locations moving forward.
“I think we will take it step by step, and the big thing is making sure this is set up right and making sure we are working with our partners to get everything done right,” Concepcion said.
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