Two days after receiving a critique-filled letter from Gov. Larry Hogan, the Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission took on a different tone than usual at its monthly meeting. The members of the commission spoke Thursday with increased urgency about a timeline for a mobile sports betting launch in the state, and SWARC Chairman Thomas Brandt began the meeting by directly addressing Hogan’s letter.

“I understand that many are frustrated that the process relating to the issuance of Maryland mobile sports wagering licenses has been time-consuming,” Brandt said. “I also want everyone to know that SWARC and its support team have been operating as diligently and deliberately as we can under the Maryland sports wagering law that we’re tasked to administer.”