Now that Leadstar Media has its licence in the Free State, it will be able to gear up for the launch of online sports betting, which is due to start in the next few months.

Eskil Kvarnström, Leadstar Media CEO, said of the licence: "While we've been able to grow in many markets all over the world, achieving that level of success in the US has always been a major goal of ours as a company.

"Part of that is, of course, making sure we are available to as many users across the country as possible. Being approved to operate in Maryland will help us provide even more Americans with premium iGaming experiences."

The wait has been painful for the bettors of Maryland, which signed sports betting into law back in May 2021; however, the hope remains that it will launch in time for the Super Bowl in February 2023.

Kvarnström commented on the importance of being operational on launch day, saying: "We've seen before that being available to users on day one puts us in a great position to provide users with the best betting experience possible, as many of them explore it for the first time. Being approved well ahead of launch will allow us to give users the best answers to their questions."

Leadstar also launched in Nigeria earlier this month, expanding its presence in the African market; with Jacob Ljunggren, Leadstar Media’s Product Director, saying of its Nigerian debut: “We are excited about the launch of Betting Bonus Nigeria. The idea of the website was conceived with Nigerian punters in mind.”