Lawmakers in Maryland are in a race against the clock to decide whether to legalize online casino gaming.
With a crucial deadline of March 17 looming, they must swiftly navigate the legislative process to capitalize on the ever-growing online gambling market. St. Patrick’s Day is the deadline for bills to pass through chambers. On top of that, Maryland’s legislative session ends on April 7.
If they do hurry, the potential payoff online casinos could provide in the Old Line State is big. It would bring a thriving but little-used industry into the spotlight with regulation.
The Push for Regulation: House Bill 17 in Focus
The House Ways and Means Committee recently reviewed House Bill 17, which aims to move online gambling under state oversight. It was introduced in a prior session as HB1319.
While the committee has yet to vote on it, the potential benefits are clear. Proponents argue that legalization could transform Maryland into a top contender in the U.S. online gambling space, competing with industry giants like New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Economic Opportunities and Consumer Protections
Although technically illegal, Maryland’s existing online gaming market already generates an estimated $7 billion annually. HB 17 would tax most iGaming at 55%, but based on a lower-than-proposed 30% tax rate, some estimate Maryland could expect $1.65 billion in revenues over the next five years.
Legalization could usher this market into a regulated framework, promising significant tax revenue and creating new jobs in tech, live dealer studios, and platform operations. Moreover, consumer protections are a cornerstone of the pro-regulation argument, ensuring safe gambling practices for Maryland residents.
The Role Sports Betting Plays in Legalizing Online Casinos
As discussions heat up over online casinos, sports betting remains a critical component of Maryland's gaming expansion. With over 30 states having legalized online sportsbooks, many Maryland lawmakers view this as a natural next step in broadening the state’s gambling landscape.
The Opposition: Concerns from Brick-and-Mortar Casinos
Yet, not everyone is on board. Major casino operators like The Cordish Companies, which operate Live! Casino, voice significant concerns. They argue that online gambling could divert revenue away from physical casinos without necessarily bringing in substantial new tax income. Casino revenue did dip year-over-year, according to the end-of-the-year figures.
Other opponents, including PENN Entertainment and Ocean Downs Casino General Manager Bobbi Jones, highlight potential job losses. They point to Pennsylvania, claiming that iGaming there resulted in a 15% revenue decline and a 45% drop in employment at Presque Isle Casino.
Maryland Would Join Growing List of States With Legal Online Casinos
If lawmakers do get something done this year, Maryland would join the seven other states that have legalized online casino gambling in the US:
- Connecticut – Sports Betting Casino Games Lottery Poker
- Delaware – Sports Betting Casino Games Lottery Bingo Poker
- Michigan – Sports Betting Casino Games Lottery Poker
- New Jersey – Sports Betting Casino Games Lottery Poker
- Pennsylvania – Sports Betting Casino Games Lottery Bingo Poker
- Rhode Island – Sports Betting Casino Games Poker Lottery
- West Virginia – Sports Betting Casino Games Lottery Poker
These states have established frameworks that allow residents and visitors to engage in online gambling activities legally.
Sweepstakes Casino Games in Maryland Popular
While the debate continues, many Maryland players aren’t waiting for legislative action. They've turned to using social and sweepstakes casinos, which provide similar online gaming experiences.
These casinos operate legally in all states, offering a viable alternative online amid the uncertain legal landscape in Maryland. These sites let you play for fun or buy in-game currency, which you can use to win cash prizes.
Platforms like High 5 Casino, McLuck, and WOW Vegas allow players 18 and older and offer slots, table games, and more.
However, Senate Bill 860, sponsored by Senator Corderman, proposes banning sweepstakes casinos and new controls to limit companies active in offshore markets starting in July.
Legalizing Online Casinos in Maryland: A Wait-and-See Approach
As the deadline approaches, the Maryland legislature finds itself at a crossroads.
Will they seize the opportunity to regulate an already active market, or will the pushback from established casino interests stave off change?
The outcome could significantly impact the state's economy and its residents, securing Maryland’s place in the growing online gambling world—or it could potentially leave it behind.
