Online casinos are not legal in Maryland yet. But the Old Line State is taking steps to change that.
State Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary has introduced a bill to legalize online casinos across the state.
House Bill 17 would allow Maryland residents aged 21 and older to play online casino games like slots, poker, and blackjack.
What House Bill 17 Calls for in Maryland
The bill regulates the online casino industry in Maryland in several ways, including:
- Allowing only existing casino operators and their partners to apply for online gaming licenses
- Imposing a 15% tax on gross gaming revenue for public projects
- Enforcing protections against underage and problem gambling
- Requiring cybersecurity measures to safeguard user data
The bill essentially sets up rules to ensure fair play, protect consumers, and bring in significant tax revenue for the state.
While introducing the bill, Atterbeary said: “We’ve seen other states significantly boost their economies with online gaming. This legislation will bring Maryland into the future while providing critical funding for education and other essential services.”
Atterbeary also highlighted the economic benefits, such as job creation and extra funding for state programs, that could come from legalizing online casinos.
Maryland Has Tried To Legalize Online Casinos Before
Maryland tried to legalize online gambling last year, but a bill that was passed in the House didn't move forward in the Senate.
Casino operators and labor unions pushed back because they were worried about losing money and jobs. During committee hearings, union members argued that expanding online gambling threatened jobs at Maryland's current casinos.
This new version of the law includes measures for social equity and responsible gaming to address these issues.
House Bill 17 also suggests giving online gambling licenses to current video lottery operators and sports betting facilities, while also offering five more licenses to qualified applicants.
Games That Could Be Available at Maryland Online Casinos
If the law passes, major gambling brands from other US states will likely become legal in Maryland.
This means players can expect to find popular games such as:
- Online slots
- Online blackjack
- Online roulette
- Poker
Poker games would include variants like Texas Hold'Em and Three Card Poker. These are the most popular gambling games in the US. Based on this and the revenue generating power of traditional casinos in Maryland, online casinos are likely to become a focal point for lawmakers.
The Future of Maryland Online Casinos Is Now
The 2025 legislative session began in Maryland on January 8.
House Bill 17 was assigned to the Ways and Means Committee for review, where Atterbeary is the chair.
In the coming weeks, lawmakers will hold the first committee hearing for the bill to debate its details and address public concerns. If the bill moves forward, Maryland voters will likely have the final decision through a statewide vote, which is necessary for any gambling expansion in the state.
Although real money online casinos are not yet accessible in Maryland, residents can enjoy social and sweepstakes casinos online. These platforms allow you to play for fun or purchase in-game currency, like gold coins, which can be used to redeem prizes.
But it looks like the momentum to legalize online casinos is building.
