Maryland iGaming bill filed, state voters will make final decision

Posted: January 7, 2025, 09:07 pm.

Last updated: January 7, 2025, 09:07 pm.

Legislation to authorize online casino gambling in Maryland was filed this week by the same House lawmaker who unsuccessfully fought for Internet casinos and table games last year.

House Delegate Vanessa Atterberry (D-Howard) already filed House Bill 17 before the Maryland General Assembly's 2025 session convened tomorrow, January 8. HB 17 seeks to legalize online casino gambling, with slots currently available for six commercial operators. Run brick-and-mortar casinos in the state.

Atterberry's legislation also proposes qualifying sportsbook licensees for online gaming privileges. The Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission, which will regulate expanded gambling, will also be allowed to award five iGaming licenses through two competitive bidding rounds.

Each iGaming license will cost $1 million for a five-year period. HB 17 additionally includes responsible gaming mandates, including responsible gaming messaging across all iGaming platforms and clearly displaying resources for those seeking help.

Atterberry's 2024 iGaming bill passed the House in March but stalled in the Senate.

social equity

Atterberry's online casino bill takes a page from Maryland's sports betting deregulation in seeking to provide racial and social equity through the new industry. Maryland's 2021 sports betting law directed the seven-member Sports Wagering Application Review Commission to “seek racial, ethnic and gender diversity” through the granting of online and in-person sports gambling licenses.

Such a category must meet two of the four eligibility criteria.

Qualifier By a person who has lived in an economically disadvantaged area for at least five of the 10 years immediately preceding the submission of the application or has attended a public school in an economically disadvantaged area for at least five years Controlled companies are included. Applicants may also obtain social equality status by attending a four-year institution of higher education in Maryland where at least 40% of students are eligible for a federal Pell Grant and any individual whose net worth is “an amount to be determined” ” It is not more than that. By the Commission to encourage diversity, equity and inclusion in the Internet gaming industry.

the voters have the final say

Legal iGaming is limited to seven states – Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. Sports betting is facing a lot of criticism for its quick implementation, with calls in Congress for federal intervention for the public good, gaming analysts are not sure the chances are good that any state will ban internet casinos this year. Will join seven in bringing online. Cordish, which operates Maryland Live, has opposed iGaming.

If Atterby's measure gets support in both houses, Maryland voters will have the final say. Such gambling expansion would require an amendment to the Maryland Constitution through a statewide ballot referendum.