Maryland Advances Towards Mobile Casino Legislation with New House Bill

This move intensifies the state’s push towards embracing mobile casinos, setting the stage for a significant shift in its gaming landscape.

Dueling Legislative Efforts

House Bill 1319, slated for discussion in the House Ways and Means Committee on February 26, proposes the issuance of up to 12 online casino licenses. This bill distinguishes itself from the earlier Senate Bill 603 by not tying the licenses exclusively to the state’s existing brick-and-mortar casinos. Instead, it opens the opportunity for a broader range of applicants to enter the online casino market in Maryland.

HB 1319 outlines a taxation framework that imposes a minimum rate of 20% on live dealer table games and 55% on other forms of online casino gaming. In contrast, the Senate’s proposal, SB 603, sets a gross revenue tax rate of 47%. Moreover, HB 1319 specifies an initial licensing fee of $1 million, with each license valid for a five-year term, delineating the financial obligations for prospective licensees.

Legislative Timeline and Prospects

With both SB 603 and HB 1319 on the table, Maryland’s legislature faces a pivotal decision in the coming weeks. The legislative session, running through April 8 with a crossover deadline of March 18, provides a critical window for these bills to advance. Successful passage through both chambers would still necessitate voter approval in November, meaning that, if sanctioned, online casinos in Maryland wouldn’t become operational until at least 2025.

Maryland already accommodates in-person casino gambling, along with online and retail sports betting, under its existing regulatory framework. The state lottery, which also oversees sports betting regulation, plays a crucial role in the gambling ecosystem, underscoring Maryland’s established infrastructure for gaming operations.

Our Comment on the Article

The introduction of House Bill 1319 marks a significant development in Maryland’s journey towards legalizing online casino gambling. By proposing a more inclusive licensing approach, the bill reflects a dynamic vision for the state’s digital gaming future.

As Maryland’s legislative bodies deliberate on these proposals, the outcome could herald a new era of gaming in the state, enhancing its competitive edge in the burgeoning U.S. online gambling market. The dual bills underscore the state’s commitment to expanding its gaming offerings, promising to reshape Maryland’s gambling landscape with innovative, regulated online casino options.