Maryland Puts Online Casino Legislation on Hold
Maryland’s aspirations to legalize online casinos have encountered a roadblock, with plans to advance the initiative stalling out in 2024, as confirmed by Senator Ron Watson.
Despite the momentum earlier in the legislative session, a recent budget agreement has excluded online casino revenue, halting progress for the foreseeable future.
Legislative Setback
The legislative journey for online casino legalization saw two key bills, Senate Bill 603 sponsored by Senator Watson and House Bill 1319 by Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary. While HB 1319 cleared the House, it faced a standstill in the Senate, mirroring the fate of SB 603.
The hope for a referendum to potentially greenlight online casino legalization by voters in November has also dimmed, pushing any possible advancement to future legislative sessions.
Future Prospects
The conversation around online casino legalization is expected to resume in 2025, with an eye towards a potential referendum in 2026. This timeline suggests that the earliest Maryland could see mobile casino apps go live would be in 2027, considering the legislative and regulatory groundwork that needs to be laid.
Addressing Concerns
For online casino legislation to gain traction in future sessions, stakeholders will need to address prevailing concerns, notably the risk of increased problem gambling and the potential impact on existing brick-and-mortar casinos.
The state already accommodates legal sports betting and physical casino gaming, setting a foundation for future discussions on expanding gambling laws to include online platforms.
Our Comment on the Article
Maryland’s pause on online casino legislation reflects the complex interplay of policy, public health concerns, and industry dynamics that characterize the evolving iGaming landscape. As the state reassesses its approach, the dialogue between lawmakers, industry stakeholders, and the community will be crucial in shaping a responsible and sustainable framework for online gambling.
The delay offers an opportunity to develop comprehensive legislation that balances economic benefits with safeguards against gambling-related harms, setting a precedent for responsible growth in the sector.
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