Online gambling continues to be legalized in many states. These include Delaware, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, all of which are Maryland neighbors. However, there are no online casinos available for real money gambling in Maryland.

Any player from Maryland who fancies playing table games, slots, and live dealer games online can visit sweepstakes and social casinos. With so many US states legalizing online casinos, Maryland may be the next in line to follow suit. Here is a guide to the future of online casinos in Maryland.

Are Online Casinos Legal in Maryland?

While you won't find real money online casinos in Maryland, there are online sports betting platforms. To change that, the state House passed a bill for legalizing online casinos in March 2024.

The legislation was passed by Vanessa Attwebeary, a state delegate. The legislation aims to have online casinos legalized throughout Maryland. Under House Bill 17, any Maryland player who is 21 years and over would have permission to engage in online casino games such as blackjack, poker, and slots.

In the bill, it is outlined that there should be a regulatory framework that enforces fair play, and consumer protection, and also it should generate big tax revenue. Atterbeary insisted on the possibilities of economic benefits that the government can reap from legalizing online casinos. These included more revenue streams for the state programs and job creation.

Some of the sectors Atterbeary mentioned would greatly benefit from the collected revenue including funding for education and other crucial services. Also, she added that experts were projecting that it was possible for these casinos to generate hundreds of millions for the state yearly. A portion of the revenue would be directed to Maryland’s Education Trust Fund.

While the state House failed to pass the bill, it is likely that legislators will revisit the discussion in 2026 during the legislative session. To become law, the bill needs a majority vote during the state’s general election.

What is Included in the House Bill 17?

Here are some of the regulations that Bill 17 has set to be followed by online casinos in their daily operations.

• Taxation: there will be a 15% tax rate on gross gambling revenue. The proceedings will go towards public initiatives.
• Licensing Requirements: The bill states that only existing brick-and-mortar casinos as well as their approved partners qualify to apply for the online gambling licenses.
• Technology Standards: There should be cybersecurity measures to ensure that all the players’ sensitive information, including financial and personal data.
• Consumer Protections: There is a need for mandatory safeguards to ensure that underage gambling doesn’t happen. The protections should also address problem gambling, including spending limits and self-exclusion protocols.

Is There Hope?

So, what does this mean for Maryland online gamblers? Is the Bill likely to pass? What is the update?

A Huge Opposition

While Maryland lawmakers have been striving to have iGaming legalized in their state for a while, there hasn’t been much success. Their attempts have always faced opposition. The biggest bullies and opposers are brick-and-mortar casino operators who have been preventing the legalization of online casinos. 

Their argument is that having online casinos legalized will decrease their revenue, which will lead to job losses, consequently impacting the local economies. The other critics are saying that legalizing online casinos will lead to problem gambling.

Supporters Are Talking about Opportunities

Those supporting the legalization of online casinos are arguing that having brick-and-mortar and online casinos coexist will help improve the state’s economy. It will also see Maryland remain a fierce competitor of the neighboring states, including those that have legalized online gambling platforms.

Also, having online casinos legalized will help reduce the flow of money into the black market. Doing so will see the state collecting more tax income. Having proceeds from the online casinos channeled towards education, safe gambling programs, and workforce initiatives is a plus for the state.

Hope for the Failed 2024 Bill 17

The attempt to have Maryland legalize online casinos through the 2024 proposed bill was faced by opposition. Eventually, it failed to pass through the legislature. The biggest objection came from those representing the interests of land-based casinos. During the process, they aired their concerns, which included their belief that online casinos would rob them of their customers.

They felt that those who frequented physical casinos would be excited by the thought of playing their favorite casino games from anywhere. According to these representatives, it would see their revenue decrease substantially.

Also, labor unions that represent casino workers had their concerns. These union members testified during the hearings and argued that having online casinos legalized was a direct threat to those working in the already existing Maryland casinos. They felt that it would rob them of their jobs.

So, What Next?

The bill will undergo the initial committee hearing to allow lawmakers to address the given concerns and debate its provisions. If it goes forward, Maryland voters will have a say on the issue through a referendum as per the requirements of any gambling expansion within the state.

A general election ballot referendum will decide whether to include the Legislation in November 2025. If the voters approve bill SB0340, players in Maryland will have the option to gamble at online casinos without any problem whatsoever.

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