Maryland Sen. Ron Watson announced his decision not to introduce a bill for online casino legalization in 2025. Despite Maryland’s proximity to passing such legislation in 2024, Watson emphasized the necessity of allowing more time for deliberation before revisiting the issue.

Sen. Watson Advocates for Patient Approach to Maryland Online Casino Legalization

Sen. Watson explained to PlayUSA that he could potentially introduce the bill the following year, but he pointed out that it would not progress until 2026. He also noted that even if they managed to pass the bill, its implementation would not occur. He underlined the importance of thorough consideration to ensure the successful integration of online casino gaming into Maryland’s economic landscape.

The recent legislative session in Maryland concluded without decisive action on online casinos, with the Senate opting not to pursue the matter further. The House, however, signaled its support by including internet gaming in its budget proposal, indicative of differing perspectives within the state legislature.

Watson’s decision not to file a bill in 2025 stems from a desire to avoid prolonging the debate unnecessarily. He remarked that they had conducted their due diligence and comprehended the revenues and challenges involved. He added that they will allow it to mature, aiming to present a more robust bill when it is reintroduced in the future.

Maryland Legislators Contemplate Pause on Online Casino Legislation Until 2026

Despite Watson’s stance, there remains the possibility of other lawmakers, such as Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary, introducing online casino legislation in the upcoming session. Nevertheless, Maryland appears poised to take a hiatus from the contentious issue, with a view to resuming discussions in 2026.

The proposal for online casino legalization in Maryland has encountered various obstacles, including concerns over potential impacts on problem gambling and existing brick-and-mortar casinos. Watson remains optimistic, however, asserting that with time and data, these concerns may diminish.

Watson emphasized the importance of not lagging behind in iGaming. He stressed that Maryland must be proactive if it intends to maintain and enhance current industry revenues. He highlighted the necessity for Maryland to adjust to changing trends in the gaming sector to stay competitive.

In the interim, Watson plans to collaborate with colleagues to address lingering apprehensions and refine the proposed legislation. With an eye toward the future, he remains confident in the eventual legalization of online casinos in Maryland.

As the debate unfolds, the trajectory of online casino legislation in Maryland reflects the complex interplay between economic opportunity, regulatory oversight, and public welfare. While the issue remains tabled for now, its resurgence in 2026 may herald a new chapter in Maryland’s gaming landscape.

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Mississippi gambling enthusiasts are out of luck as Republican representatives decided not to put forward a bill that would have allowed a casino in Jackson. According to them, the bill lacked sufficient support but that doesn’t mean things won’t change in the future.

Committee Chair Trey Lamar, who filed the bill Monday, explained that representatives of the Republican Party privately discussed the matter and concluded that the bill would not be able to gain enough votes. However, Lamar added that those who hope to see a casino in Jackson shouldn’t give up just yet.

For reference, Mississippi currently allows commercial casinos to only be constructed on the Gulf Coast or along the Mississippi River. Currently, there are 12 casinos on the Gulf Coast and 14 along the Mississippi River. In addition to commercial properties, there are also three tribal casinos operated by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians across the state.

Lamar’s bill would have changed that, creating opportunities for investment in gaming right in the heart of the state. Under his bill, an existing licensed operator would have been allowed to construct and operate a casino in the Mississippi capital, only 1 mile away from the Capitol building.

A New Casino Would Disrupt the Power Balance

For reference, Mississippi’s House is currently dominated by the Republicans. However, the Democratic Party has a lot of members who are opposed to the opening of a casino in Jackson, citing economic concerns.

Rep. Robert Johnson, leader of the House Democrats, believes that a casino in Jackson would disrupt the power balance, hurting Mississippi River casinos. This sentiment was echoed by Democratic Rep. Oscar Denton and Republican Rep. Kevin Ford, who said that their city of Vicksburg would likely get the worst of it.

Vicksburg, for reference, houses the nearest casino to Jackson.

Johnson explained that coastal casinos will likely adapt but “there is no way anybody else could survive” the opening of a casino in the Mississippi capital.

Speaking of coastal casinos, Mississippi’s Senate recently approved the Tidelands Bill, which came as a response to the controversial approval of RW Development’s casino in Biloxi. The measure, however, raised concerns among coastal leaders and the future of local casinos.

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Mississippi’s Tidelands bill has raised concerns about the future of coastal casinos. The bill received unanimous approval from the Senate and has 30 days before a final vote is held.

Senate Bill 2780 passed the Senate on Thursday after receiving two amendments. The first amendment allows cities to control properties on ports and harbors as long as there is not a “gaming component” to them. This means that the state cannot restrict the public use of a coastal property, as long as it is for public purpose.

However, the amendment maintains the points that provide the Secretary of State with control over coastline casinos. Under the new bill, developers must secure a lease from the state, instead of from the local government. Additionally, new casinos cannot be located on or adjacent to sand beaches but still have to be located within 800 feet of the shore. Finally, the casino developer must control all property.

Overall, the bill has the potential to hinder the creation of new casinos, some believe. Critics furthermore claimed that coastal leaders were not consulted about the Tidelands bill, depriving them of their input.

The bill highlighted a discrepancy between the state government and the local governments.

Mississippi’s Government Doesn’t Want to Repeat the Recent Biloxi Hassle

David Blount, chair of the Senate Gaming Committee, ushered in the first amendment to Senate Bill 2780. He explained that the government is not interested in micromanaging local harbors and instead wants to create a “consistent environment” for the casino industry.

His comment echoed the recent approval of RW Development’s casino in Biloxi which was greenlit by the Mississippi Gaming Commission. The project was initiated by a partnership between the developer and the city of Biloxi and Harrison County to rebuild Veterans Avenue Pier. The Secretary of State blocked the initiative – a decision that was later disputed in the Supreme Court. As a result, RW Development was later able to secure approval for adding a casino to the pier.

Mike Thompson, chairman of the Senate Ports & Marine Resources Committee, explained that the Tidelands bill seeks to make sure that nothing precludes government authorities from having exclusive control over their ports and harbors. He acknowledged that the bill has generated concerns among coastal leaders and added a reverse repealer amendment that ensures the bill will have more time for adjustments to be made.

In the meantime, the House version of this measure, HB 1659, passed the House by a landslide after 113 representatives voted in favor of the bill against 6 who opposed it.

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Iowa is one of the US states that currently offers not only legal sports betting but casino gambling as well. The state currently offers legal retail and online betting on sports, as well as casino gambling via 19 brick-and-mortar casinos. The tax rate applicable for sports betting is set at 6.75% on sports betting revenue, while casinos that generate a minimum of $3 million in gross revenue pay a 22% tax rate on their gross gambling revenues.

Amid the growing competition from casinos in nearby states, lawmakers in Iowa are exploring options for the gradual reduction of the tax rate applicable for land-based casinos. One such effort is led by Rep. Jane Bloomingdale, who filed House Study Bill 719 earlier this month. The proposal, calls for a slight decrease in the rate applicable for casino operators.

Under House Study Bill 719, the 22% tax rate for land-based casinos will decrease by a percentage per fiscal year. This process, under the proposed bill, will continue through the fiscal 2027 year, when the tax rate for retail casinos will be reduced to 19% on gross gaming revenues. The aforementioned proposal comes at a time when the state Governor anticipates tax cuts on the income of Iowa residents.

Ultimately, the slight reduction in the taxes for casinos seeks to make them more competitive amid the growing competition from nearby states. For example, nearby casinos in Illinois and Nebraska may gain an advantage against Iowa and attract visitors considering their lower tax rate.

Casinos Provide Vital Economic Stimulus for Local Communities

Bloomingdale, who was recently quoted by Iowa Capital Dispatch, revealed that casinos across Iowa have helped local communities. This economic stimulus, she said, helped by providing vital resources. “Every fire department has a new fire truck, every church has a new roof, every cemetery has tombstones that have been fixed, on a paved road. So I look at the things that they’ve (casinos) done in our communities that, you know, if they have 1% more income, that money would go directly into our communities,” added Bloomingdale.

Additionally, she spoke about the importance of tax cuts, acknowledging that lawmakers are considering lower taxes for corporations and individuals but not casinos. “It just doesn’t seem fair,” Bloomingdale added, pointing out that if Iowa considers lowering taxes the state should “look at everyone.”

Bloomingdale’s proposal gained traction by securing approval from a House Ways and Means subcommittee on Monday.

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The debate about smoking on the casino floor in Atlantic City’s casinos has been ongoing for nearly two decades. Currently, a loophole in New Jersey’s Smoke-Free Air Act allows casinos to permit indoor smoking within an area of up to 25% of their gaming floors. In contrast, the Act prohibits smoking within public areas in the state with that sole exception.

While the debate about smoking is ongoing, a new bill calls to keep the current restriction for smoking to occur within 25% of the casino gaming floors, adding a few conditions. The bill, S2651, which non-smoking activists call maintaining the status quo, is supported by Sen. John Burzichelli and was introduced in the Senate earlier this week. The proposal was referred to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee for further review and consideration.

While this is a new bill, in its majority, it keeps the current rules about indoor smoking for casinos in Atlantic City. As noted, the bill would keep the existing restriction that limits the casinos from indoor smoking within up to 25% of their gaming floors.

However, under S2651, smoking would be permitted within specially designated smoking areas that offer slots and are located more than 15 feet away from table games with dealers. Additionally, the proposal would enable casinos to permit smoking within designated smoking areas that are separated from the other areas within the casino floor. Dealers who would be working in such areas will have to confirm if they agree to be assigned to such a position.

Anti-smoking Group Criticizes the Newly Proposed Bill

Burzichelli backed his proposal by explaining that it would prevent casinos from closing. He was quoted on the matter by the Associated Press, explaining: “It’s about what we can do to keep casinos open, and how do we get it right.” Additionally, Burzichelli warned: “Losing one casino means thousands of jobs lost.”

The proposal immediately captured the attention of the anti-smoking group, Casino Employees Against Smoking Harmful Effects (CEASE). The group issued a statement claiming Burzichelli’s proposal was “copied and pasted.” In their statement, CEASE explained: “This bill would retain the same level of smoking as is currently permitted and will not decrease in any way the amount of exposure workers have to secondhand smoke.”

The anti-smoking group reiterated that the only proposal that may receive sufficient support is a rival bill that prohibits indoor smoking completely. Previously, Gov. Phil Murphy hinted at his intention to sign such a proposal, should it get enough traction and support. Speaking about the Governor’s support, CEASE predicted that Burzichelli’s bill is unlikely to progress.

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Nebraska lawmakers are pushing ahead with a bill aimed at tightening regulations on skill gaming machines present in various establishments statewide. The bill, LB685, spearheaded by State Sen. John Lowe of Kearney, has passed its initial stages with a resounding 31-0 vote in favor.

Proposed Laws Tackle Skill Games’ Growth with Taxes and Stricter Regulations

Skill games, often found in bars, restaurants, convenience stores, and other locales, have proliferated significantly over recent years. Unlike traditional slot machines, these games require a degree of skill to win, blurring the lines between entertainment and gambling. However, concerns have been raised about their addictive nature and potential societal impacts.

The proposed legislation seeks to address these concerns by implementing several key measures, reported WOWT. Firstly, it introduces a 5% tax on the net profits generated by these machines, alongside a $100 fee per machine paid by distributors. For larger distributors with 50 or more machines, this fee would increase to $5,000. 

The generated tax revenue would be allocated to various avenues, including property tax relief, funding for enforcement measures, and contributions to the state’s tourism initiatives.

Moreover, LB685 aims to establish stricter guidelines regarding the sale of co-branded alcoholic beverages, preventing their proximity to non-alcoholic counterparts. This measure aims to mitigate potential confusion among consumers and ensure compliance with age restrictions on alcohol sales.

Nebraska Legislative Debates Highlight Concerns Over Skill Games’ Resemblance to Slot Machines

During legislative debates, concerns were voiced regarding the distinction between games of skill and games of chance. Some senators argued that these skill games essentially function as modified slot machines, emphasizing luck over skill. 

Additionally, there were apprehensions about the proliferation of these machines, with worries that they could attract criminal activity and exacerbate societal issues.

However, proponents of the bill argue that tighter regulations are necessary to prevent the unchecked expansion of skill gaming establishments. 

Last year Nebraska faced a surge in skill games with over 4,700 units spread across retail venues, prompting lawmakers to reassess regulation and taxation. Concerns mounted over addiction risks and unlevel competition, leading to calls for increased oversight and enforcement, mirroring similar debates in other US states like Pennsylvania and Virginia.

By imposing taxes and enforcing revenue thresholds, the Alabama legislation aims to deter the creation of de facto casinos and promote responsible gaming practices.The bill’s advancement marks a significant step towards addressing the complexities surrounding skill gaming in Nebraska. As the debate continues, legislators are tasked with striking a balance between fostering economic opportunities and safeguarding the well-being of communities across the state.

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Wyoming legislators are embarking on a new frontier of gambling as they introduce House Bill 120, which seeks to legalize and regulate online casino gaming in the state. 

Wyoming Lawmakers Lead Charge in Online Casino Licensing

The bill, spearheaded by Representatives Jon Conrad, Robert Davis, Sandy Newsome, and Tom Walters, marks a significant step following the legalization of sports betting in 2021.

Under the proposed legislation, the Wyoming Gaming Commission would oversee the online casino industry, granting licenses to up to five operators. These licenses come with a hefty price tag, requiring an initial fee of $100,000, along with a renewal fee of $50,000 every five years. Additionally, vendors looking to participate would need to pay an initial fee of $10,000, with a $5,000 renewal fee every five years.

A notable aspect of the bill is the taxation structure, with operators facing a 10% tax rate on their revenues. Furthermore, the legislation sets aside $300,000 annually for problem gambling programs, reflecting a commitment to addressing potential social issues associated with expanded gambling activities.

One intriguing provision of House Bill 120 is the allowance for interstate agreements, enabling licensed operators in Wyoming to form partnerships with those in other states. This move is seen as a strategic response to Wyoming’s relatively small population, potentially fostering larger player pools and enhancing the industry’s viability.

Wyoming, Illinois, Maryland, and Hawaii Forge Paths in Online Gambling Legislation

While Wyoming moves forward with its online casino ambitions, it is part of a broader trend across the United States. States like Illinois, Maryland, and Hawaii are also contemplating or actively pursuing similar initiatives to regulate online gambling within their borders.

In Illinois, lawmakers are considering House Bill 2239, which proposes a licensing framework for online gaming operators. Maryland is evaluating the possibility of legalization through a public referendum, with Sen. Ron Watson championing the cause. Meanwhile, Hawaii is exploring comprehensive gambling reform with Senate Bill 3376, signaling a potential shift in its traditionally anti-gambling stance.

In other news, Wyoming’s online gambling giants, including FanDuel and DraftKings, are pivoting to challenge the legality of fantasy sports leagues, mirroring their past efforts to legalize sports betting. The Wyoming Gaming Commission’s ruling classifying fantasy leagues as illegal gambling platforms has sparked debate over their classification as games of skill or chance. 

Critics argue that such regulatory actions may serve to stifle competition and limit consumer choice within the rapidly growing fantasy sports industry.

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The plan to establish Petersburg, Virginia, as the state’s fifth city to host a casino has inched one step closer to realization. The odds have increased as the Virginia Senate cleared a bill that would possibly greenlight a casino in the city.

Senate Bill 628 seeks to redefine the criteria for a host city and discard the existing population threshold. Additional adjustments to tax-exempted real estate, poverty and unemployment rate criteria could make a Petersburg casino something more than just a dream.

Senate Bill 628 has some influential backers, increasing its chance of success. Proposed by Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas and Senator Lashrecse Aird, the bill continues the legacy of Morrissey and Del. Kim Taylor who previously championed the cause.

Senate Bill 628 Secured Unanimous Support in the Senate

Senate Bill 628 received unanimous support from the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee earlier this week. Now, the bill has also cleared the Senate, securing the approval of all 40 Senators.

After passing the Senate by a landslide, the measure will now go to the House of Delegates. If passed it would move to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s desk for final approval. While Youngkin has not been very vocal on his thoughts on the matter, many believe that he would sign the bill into law.

If so, this would potentially end a several years-long battle to allow Petersburg to have a casino. The initial proposal was launched in 2021 but failed to gain much support. Since then, several efforts have been made to turn Petersburg into a gambling destination.

In the meantime, the Petersburg City Council allowed City Manager John Altman to inquire about potential interest from casino operators.

In December 2022, the Petersburg City Council voted in favor of a contract with The Cordish Companies to build a $1.4 billion casino resort facility. However, this agreement attracted a lot of animosity, which is why the Petersburg City Council now plans to instead hold a competitive bidding process.

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During the pandemic a few years ago, casinos across the United States temporarily banned smoking indoors. While in some venues, this policy lasted as long as the pandemic did, others saw an opportunity to eliminate indoor smoking, leaving the ban permanently. For years, the sector warned about decreases in visitation and gaming revenues as a result of the implementation of an indoor smoking ban. Yet, more media reports and data disclosed by casinos hint that those fears may be unfound.

Currently, close to a dozen US states allow smoking inside casinos. Kansas is one of those states, where efforts against the elimination of smoking on the casino floors continue. Earlier this week, a new proposal was introduced, calling for closing the existing loophole that permits smoking inside casinos across the state. Details regarding the proposal, House Bill 2622 (HB 2622), were released earlier this week.

Sponsors of the bill include Reps. Owen Donohoe, David Buehler, Sydney Carlin, Ford Carr, and Dennis Highberger. On Tuesday, HB2622 was introduced and referred to the House’s Committee on Health and Human Services. The next move for the proposal is a hearing scheduled for next week Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

Anti-smoking Group Supports the New Proposal

The latest effort of lawmakers in the state was met with approval from the group of casino workers fighting against smoking inside casino establishments, Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) Kansas. Joe Hafley, CEASE Kansas’ founder and security employee at Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, who was cited by KCTV, highlighted the long-term efforts of casino workers to eliminate indoor smoking.

“For too long, casino workers like myself have had to endure the hazardous conditions of secondhand smoke, all in the name of a paycheck.“

Joe Hafley, founder of CEASE Kansas

Explaining that he participated in this fight, he said it was devastating to see how people are forced to accept hazardous conditions such as secondhand smoke in exchange for a paycheck. “It’s not just about the cards, slots and profits; this bill is a beacon of hope for the hardworking people in our industry, signaling that our health and well-being matter,” added Hafley. Finally, he explained that casino employees should not have to make a choice between their paycheck and their well-being.

Elsewhere, in another US state where smoking inside casinos is permitted, New Jersey, a smoking ban is getting closer to becoming a reality. A proposal that calls to eliminate smoking inside casinos is making its way forward after securing approval from the New Jersey Senate Health Committee. Yet, nothing is certain for the moment as the bill still has a long way to go.

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Virginia State Senator Dave Marsden has reintroduced a bill that could pave the way for the construction of a resort-style casino, reminiscent of MGM National Harbor. 

Sen. Marsden’s Revised Casino Bill Targets Tysons Location

Sen. Marsden’s earlier attempt to introduce a similar bill faced setbacks, prompting a strategic revision to address concerns from residents, particularly in Reston. The new proposal is stringent about the casino’s placement, limiting it to Tysons and excluding Reston from consideration, reported NBC Washington.

The bill specifies that the eligible location for the casino must be within one-quarter of a mile of an existing station on the Metro Silver Line, part of a coordinated mixed-use project development, outside the Dulles airport flight path, within two miles of a major shopping destination containing at least 1.5 million square feet of gross building area, and outside the Interstate 495 Beltway. Notably, the bill singles out a particular parcel in Tysons — the site of a defunct auto dealership on Route 7.

The legislative journey for this proposal involves several steps. First, the bill must navigate through both chambers of Virginia’s General Assembly and gain the signature of Gov. Glenn Youngkin. When asked about his stance on the matter, a spokesperson for Gov. Youngkin conveyed that he would review any legislation presented to him.

Should the bill receive approval, it would then proceed to the county level, where the county board would need to request a referendum. This referendum would allow Fairfax County voters to voice their opinion on whether they support the establishment of a casino. If the majority approves, the county would initiate a competitive bidding process for interested developers, who would subsequently seek a casino operator for the venture.

Uncertainties Surround Fairfax Casino Proposal Despite Economic Promise

Some proponents of the casino envision a comprehensive development that goes beyond mere gambling, including a convention center, hotels, restaurants, office space, and residences. This ambitious project aims to address the decline in commercial real estate tax revenue, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left a void in funding for county resources.

State Senator and Democratic Majority Leader Scott Surovell stressed the importance of securing additional revenue sources to prevent homeowners from bearing the burden. He asserted that to maintain quality education, the responsibility of compensating for lost tax revenue would inevitably shift to homeowners, underscoring the county’s requirement for diversifying its revenue streams.

Despite the potential economic benefits and job creation outlined in a 2019 study by Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, there is considerable opposition from local governments and community associations in the Tysons region. The path to establishing a casino in Fairfax County remains uncertain, and the proposal’s fate hinges on legislative approval and the voice of the county’s voters.

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