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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The General Assembly of the American state of Maryland has failed to take action on the prospected legalization of online casinos in the state as it adjourned on April 8 without discussing the matter.

That happened despite several stakeholders having expressed interest in that aspect, including iGaming suppliers, operators, vendors and lawmakers, all regarding the prospect of legalizing online casinos in Maryland as a real possibility.

A similar thing happened in the state of Georgia a couple of weeks ago when the General Assembly ended its term without voting on the legalization of online sports betting in the state. Experts were regarding Georgia and Maryland as the two states with the best prospects for legalization of online gambling this Spring.

However, Maryland does have legislation in place regarding online sports betting, it was approved back in November 2020 after the population had its say through a referendum.

Major Hurdles in Other States

There are several other American states which are considering expanding their online gambling legislation, but each one of them seems to have issues that need more time before being completely ironed out.

In Alabama for instance, there is a comprehensive package of bills that aim to legalize lottery, retail casinos and online sports betting in the state. That package of legislation is currently blocked at a conference committee which is tasked with setting fair tax rates for each of those activities and also to solve the problem of gambling exclusivity by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

In Maine the General Assembly failed to put two bills to vote that would have given the four tribes in the state control over online casinos and shut two existing land-based venues. Both bills came with divided reports from the committees, so debates are bound to resume when the legislature adjourns on April 17.

The Mississippi Senate witnessed two bills regarding the legalization of sports betting die in its committees while a third was adopted by the Gaming Committee in a strike-all version just to keep the topic alive for now. The legislature in this state will adjourn on 5 May.

Missouri had plenty of sports betting bills being discussed and at least one made it to the House floor to be discussed. That doesn’t mean that the bill is close to being adopted, though, as there is little consensus about its contents within the state legislature.

Pro sports teams in Missouri are trying to collect signatures for a sports betting initiative that would be included in the November ballot, when the American people will elect its next president. The pro sports teams will have to gather 171,592 verified signatures by early May in order to get on the ballot in November.

Source:

“Maryland online casino is dead. What else is left for 2024 US gambling expansion?“, igamingbusiness.com, April 9, 2024.

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Amidst budget negotiations in Maryland, hopes for the legalization of online casinos have been dashed for the year 2024. With online casino revenue not finding its way into the state’s budget agreement, it appears that Marylanders will have to wait until at least 2027 to see any progress in this regard.

Maryland’s Legislative Session Ends Without Inclusion of Online Casino Revenue

The state’s legislative session saw no inclusion of online casino revenue as a funding source in the budget deal reached on April 3. This outcome pushes any potential discussion on online casino legalization to the following years.

Although there were initial hopes for a referendum to reach Maryland voters by 2026, the recent developments suggest that such discussions may not gain traction until later. 

Sen. Ron Watson expressed that given the failure to pass legislation this year, the earliest possibility for mobile casino apps to go live in Maryland would be in 2027.

Despite Maryland already permitting legal sports betting and hosting brick-and-mortar casinos, the road to online casino legislation seems fraught with obstacles. Stakeholders in the online casino industry will need to address concerns regarding problem gambling and potential competition with existing physical casinos to garner support in future sessions.

Online Casino Legislation in Maryland Faces Resistance

The exclusion of online casinos from the state budget is particularly significant considering the initial momentum behind the proposed legislation. The House had passed a bill supporting online casinos, including it in its budget proposal, but Senate leadership was firm in their stance against such measures.

Proponents argued that regulated iGaming could address illegal gambling, but debates persisted over potential job losses and addiction risks, with the bill undergoing significant changes to address various concerns. 

Several challenges contributed to the demise of the online casino legislation. Notably, not all casinos supported the initiative, with Maryland Live! and Ocean Downs Casino expressing concerns about potential job losses and cannibalization of their businesses. Arundel County, the county where Maryland Live! Is located, also championed a study that corroborated the concerns regarding cannibalization.

Additionally, labor unions were strongly opposed to the legalization efforts.

At the same time, a recent study commissioned by the Sports Betting Alliance (SBA) challenged the conventional belief that online casinos cannibalize traditional brick-and-mortar establishments, revealing instead a symbiotic relationship between the two. 

Conducted by the Analysis Group, the study examined six states and found a significant increase in overall gaming revenue, suggesting that online gaming complements rather than competes with physical casinos.

However, despite these setbacks, there remains a glimmer of hope for proponents of online casinos. The fact that the Maryland House managed to pass the legislation demonstrates some level of support, suggesting that future sessions may see renewed efforts toward legalization.

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Maryland Lottery and Gaming published information about the financial performance of the state’s six casinos in February 2024. According to the regulator, revenue remained more or less stable.

The authority said that the six casinos have reported a total gaming revenue of $159.22 million for February. This figure represents a modest 1.4% year-on-year increase from February 2023, when the casinos declared revenue of $157 million.

However, fiscal year to date revenue, representing the period from July through February experienced a slight decline. Whereas Maryland’s casinos reported revenue of $1.37 billion for the previous year to date period, they now reported revenue of $1.28 billion.

In February 2024, The Free State’s casino contributed $67.79 million to the state, representing an increase of 1.3% year-on-year. Contributions to the Education Trust Fund stood at $48.9 million, an increase of 0.5% from February 2023. The casinos also contributed money to the local horse racing industry, as well as to small, minority- and women-owned businesses. 

The Casinos’ Performances Varied

Maryland Lottery and Gaming also published data about the performance of its six commercial casinos.

MGM National Harbor, a Prince George’s County-based property, reported revenue of $66.83 million in February. This represents an increase of $1,234,645 (1.9%) from February 2023. The casino sports 2,276 slots and 207 gaming tables.

Live! Casino & Hotel, meanwhile, posted revenue of $59.34 million, representing an increase of 6.5% from February 2023. The venue is located in Anne Arundel County and has some 3,860 slot machines and 179 table games.

The Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore City, on the other hand, reported February revenue of $14.95 million, highlighting a year-on-year decline of 8.2%. The casino has 1,371 slots and 115 table games.

Hollywood Casino Perryville, a property boasting 689 slot machines and 23 table games, reported revenue of $7.4 million for February, marking a year-on-year increase of 1.4%.

The Ocean Downs Casino in Worcester County disclosed revenue of $6.35 million, a decrease of 7% year-on-year. For reference, the casino has 859 slots and 19 gaming tables.

Finally, the Rocky Gap Casino in Allegany Country reported revenue of $4.34 million in February. This translates into a decline of 18.6%. The casino has 620 slot machines and 16 table games.

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Maryland has once again smashed its sports betting handle record, surpassing even November’s jaw-dropping results. As reported, the Free State’s sports betting industry recorded a stellar $559.9 million in handle.

The December results are 1.7% higher than the ones recorded in November when the local fans wagered a total of $550.7 million. They also represent an impressive 17.1% year-on-year increase.

For reference, Maryland launched betting in December 2022. While the inaugural month was also quite strong, the betting industry has once again demonstrated its potential to grow, adapt and attract new customers.

An overwhelming 96.7% of all bets were placed online, mirroring existing trends in other states where both online and retail betting are legal. For reference, fans in Maryland wagered a total of $541.7 million with digital sportsbooks – a figure that includes $19.7 million in free bets. The remaining $6.2 million was spent across Maryland’s land-based sportsbooks and includes $32,146 in free wagers.

Maryland’s Record-Breaking Handle Attests to the Market’s Maturity

The high handle resulted in fairly stable revenue as the state’s sportsbooks reported an overall taxable win of $62.3 million for December. This represents a month-on-month increase of 49.8% but also a 26.7% year-on-year decline. For reference, the state’s online sportsbooks earned $60.1 million, while retail operators reported $2.3 million in taxable win.

In total, Maryland’s sportsbooks paid $6.5 million in taxes, most of which came from the digital betting sector. This money goes to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, an initiative dedicated to supporting public education in the state.

As reported by Southern Maryland Chronicle, John Martin, director of Maryland Lottery and Gaming, commented on this year’s results, praising what he called a “maturation of the market.” According to him, this maturity will allow Maryland’s twelve online and thirteen retail sportsbooks to contribute a lot more to taxes than initially estimated.

For reference, experts believed that the fiscal year would see operators generate between $25 million and $30 million in taxes. However, this number may even surpass $40 million, according to Martin.

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Maryland’s sports wagering market reached unprecedented heights in November 2023, recording a combined handle of $550,716,329 from 13 retail and 12 mobile sportsbooks. This figure marks a substantial increase from December 2022’s $497,121,656 and contributes significantly to the state’s education funding with a total of $3,199,529.

Mobile Wagering Dominates November’s Betting in Maryland

The lion’s share of November’s handle was attributed to mobile wagering, making up an overwhelming 96.8% ($533,276,787). This mobile dominance not only fueled the industry’s growth but also contributed $3,052,509 to the state, overshadowing the $147,020 from retail sportsbooks. The funds generated are directed towards the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which supports public education programs, reflecting a commitment to enhancing educational initiatives.

November’s statistics underscore a clear preference for mobile betting among Maryland residents, aligning with the broader trend of a digital shift across various industries. The handle breakdown, inclusive of free promotional wagers, stood at $17,439,542 for retail and an impressive $533,276,787 for mobile platforms.

The prizes paid out to players, known as the ‘hold,’ were substantial. Retail sportsbooks disbursed $16,307,928, while mobile platforms paid a staggering $492,779,418. 

The combined hold, calculated as the handle without prizes paid, amounted to $41,628,982, with retail contributing 6.5% and mobile 7.6%.

Maryland’s Booming Sports Betting Industry Drives Tax Revenues and Market Expansion

The sports wagering tax, calculated as 15% of the taxable win, further accentuates the industry’s growth. Retail sportsbooks generated $147,020 in taxes, while mobile platforms contributed a substantial $3,052,509, cumulating to a total of $3,199,529 for the state.

Since the inception of Maryland’s sports wagering program in December 2021, the cumulative contribution to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund has reached an impressive $46,253,210. 

Additionally, expired prizes totaling $2,708,307 have been allocated to the Problem Gambling Fund, addressing concerns about gambling addiction.

Maryland’s sports wagering market initially launched with five retail locations in December 2021 and expanded to include seven mobile sportsbooks by November 2022. 

As of November 2023, the state boasts 13 retail locations and 12 mobile operators, with further expansions anticipated in the near future. This growth trajectory signifies a robust and expanding market, poised to make substantial contributions to the state’s economy and public welfare programs.

A notable addition to the Maryland online betting market was ESPN Bet. Penn Entertainment‘s newly rebranded sports gambling app, launched on November 14 across 17 US states, including Maryland. The operator had a significant impact on the state’s record numbers in November with an impressive handle of $33,309,326 and a whopping $13,023,420 promotional spend.

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In a recent meeting of Maryland’s Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee, legislators delved into the topic of problem gambling, specifically focusing on the potential impact of legalizing online casinos in the state. 

Experts Raise Alarms over Problem Gambling Surge

While retail sports betting was launched in Maryland in December 2021, mobile sports betting platforms were introduced a year later, raising concerns among experts and lawmakers about the surge in problem gambling cases.

Mary Drexler, the program director for the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, expressed her apprehension about the rapid expansion of online and mobile gambling, reported Maryland Matters. Drexler highlighted the growing number of calls, texts, and chats received by their helpline, indicating a demographic shift toward younger adults, especially minority males, seeking help for gambling-related issues.

Amidst these concerns, some state legislators have been advocating for the legalization of online casinos. Although legislation introduced during the 2023 session did not progress significantly, lawmakers agreed to commission a study on the feasibility of iCasinos in Maryland. This report, due by November 15, is expected to provide insights into the potential revenue that online casino gaming could generate for the state.

However, the prospect of introducing online casinos has raised worries about cannibalizing revenue from brick-and-mortar casinos, impacting the state’s Problem Gambling Fund. Currently, funding for problem gambling initiatives primarily comes from traditional table games and slot machines, with sports betting tax revenue not allocated for problem gambling research.

Senator Lam Proposes Funding Solution for Problem Gambling

Senator Clarence Lam voiced his concerns about the potential implications of online gaming, emphasizing the need for careful consideration. Despite these concerns, industry analysts like Matt Roob from Spectrum Gaming indicated that states with both online and physical casinos have not shown significant evidence of revenue cannibalization.

One possible solution discussed during the meeting was allocating a specific percentage of tax revenue from online casinos to the Problem Gambling Fund. This approach could potentially address concerns about funding shortages for problem gambling treatment and support services.

In July, a report exposed Maryland’s concerning struggle to support individuals grappling with gambling addiction, revealing that 8.6% of the state’s adults suffered from a gambling disorder in 2020, double the national average. While Maryland’s spending on safe gambling initiatives matches other states, it falls short, leading to a gap between affected individuals and available support. 

The state’s reliance on alternative revenue streams like expired prizes highlights the challenge. The potential introduction of iGaming exacerbates the situation, demanding urgent action, including enhanced treatment options, heightened awareness, and comprehensive collaboration, to address the alarming issue effectively.

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A recent legislative report has shed light on the alarming reality of Maryland’s efforts to provide adequate support to individuals struggling with problem gambling. Rising addiction rates and insufficient funding have caused the problem to spiral out of control, necessitating urgent action. Such measures must be implemented before the state considers legalizing iGaming, ensuring residents can easily access quality help.

Most Metrics Fall Short of Expectations

According to the official report, roughly 405,000 Maryland residents, comprising 8.6% of all adults in the state, had suffered from a gambling disorder as of 2020. Comparatively, the national mean was around 4% to 5%, painting a bleak picture of Maryland’s safe gambling efforts. These statistics underscore the urgent need for improved support and treatment services.

Such findings paint a concerning picture of the state’s current approach, revealing a gap between the number of individuals affected by gambling disorders and the available support options. The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling is the region’s primary provider of gambling disorder support, operating a 24-hour helpline, a voluntary exclusion list, and various treatment and prevention programs.

While Maryland’s spending on safe gambling initiatives roughly matches most other US states, industry experts point out that spending still falls short of the adequate amount. Most proceeds from gambling currently go towards the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which complements school funding. As a result, the state’s problem gambling fund must rely on alternative revenue streams like expired prizes.

The State Must Overhaul Its Policies

Although funding for gambling harm prevention remained relatively constant, introducing online sports betting created new risks, further straining the state’s existing infrastructure. The rush of new operators caused a sudden spike in promotions, exposing a record number of people to potential harm. Recent controversies regarding college team sponsorships have caused increased regulatory scrutiny, but the recent report indicates lawmakers must take urgent action.

Maryland’s planned introduction of iGaming will place additional stress on its struggling safe gambling initiatives. The state may implement the new legislation by 2025, clearing the way for operators to market their services. Mobile gambling disproportionately affects young people and is significantly harder to detect, requiring updated monitoring and prevention solutions.

With a higher prevalence of gambling problems than the national average, the state must take proactive steps to expand treatment options, increase public awareness, and collaborate with stakeholders to create a more comprehensive approach to addressing gambling addiction. By doing so, Maryland can provide a lifeline to those in need and ensure a healthier and more supportive environment for its residents.

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Hundreds of thousands of drivers in Maryland bear registration plates with a link to what seems to be a site commemorating the War of 1812. However, locals found out that the link is related to an offshore casino.

About 15% of all registered vehicles (around 798,000) in the state bear plates that commemorate the war. In addition to mentioning the occasion and sporting an American flag and some fireworks, these license plates also have a link to a site under the www.starspangled200.org URL.

Star Spangled 200 used to be the site of a non-profit organization founded in 2007. However, instead of opening a website related to the War of 1812, following the link redirects users to www.globeinternational.info, a Philippine online gambling site.

Instead of information about the War of 1812 and commemorative materials, the site offers a variety of casino games and betting market, including virtual cockfighting offerings.

Many people thought that there could have been some typo in the URL. However, it turns out that this is not the case.

According to The Washington Post, it is not clear when this redirect happened. The Philippines-based casino is owned by a private firm that has so far remained silent despite the effort of Maryland officials to contact the owners.

At the same time, authorities found it impossible to reach Star Spangled 200. Sandy Hillman Communications, a former partner of the non-profit organization claims that it had been disbanded. Its spokesperson, Lauren Walbert, said that she doesn’t know who is maintaining the actual site now.

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) addressed the matter, stating that it has never owned or maintained the URL in question. The association also emphasized that it does not endorse the gambling website in any capacity.

Endorse or not, the MVA now has to decide what to do next. While the agency has refrained from announcing its plans, it said that it is considering its options. Paul J. Wiedefeld, Maryland’s Transportation Secretary is also yet to comment on his plans.

Some have suggested that the MVA might consider changing the plates with new ones or buying the URL. However, both options are likely to be pricy. In any case, the Maryland authorities will likely have to do something, considering the plates’ ties to an unlicensed gambling website.

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SuperBook Sports, a Las Vegas-based sports betting operator, has expanded its US reach, launching in the state of Maryland. This is notably the eighth market where its products will be available and follows SuperBook’s launch in Iowa.

Fans in Maryland can see what the fuss is all about by downloading the SuperBook Sports Maryland app or visiting md.SuperBook.com. Once there, customers can place wagers on their favorite sports and teams. The app is available for both iOS and Android, allowing a variety of bettors to enjoy what the operator has to offer.

SuperBook Sports’ name has become synonymous with quality sports betting. The company was founded almost four decades ago and is well-versed in the intricacies of betting. SuperBook is currently a go-to source for sports media and a leading US sportsbook.

By choosing SuperBook, Maryland bettors will get to enjoy premium sports betting markets, a variety of welcome bonuses and multiple seasonal promotions. Maryland bettors should stay tuned to SuperBook’s social media to get notified about new promotions.

The Launch Comes in Time for Baltimore Orioles’ Games

Mark Lipparelli, SuperBook Sports’ chief executive officer, commented on the launch, saying that the launch comes just in time for the “outstanding season the Orioles are having.” Lipparelli added that his team cannot wait to provide local fans with cutting-edge sports betting offerings.

Jay Kornegay, SuperBook Sports’ VP of sportsbook operations, also shared his thoughts, saying that his team is thrilled to enter the Free State.

With baseball underway, we look forward to offering our customers the best odds and unique promotions for betting on the Orioles and other favorite teams.

Jay Kornegay, VP of sportsbook operations, SuperBook Sports

Speaking of baseball, TJ Brightman, the SVP and chief revenue officer of the Baltimore Orioles, said that the club is excited to collaborate with SuperBook. The team congratulated the operator for the unique fan experiences it will provide at its brand-new SuperBook Bar & Restaurant.

SuperBook to Open a New Restaurant This Friday

The restaurant Brightman mentioned is a first-of-its-kind for SuperBook property that will feature a 360-degree sports experience and will broadcast 38 sports televisions to its fans. In addition, the property will sport a 150-inch LED wall.

The SuperBook Bar & Restaurant will be located at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. It is designed to provide sports fans with a place to relax, have a beer and wager on sports.

The bar is set to open this Friday. SuperBook concluded that media outlets are welcome to cover the event.

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