Maryland’s iGaming Ambitions Derailed

10.04.2024

An initiative to broaden the iGaming landscape in Maryland met an untimely end in the state’s legislative chambers.

Proposed legislation aimed at ushering in an era of online slot machines and interactive table games was halted, despite initial momentum in the House of Delegates.

A Divided Vote

The bill, introduced by Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary, garnered significant support in the House, reflecting a clear divide along party lines.

The Democratic majority rallied behind the bill, envisioning a future where iGaming could flourish in Maryland. However, the bill’s journey was abruptly halted in the Senate, where despite a Democratic stronghold, the appetite for expanding iGaming legislation this session was notably absent.

A Vision for Education

Proponents of the bill, including Atterbeary, championed the potential for online casino games to funnel additional resources into the Maryland Blueprint.

This ambitious plan, established in 2021, aims to redefine public education, focusing on enhancing the quality of schooling for historically underserved communities.

The envisioned tax revenues from iGaming were seen as a vital lifeline to support this transformative educational framework.

Operational Framework and Public Sentiment

The proposed bill outlined a detailed operational framework, allowing state casinos to form partnerships with iGaming platforms, and extending opportunities to other betting establishments.

Despite the structured approach and potential economic benefits, the bill faced formidable opposition from both the Senate and the public, with a significant majority expressing disapproval in a recent poll.

The backdrop to this legislative saga is the state’s existing casino industry, which has experienced its own set of challenges, including a slight downturn in gross gaming revenue.

The prospect of expanding into online gambling was viewed by some as a much-needed boost to invigorate the industry and diversify revenue streams.