Maryland’s legislative push for iGaming is coming down to the wire.
The Old Line State’s HB 1319, which needs approval from both chambers to proceed to voters, encountered a stall on the House floor and is set for discussion on Saturday after a special order motion was approved on Friday.
The bill must pass the House by Monday to crossover to the Senate, which will have until April 8 to approve the legislation and put iGaming in the hands of voters.
If the House can’t get it done in time, Maryland likely won’t have iGaming legalized in 2024, and it already faces a tough task of getting through a Senate that isn’t keen on the Old Line State having online casinos.
Changes to the bill
The House Ways and Means Committee voted to accept an amendment to increase the number of online casino licenses from 12 to 30 to promote diversity and inclusivity.
The bill also prohibits the use of credit cards for funding accounts, potentially posing challenges for operators with existing online casinos in the state. The amendment also includes measures to address issues related to problem gambling.
HB 1319, sponsored by Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary, calls for a tax rate of 55% on online slot games and 20% on online table games. Maryland’s six casinos would partner with iGaming operators.
Massive revenue generator
Online casinos are currently legal in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Delaware, Michigan, and Connecticut. Three of those states border the Maryland sports betting market, while New Jersey is also close by.
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency retained Innovation Group to conduct a study that showed the Old Line State could generate $533 million in tax revenue in 2026 and over $900 million by 2032.
Even though SB 603 — which calls for online casinos — has already been introduced in the Senate, the consensus in the Old Line State is that the House’s bill is the only one that stands a chance.
Atterbeary hopes that the House can get HB 1319 through and that the revenue potential is enough to sway the Senate.
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