During the next legislative session, Senator Ron Watson intends to submit a measure to legalize internet gambling, including poker, in Maryland. If passed, the state may become one of several that have done so. This decision aligns with the current research conducted by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. Watson has identified it as a chance to bring in more money for the state, which is crucial given its severe financial problems.
Reports indicate that the state has a projected $400 million shortfall and financial responsibilities, especially in education. Watson, who noted the possible revenue of $30 million to $40 million, stressed the seriousness of the situation. Significant businesses, including FanDuel, Caesars, and DraftKings, have been operating in Maryland since November 2022, demonstrating that the state already enables online sports betting.
In 2023, Watson introduced SB 267 to address iGaming, but it never made it out of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. The present plan calls for a licensing price of $1 million for four years and allows for as many as twelve operators. Watson had already proposed a gaming license price of $500,000 and stressed that licenses should be valid for five years. Another proposal is a 46.5% tax on internet gambling, which would open the door for the six casinos in the state to team up with internet operators and create interstate poker compacts.
Online Gambling Bill in Maryland
Given Maryland's population of more than 6.1 million, the possibility of online poker being included in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) might increase the number of players. Only some people involved are happy with this change.
Tracy Lingo and Paul Schwab, leaders of the Unite Here union representing 100,000 casino workers, have voiced concerns about possible employment hazards linked to internet gambling in Maryland. The business will reach its 10-year milestone in the US in 2023, and despite opposition, several authorized states have recorded record revenue rises in recent months.
A new law about internet casinos and poker has surfaced, indicating that efforts to create a regulated online poker sector in Maryland are continuing. According to gambling news reports, the online poker and casino industries were predicted to have enormous growth potential in a November assessment commissioned by state regulators. An impressive $533.4 million in gross gaming income was projected in the analysis by The Innovation Group for 2026. Additional forecasts indicated that 2032 the combined verticals will have reached $921 million.
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