Marylanders might soon be holding poker chips in their pockets as the gaming boom takes its next step.
A little over a year after the state legalized online sports betting, two measures are circulating in the General Assembly that would put the question of legalizing online gaming—including slot machines, blackjack, poker, and other casino games—to the people. Throughout two sessions this week, lawmakers listened to almost eight hours of evidence regarding betting. Bettors' advocates emphasized the potential financial benefits, while opponents highlighted the dangers of compulsive gambling and addiction.
Some states are looking to internet gambling, or iGaming for short, to bring in more money in these tough economic times, much like the lottery did decades ago and sports betting recently. The rationale behind this is that governments may reap millions of dollars in yearly revenue by legalizing and taxing online gambling, similar to what some have done with cannabis recently. This would be preferable to raising taxes or cutting services. That has been accomplished by seven states, including several in the middle of the Atlantic.
Online Gambling and Maryland Lawmakers
Though Maryland lawmakers did not move a comparable measure last year, state officials have since commissioned a study to examine the possible consequences of legalizing, which has given rise to discussion in the current session. Legislation to allow online gambling is pending in the Maryland House and Senate, although a top General Assembly official has predicted this will not happen in 2024.
According to poker highlights reports, there was a lot of talk about gaming in Annapolis this week. Over five hours on Monday, delegates heard from both proponents and detractors of online gaming. Then, on Wednesday, five gambling-related legislation were discussed by the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. Witnesses on all sides of the debate over online gambling have shown up to testify.
On Monday, House Ways and Means Committee members heard arguments from casino executives, consultants based in Las Vegas, and a former statehouse member from Michigan who is now an executive with a betting company. They are requesting that the state regulate the market, which is currently illegal.
No comments:
Post a Comment