The state of Maryland finds itself at the center of a crucial debate over the legalization of iGaming, with opposing positions among casino managers, industry employees, and lawmakers. While some see online gambling as an economic opportunity, others warn of the risk of job losses and an increase in gambling addiction.
In January 2025, Senator Ron Watson introduced Senate Bill 340 (SB 340), which seeks to legalize iGaming in the state. This initiative is similar to House Bill 1319 (HB 1319) from 2024, which passed the House of Delegates but did not advance in the Senate. Meanwhile, Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary introduced House Bill 17 (HB 17), with similar objectives.
Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary
On January 29, 2025, the Maryland Senate Budget and Taxation Committee held a three-hour hearing on SB 340. During the session, representatives from casinos such as Horseshoe Baltimore and MGM Resorts argued that a regulated market would help capture revenues from an illegal sector and strengthen protections for problem gamblers. It is estimated that iGaming could generate more than $1.65 billion in revenue within the first five years, helping to close the state's $3 billion budget deficit.
However, unions and casino employees have shown strong opposition. The Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO warn that the digitization of gambling could eliminate more than 1,200 jobs in physical casinos and indirectly affect sectors such as hospitality and entertainment. Companies like The Cordish Companies, owner of Live! Casino Maryland, also oppose the measure, arguing that iGaming could reduce revenues for traditional casinos and weaken the industry.
According to Atterbeary's proposal, the state would issue up to 12 iGaming licenses, with a 55% tax on earnings, reduced to 20% if operators include live dealer games. Most of the generated revenue would go toward the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, an ambitious education reform plan requiring $40 billion in funding over the next decade.
The Senate must still further debate the measure, and lawmakers have expressed concerns about the impact on physical casino workers and the potential expansion of gambling addiction. While the Budget and Taxation Committee continues to evaluate the issue, it remains to be seen whether Maryland will take the definitive step toward iGaming and if voters will approve the measure in November 2026.
