Maryland’s House Ways and Means Committee has approved iGaming legislation by a vote of 15-7.
The bill HB1319 seeks to put the matter of online casino gaming in the state to a public vote. If approved by legislators, a referendum would then be held asking voters to permit iGaming.
The bill was first introduced by Maryland Del. Vanessa Atterbeary and will now head to the full House floor where it will be voted on before being passed to the Senate. Maryland’s 2024 legislative session is to run through April 8.
HB1319 will allow the state’s six casinos to launch online casino platforms and partner with three iGaming providers. Maryland’s four off-track betting facilities (OTBs) and two bingo parlors would also be allowed to launch iGaming platforms. There would be one for media conglomerate Urban One, and five further licenses open for competitive bids.
HB1319 Key Points
- Up to 18 online casinos could launch
- Six casinos can each partner with up to three iGaming providers
- Four OTBs can launch one iGaming platform each
- Two bingo parlors can launch one iGaming platform each
- Urban One to receive one iGaming license
- Five online casino licenses put up for bidding
- Casinos must share 5% of their online win from first skin with a “social equity applicant partner.”
- Casinos must share 33% of win for 2nd and 3rd skins
- Each license to cost $1 million
Senate Opposed
Senate President Bill Ferguson has noted on several occasions that gaming expansion measures won’t be considered in his chamber this year. State Sen. Guy Guzzone also agreed that 2024 is too early to expand the state’s gaming industry.
Guzzone currently chairs the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. He has previously ignored iGaming legislation forwarded to the committee. However, Atterbeary hopes that a favorable taxation plan in her bill could see Guzzone change his stance.
I think it’s a different story when things are in front of you and actually on the table and are passed. We made it very clear that our members are interested in doing something for the Blueprint. We’re going to send over what we think is the right thing to do.”
iGaming is currently legal in seven states – Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.
An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.