Possibility of Maryland Online Casino Legalization to be Discussed

Maryland legislators are set to look into the legislation of online casinos within the state following the pre-filing of the online casino bill Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary that passed the House last year.

Now known as HB0017, this bill outlines a regulatory framework for iGaming that will be used in the Free State’s jurisdiction. If passed, HB0017 will legalize the parameters and verticals which will place the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission as the authority responsible for licenses and regulation.

The bill seeks to enable online gaming via a variety of platforms, including computers and mobile devices, allowing players to enjoy gambling products from their homes or on the go. In addition to launching online casinos, the measure also promotes job creation that would give women and minorities career opportunities.

What Made Maryland Lawmakers Consider Legalizing Online Casinos?

One of the main reasons why lawmakers in Maryland have begun looking into the possibility of legalizing real money online casinos is due to addressing the state’s budget deficit for fiscal year 2026. 

According to Maryland State Senator Ron Watson, the prospect of reaping in potential revenue from online casinos for the state is worth looking into, as the looming $2.7 billion deficit is the largest one the state has faced in nearly 20 years.

Senator Watson recently joined the Senate Spending Affordability Committee. That’s where he heard about the deficit. He noted that the reason he changed his mind is because the revenue picture has worsened and the governor stated that all options are on the table,

“This is an option. Prudence dictates that this is available should the need arise as an alternative to raising taxes,” Watson added.

Senator Watson was pushing for iGaming in Maryland two years ago; he sought the opinion of Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown whether or not online casinos needed a referendum. Brown decided that iCasino was an expansion on gambling that required going in front of voters.

That said, an argument can be made that slot machines and casino games like blackjack, craps and roulette already are played legally at Maryland casinos. So putting them online is merely a different distribution method of the same games.

Will Maryland Online Casino Legalization Face Opposition?

In 2024, Maryland’s attempt to legalize online casinos encountered significant challenges and ultimately failed to pass through the legislature. One of the main objections came from representatives of the state’s brick-and-mortar casinos, namely Maryland Live! and Oceans Downs Casino. 

The two traditional casino employees expressed their concerns that online gaming could negatively impact their jobs and their families. They noted that online gambling could divert customers away from physical establishments, potentially leading to reduced revenue.

Meanwhile, labor unions representing casino workers also voiced strong opposition. Testifying during committee hearings, union members argued that the expansion of online gambling posed a direct threat to employment in Maryland’s existing casinos.

However, the House still passed iCasino legislation and included online casino revenue in its budget proposal. Del. Atterbeary and the House saw online casinos as a sustainable revenue source to support the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund.

That said, apart from the traditional casinos and their employees, one of the major players that need to be convinced on passing HB0017 is Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson, who was a hard no on taking up iGaming legalization last year.

Governor Wes Moore also needs to be swayed into signing off the iGaming bill. One of the concerns of the governor revolves around the problem gaming aspect, and that problem gaming would become exacerbated.

With the state’s budget for 2026 hanging in the balance, lawmakers seeking to legalize online casinos in Maryland might be a good option. If they manage to study, ratify, and implement HB0017, citizens in the Free State might become the home to one of the best online casinos in the U.S.