Maryland can join the growing list of states with online casino regulation. internet casinos bill, Senate Bill 267It was introduced in January by two Democrats.
The legislation would allow “the State Lottery and Gaming Oversight Commission to issue certain licenses to certain state video lottery operators to conduct or participate in certain online gaming operations in the state.”
The bill would also require a “State Internet Gaming Regulatory and Internet Gaming Regulatory Commission”.
Additionally, Maryland can allow multi-state online poker with other online poker states, such as Michigan and New Jersey.
The bill would “allow the governor, on the recommendation of the commission, to enter into certain multi-jurisdictional Internet gaming agreements with certain other governments, subject to certain limitations.”
The bill would require voters to amend the state constitution to allow online casinos under a “state eligible electorate referendum.”
The first reading of the bill took place in the Senate Budget and Tax Committee.
Maryland already has online sports betting. The state saw nearly $500 million in sports betting in December. Online betting sites launched in November.
The goal is to expand gambling in the country further. The six Maryland casinos combined to generate $165,175,099 in revenue from slots and table games during December 2022, the most recent reported month.
The total represents a decrease of $7,726,403 (-4.5%) compared to December 2021. Total casino gaming contributions to the country in December 2022 were $69,686,506, a decrease of $1,411,802 (-2.0%). %) compared to December 2021.
The six privately owned Maryland casinos offer slot machines and table games: MGM Prince George’s County National Harbor, LIVE! Casino and Hotel in Anne Arundel County, Horseshoe Casino Baltimore in Baltimore City, Ocean Downs Casino in Worcester, Hollywood Perryville Casino in Cecil County, and Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Allegheny County.
Other states considering online gambling licensing forms in 2023 include Indiana and New York.