Maryland lawmakers are once again attempting to legalize online gambling through House Bill 1319

[mtran]

The bill proposes a regulated system managed by the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission, allowing casinos, licensed sports betting operators, and select businesses to obtain licenses. The initial licenses will prioritize social equity applicants with at least 33% minority ownership. Online gambling revenue would go to the State Lottery Fund, with licensees keeping 80% of live dealer game earnings and 45% from other online gaming. The remaining funds would support state initiatives, including:
$10 million in the first year for the Video Lottery Facility Employee Displacement Fund, aiding casino workers affected by job cuts.
Local jurisdictions housing casinos receive annual funding, starting at $6.5 million in FY 2026 and increasing to $11.4 million by FY 2030, based on video lottery and online gaming revenue.
1% each allocated to the State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency for regulation, the Problem Gambling Fund, and education programs.
The remainder goes to education reform under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, already supported by sports betting revenue, which contributed $116 million by December 2024. A similar effort, Senate Bill 603 in 2024, sought to legalize online poker and casino games but stalled due to concerns over gambling addiction. Do you think Maryland will push this through, or will responsible gambling concerns block it again?

 

[kmiller]

The bill proposes a regulated system managed by the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission, allowing casinos, licensed sports betting operators, and select businesses to obtain licenses. The initial licenses will prioritize social equity applicants with at least 33% minority ownership. Online gambling revenue would go to the State Lottery Fund, with licensees keeping 80% of live dealer game earnings and 45% from other online gaming. The remaining funds would support state initiatives, including:
$10 million in the first year for the Video Lottery Facility Employee Displacement Fund, aiding casino workers affected by job cuts.
Local jurisdictions housing casinos receive annual funding, starting at $6.5 million in FY 2026 and increasing to $11.4 million by FY 2030, based on video lottery and online gaming revenue.
1% each allocated to the State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency for regulation, the Problem Gambling Fund, and education programs.
The remainder goes to education reform under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, already supported by sports betting revenue, which contributed $116 million by December 2024. A similar effort, Senate Bill 603 in 2024, sought to legalize online poker and casino games but stalled due to concerns over gambling addiction. Do you think Maryland will push this through, or will responsible gambling concerns block it again?

I dunno, man. Seems like every time they try to push this through, the addiction talk comes up. But honestly, who doesn't like a little online poker?

 

[yphillips]

I dunno, man. Seems like every time they try to push this through, the addiction talk comes up. But honestly, who doesn't like a little online poker?

Totally agree! Let people have their fun as long as there's some regulation, right? But I get the concerns too. Just hope they find a balance.

 

[david57]

You guys think they'll really prioritize minority ownership like they say? Sounds good on paper but… I’m skeptical.

 

[joshuagarcia]

You guys think they'll really prioritize minority ownership like they say? Sounds good on paper but… I’m skeptical.

Yeah, I feel you, David. But if they actually follow through, it could be a game-changer for those communities. Just need to keep an eye on how it’s implemented.

 

[keith97]

Honestly, I think they should just focus on responsible gambling education first. If they can show that they care about that, maybe people will be more open to it.