Maryland Lawmakers Consider Online Casinos To Address $1.5B Budget Deficit

Maryland lawmakers are again reviewing whether legal online casino gaming could help close a projected $1.5 billion state budget deficit. Senate Bill 855 proposes allowing games such as blackjack and poker on digital platforms while directing part of the revenue toward education and regulatory programs.

Good to Know

• Maryland faces a projected $1.5 billion budget deficit.
• Senate Bill 855 proposes legal online blackjack, poker, and other casino games.
• Ocean Downs Casino and Worcester County officials warn about job and revenue risks.

Sen. Ron Watson introduced the proposal for a third consecutive year, arguing that regulated iGaming could bring in new tax revenue without increasing taxes or fees. Several US states already run regulated online casino markets, and supporters say Maryland could follow a similar model.

Under the bill, 1% of revenue would support problem gambling programs and another 1% would go to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Commission. Five percent would be directed to local education authorities, while remaining proceeds would support the Blueprint for Maryland Future education initiative.

Opposition has formed in Worcester County, home of Ocean Downs Casino. Local officials argue that shifting casino play to mobile devices could reduce visits to physical gambling venues and weaken a source of local employment and funding.

“Maryland’s gaming industry was built to support jobs, tourism, and local communities,” Bobbi Jones, general manager of Ocean Downs Casino, told WBOC. “iGaming shifts gambling to phones and living rooms while putting those jobs and community investments at risk. That’s not the direction Maryland should take.”

County commissioners sent a letter to lawmakers in Annapolis outlining concerns about the proposal. Officials said Ocean Downs has contributed roughly $46 million to local initiatives since opening in 2011, including funding for police vehicles and technical education programs.

Senate Bill 855 passed its first reading and now sits before the Budget and Taxation Committee. Lawmakers will review the measure before deciding whether to advance it. If approved and signed into law, the legislation would take effect July 1.

The post Maryland Lawmakers Consider Online Casinos To Address $1.5B Budget Deficit appeared first on iGaming.org.