New Maryland Senate Bills Aim To Legalize Online Casino Gaming

Maryland lawmakers have renewed efforts to expand the state gambling market by introducing bills that would legalize online casino gaming and internet bingo. Any expansion would require approval from voters through a statewide referendum scheduled for the 2026 general election.

Good to Know

• Maryland lawmakers introduced two Senate bills tied to online casino legalization.
• Voters could decide the issue during the November 2026 election.
• Education funding stands as a key destination for potential gaming revenue.

Two bills introduced in the Maryland Senate create the framework for possible online casino gaming in the state. Lawmakers designed the legislation so both bills work together. One bill addresses the constitutional requirement needed for gambling expansion, while another bill describes how the market would operate if voters approve the change.

Senate Bill 761 focuses on the constitutional step required before internet gaming could become legal. The bill would place a question on the November 2026 general election ballot, asking Maryland voters whether online casino gaming and internet bingo should be permitted.

The ballot question would also note that part of the revenue generated through internet gaming would support public education programs across the state.

If voters reject the question, online casino gaming would not move forward and the related legislation would not take effect.

Regulatory System Detailed In Second Bill

A second piece of legislation, Senate Bill 885, describes how online casino gaming would function if voters approve the referendum. The bill outlines licensing requirements, compliance standards, and oversight responsibilities for companies operating internet gaming platforms.

Regulation would fall under the Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission, which already supervises casinos and sports betting in the state.

The bill largely mirrors the structure used for existing casinos in Maryland. Licenses would typically be available only to companies that currently operate casinos in the state, although those operators could partner with approved technology providers to run online platforms.

The bill also details safeguards designed to protect consumers participating in online casino gaming and internet bingo. Compliance rules and regulatory oversight would aim to maintain integrity within the market if legalization occurs.

Lawmakers supporting the bills have pointed to education funding as a key benefit tied to potential online gaming revenue. Funds generated through the market could help support programs tied to Maryland public schools.

Voter Support Remains Uncertain

Even with new legislation introduced, the path toward legalization remains uncertain. Previous attempts to authorize online casino gaming in Maryland have struggled to gain widespread support.

Public opinion may also present challenges if the referendum reaches the ballot.

A poll conducted in October 2025 by Lake Research Partners for the National Association Against iGaming found that 71 percent of Maryland voters oppose online casino legalization.

Those results suggest lawmakers could face a difficult campaign if voters ultimately decide the issue during the 2026 election.

Maryland already operates a regulated gambling environment that includes land based casinos and statewide sports betting. The new bills represent another attempt to expand that system into online casino gaming.

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