The Maryland Senate will hold hearings on March 11 to consider expanding online gambling in the state. Senator Ron Watson’s legislative package includes bills to authorize internet casino gaming, establish multistate online poker, and place the question before voters in November.
SB 885 creates the framework for iGaming licensing, permitting slots and table games online. Existing casino operators and sports wagering licensees could apply for licenses costing $1 million, or $500,000 for live-dealer-only operations. The bill requires labor peace agreements and includes consumer protection measures like 24-hour delays on deposit limit increases.
SB 884 establishes separate licensing for skill-based gaming, explicitly including poker. This legislation allows Maryland to enter multistate agreements for shared player pools, potentially joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement. Shared liquidity is considered essential for viable online poker tournaments.
SB 761 authorizes a statewide referendum required for gambling expansion. If passed, voters would decide in November 2026 whether to approve internet gaming, with proceeds dedicated to education funding.
A separate bill, SB 652, targets illegal sweepstakes casinos by prohibiting operations using dual-currency systems that allow prize redemption. The bill enables the Attorney General to issue cease-and-desist orders and requires payment processors to block transactions.
Previous iGaming efforts stalled due to labor union concerns about job displacement and casino operator fears of cannibalization. This year’s proposals address these issues through employee displacement funds, incumbent-friendly licensing, and mandatory impact studies.
The Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission has sent 75 cease-and-desist letters to sweepstakes operators, with approximately one-third complying. Passing enforcement legislation would strengthen the regulator’s ability to combat illegal operations.
