Maryland's Interest in Online Casino Gambling Rises

To date, Maryland has been able to boast success in terms of legalizing online sports betting. Operators have been reporting robust revenue, which has added much-needed money to the state's financial coffers. Putting this success aside, the state's residents are becoming increasingly more curious about delays in bringing online casino gambling to the masses.

Some state lawmakers are calling it a curiosity. According to recent polls, it might be a bit more than a curiosity. The residents have been waiting patiently for the online gambling doors and windows to be opened wider.

Recent Legislative Attempts to Pass iGaming Legislation

The evidence shows that Maryland lawmakers are hearing the calls from their constituents. Last, there were several attempts to get viable iGaming legislation to the House and Senate floors. While those attempts proved to be futile, it appears the quest is continuing into 2026. Discussions have resumed in Annapolis with the presentation of House Bill 17.

This new bill is designed to create a framework for the legalization and regulation of online gambling. It calls for the development of licensing protocols, game fairness regulations, and provisions that would protect residents from problem gambling issues.

Admittedly, the bill seems to have stalled at this early juncture of the year. However, it does have lawmakers talking and thinking about the possibilities. Putting this interest aside, lawmakers have made clear that they intend to be cautious and deliberate about getting a new law to Governor Wes Moore's desk for his signature.

This caution is common among lawmakers throughout the U.S. That accounts for the fact that 40 states have legalized some form of (retail and or online) sports betting while only 7 states can lay claim to approving iGaming access. For what it's worth, those seven states are:

• Connecticut


• Delaware


• Michigan


• New Jersey


• Pennsylvania


• Rhode Island


• West Virginia
  

Notably, Maryland's lawmakers are not alone in terms of moving forward on online gambling legislation. States like Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Louisiana face similar delays for various reasons.

If one issue could be blamed for these delays, it would be concerns over consumer protection. In a 2025 statewide voter survey in Maryland, a large group of voters made clear that they were concerned about the effective regulation of iGaming operators. Many of them have heard the horror stories of online gamblers who were harmed by rogue offshore online operators. Residents want safety more than they want to line the state's coffers with more money.

What the Future Looks like for Online Casino Gambling in Maryland

There is evidence that problem gambling has become a bit of an issue since the legalization of online sports betting. The people know it, and they don't want things to get worse.

In all likelihood, nothing is likely to get done this year. Just the same, it doesn't look like discussions are going to cease anytime soon. By the end of the November mid-term election cycle, residents should have a better idea where lawmakers are standing on this issue.