Online Casino Gambling Fails Again in Maryland

With Maryland voters focused on redistricting laws in the upcoming med-term elections, hopes were running high that voters might also get a chance to vote on the legalization of online casino gambling. It did not come to fruition as the Maryland assembly failed to get a bill in front of voters for the forth year in a row.

It's notable that redistricting laws do not require passage from the assembly to make it on the ballot. Unfortunately, any bill that hits the ballot regarding online casino gambling was going to require assembly passage. It became clear that it wasn't going to happen when two connected bills failed to make it out of committee, leaving Maryland residents restricted to access to online/retail sports betting and retail casinos that have been operating for years.

As for online casino gambling, Maryland residents will have to settle for waging while physically located in neighboring states, complying with state laws in those states. The tax revenue will continue going to said states, a core issue for voters who see the state government experiencing tax shortfalls.

Brief on Gambling History in Maryland

It was 2008 when the state finally allowed access to retail video slots in the state's first 5 licensed casinos. In 2012, bills were passed that allowed for the issuance of a 6th retail casino license, as well as the addition of table game gambling on games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. Retail sports betting was legalized in 2021, to be followed by the legalization of online sports betting in 2022.

It's noteworthy that the state's opposition to online casino gambling is not unusual. While 30+ states already allow online sports betting, only 7 states to date have passed iGaming laws. Those states are Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. Conflicts with local Indian tribes are often cited as the reason online casino gambling continually meets stiff opposition.

Lineage of the Failures

State Sen. Ron Watson, D-Prince George’s County, has led the push, starting in 2023. He led failed efforts in 2024 and 2025 as well.

In 2026, he put forth two bills that would have brought iGaming to Maryland. The first bill was Senate Bill 76, which would have amended the state constitution, allowing for online casino gambling. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 885 would have created the legislative framework, setting regulations and tax rates. Cancelled hearing and missed deadlines led to the withdrawal of both these bills, leaving online casino gambling as a non-starter for yet another year.

The Cost of No Action

Since the inception of online sports betting in Maryland, over $180 in tax revenue has been generated for the state's coffers with much of that going to an education fund.

By not passing online casino legislation, advocates claim that $225 million a year in additional tax revenue is being lost to other states. That's something lawmakers will need to consider in the future. For now, the wait will continue.