Maryland Takes Another Shot at Legalizing Online Casinos with New Bill

As the 2025 legislative session kicks off in Maryland, Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary is making another push to legalize online casinos in the state. Her bill, House Bill 17, aims to authorize online gambling and bring the state's gaming industry into the digital age.

This isn't the first time Maryland has considered the idea of online casinos. Last year, Atterbeary introduced a similar bill that passed in the House but ultimately stalled in the Senate.

"Contrary to what you may have heard, the sky will not fall if iGaming is implemented in Maryland," she said, emphasizing the importance of providing protections for problem gamblers while embracing the economic benefits of online gaming.

What Does House Bill 17 Propose?

If passed, House Bill 17 would allow Maryland residents aged 21 and over to play a range of online casino games such as slots, poker, and blackjack. The bill proposes a carefully regulated industry, with the Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (MSLGCC) overseeing operations and issuing licenses.

The bill also includes several key provisions:

• Licensing - Only existing casino operators and their partners would be eligible to apply for online gaming licenses. Additionally, the MSLGCC would issue up to five extra licenses through competitive rounds.
• Tax Revenue - 15% tax on gross gaming revenue would be levied, with funds directed toward public projects, including education.
• Consumer Protections - The bill would enforce strong measures to combat underage and problem gambling, as well as require robust cybersecurity to protect user data.

Atterbeary believes that the bill will not only bring Maryland in line with other states that have successfully launched online gaming, such as New Jersey, but will also create jobs and generate significant funding for state programs.

Addressing Concerns from the Casino Industry

Online casinos have faced opposition, especially from land-based casinos. In 2024, similar proposals sparked heated debates, with some casino operators like Maryland Live!, expressing concerns that online gambling would hurt their revenue. Labor unions also voiced fears about job losses as more gamblers turn to online platforms.

This year, Atterbeary's bill addresses these concerns by including safeguards like social equity measures and responsible gaming initiatives. It also focuses on the economic benefits, such as job creation and new revenue streams for the state.

What Games Could Maryland Gamblers Expect?

If House Bill 17 passes, players could enjoy a variety of popular online casino games, including:

• Online slots
• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Poker (including games like Texas Hold'Em and Three Card Poker)

Major U.S. gambling brands are expected to be part of the online casino scene in Maryland, offering a broad selection of games for players to enjoy from the comfort of their homes.

Next Steps for House Bill 17

House Bill 17 is currently under review by the Ways and Means Committee, which Atterbeary chairs. In the coming weeks, lawmakers will hold hearings to discuss the bill and gather public input. If it progresses through the legislative process, the bill could be put to a statewide vote, as any gambling expansion in Maryland requires voter approval.

While real-money online casinos are not yet available in Maryland, residents can still access social and sweepstakes casinos online, where they can play for fun or win prizes with in-game currency.

As momentum for legalizing online casinos builds, Maryland could soon join the growing list of states where online gaming is a key part of the economy.