Maryland eyes legal online casinos to plug £1.5B budget gap
Maryland lawmakers are considering legal online casino gaming to address a projected £1.5 billion budget shortfall. A new bill would allow digital versions of games like blackjack and poker across the state. The proposal has now advanced to the Budget and Taxation Committee for further review.
Senate Bill 855 passed its first reading and aims to regulate online casino operations. If approved, the law would take effect on 1 July, directing revenue into education and regulatory programs. Under the plan, 1% of proceeds would fund problem gambling initiatives, another 1% would go to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Commission, and 5% would support local education authorities. The remaining funds would bolster the Blueprint for Maryland Future education initiative.
Opposition has emerged in Worcester County, where Ocean Downs Casino operates. Critics warn that mobile gaming could divert players from physical casinos, risking jobs and local revenue. Since 2011, Ocean Downs has contributed around £46 million to community projects. Five US states—Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia—already permit regulated online casinos. Companies like DraftKings and Golden Nugget run digital platforms in some of these markets.
The bill's progress comes as Maryland seeks new revenue streams. If enacted, the law would allocate funds to education and gambling oversight while expanding digital gaming options. The Budget and Taxation Committee will now examine its financial and regulatory implications.
