Maryland legislators have filed a new bill that would bring online casino games to the state. The measure represents another attempt to expand digital options beyond the current sports betting platforms.
House Bill 17, introduced by Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary of Howard County, would authorize residents 21 and older to access online casino games that include blackjack, poker, and slots through regulated platforms. The measure proposes regulation by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission.
Players interested in online gaming opportunities can find information about current welcome offer details from established platforms that feature deposit bonuses up to 250%, free spins promotions, and various incentive packages with different wagering requirements. Such promotional structures give insight into what Maryland residents might expect if the legislation passes and licensed operators begin offering services in the state.
The proposed legislation imposes a $1 million licensing fee on operators, with licenses valid for five years. Revenue from online games would be subject to varying tax rates depending on the game type. The majority of proceeds would go to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which supports public education programs.
Under the bill, online casino licenses would be available to video lottery operators, sports betting facilities, and companies that have maintained Maryland headquarters for at least 10 years. The commission could issue up to five additional licenses to applicants meeting social equity requirements.
Atterbeary previously sponsored similar legislation in 2024 that passed the House but failed to advance in the Senate. The delegate has argued that people with gambling concerns will find ways to participate regardless, making it the state’s responsibility to create proper protections and fund support programs.
Opposition to last year’s bill came from concerns that online casino games would hurt retail casino revenue. Labor unions that represent casino workers also voiced strong opposition and argued that expansion posed threats to employment at existing facilities.
The current proposal includes provisions for responsible gambling and requires one percent of tax revenue to fund support initiatives for those who need help with gambling. The bill also enables multi-state internet gaming agreements, which would include online poker.
Maryland law requires constitutional amendments for any gambling expansion, which means voters must approve the measure through referendum. The bill would need to pass both chambers of the General Assembly first, then face the lengthy process of regulatory development.
Regulators estimate the earliest launch date would be 2027. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission would spend months writing rules, reviewing license applications, and building oversight systems before the first online casino could open.
The state has been adding new gambling options in recent years, though casino revenue declined in recent months. Retail casinos came first, followed by sports betting. Mobile sports wagering launched in late 2022. Supporters say online casinos would put Maryland on equal footing with Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, which already have digital casino markets.
The bill establishes an Employee Displacement Fund that would receive up to $10 million in its first year, addressing concerns about potential job impacts at existing casino locations.
If successful, Maryland would become the seventh state to permit online casino gaming. The legislative session runs through early spring, with committee hearings scheduled on the proposal in the coming weeks.