Maryland’s sports wagering operators contributed $13,473,873 to state funds in September 2025, driven by a total handle of $650,971,388 from retail and mobile bets. Bettors received $577,911,350 in prizes, leaving operators with an 11.2% hold. The contributions supported public education through the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund and bolstered the state’s General Fund. Retail operators directed 15% of taxable proceeds to the Blueprint Fund, while mobile operators allocated 15% to the Blueprint Fund and 5% to the General Fund. This resulted in $10,184,238 combined for the Blueprint Fund and $3,289,635 for the General Fund from mobile sources.
The monthly handle marked a 22.2% increase from September 2024’s $532,866,676, reflecting continued growth in the market. Mobile wagering dominated with $636,667,610 in bets, including $3,642,980 in deductible promotional wagers, while retail locations handled $14,303,779, with $14,140 in promotional deductions. Prizes paid out totaled $565,764,518 for mobile and $12,146,833 for retail. After deductions, taxable win stood at $65,792,705 for mobile and $2,102,214 for retail, yielding taxes of $13,158,541 and $315,332 respectively.
Since the program’s launch in December 2021, cumulative contributions have reached $199,862,930 to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, $7,279,362 to the General Fund, and $4,845,089 from expired prizes to the Problem Gambling Fund. The Blueprint Fund, established through legislation in 2020 based on recommendations from the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, also known as the Kirwan Commission, finances enhancements in public education. These include expanded pre-kindergarten access, increased teacher salaries, support for schools in areas of concentrated poverty, and career and technical education programs. In fiscal year 2025, which ended June 30, sports wagering alone contributed $88.9 million to the Blueprint Fund, part of a broader $1.589 billion from lottery, casinos, and wagering that supported state initiatives.
Retail sports wagering began at select locations in December 2021 following voter approval in November 2020 and enabling legislation in May 2021. Mobile wagering launched statewide in November 2022, expanding access and boosting revenues. By October 2025, Maryland featured 12 mobile operators and 13 retail sites, including casinos and off-track betting facilities. The tax structure adjusted in fiscal year 2025, increasing mobile contributions to 20% of taxable win from 15%, with the additional 5% directed to the General Fund starting in June 2025.
Previous months illustrate the market’s trajectory. In August 2025, contributions totaled $9,039,368, a 62% rise from August 2024, with a handle of $434.2 million. July 2025 saw $7.2 million contributed, up 47.4% year-over-year, amid a handle of $370.8 million. June 2025 marked a fiscal year high with $9.2 million, closing out fiscal year 2025 strongly. These figures underscore seasonal variations, often tied to major sports events like football season kickoffs.
The Problem Gambling Fund, funded by expired prizes, addresses responsible gaming needs through education and treatment programs. Maryland encourages legal platforms to ensure consumer protections, as emphasized in state campaigns during high-volume periods like football season. Licensed operators must adhere to regulations overseen by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, including age verification and geolocation restrictions.
Casino revenues, separate from wagering, dipped 5% in September 2025 to $151.5 million across six facilities, with MGM National Harbor leading at $62.3 million. This contrasts with wagering’s upward trend, highlighting diversification in Maryland’s gaming sector.
The Blueprint Fund’s investments have tangible effects in Southern Maryland schools. For instance, funding supports expanded early childhood education in St. Mary’s County Public Schools and career readiness programs in Charles County, aligning with state goals to improve educational outcomes in rural and suburban areas. As contributions accumulate, they enable sustained improvements without relying solely on general tax revenues.
Maryland’s wagering program evolved from a 2020 referendum where 67% of voters approved legalization, leading to the first retail bets at Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore. Mobile expansion followed, with operators like Fanatics and bet365 joining established platforms. The market’s growth mirrors national trends, though Maryland maintains a focus on education funding as a core benefit.
