Maryland’s casinos had a steady month in October. Together, the six properties pulled in just over $162 million from slots and table games, according to Maryland Lottery and Gaming. It’s roughly $1.5 million more than October of last year, which is nothing dramatic, but enough to show the industry’s still holding its ground.
The state’s share went up, too. Casino contributions reached $69.6 million for the month, about a million higher than last October. More than $50 million of that total was sent to the Education Trust Fund, which keeps classrooms supplied and programs running across Maryland. A small percentage bump may not sound like much, yet those few extra dollars turn into real benefits once the checks clear.
Insights from the figures show some gamblers stay loyal to the casino floor, but plenty of people are now mixing in digital play. Interest keeps rising, which has led those interested to guides explaining how Americans find trusted poker sites. These resources point out where the best games, bonuses, and quick payouts can be found. For Maryland residents, these sites highlight offshore alternatives that can be legally accessed from the state, since it doesn’t offer registered options of its own.
Through the first four months of fiscal 2026, which began July 1, total casino revenue came to about $649.5 million. That’s down 2.1% from the same period a year ago. Contributions to state funds slipped as well, off roughly 1.4%. Economists blame everything from tight household budgets to fewer weekend travelers. Even so, those figures still rank among the strongest in the mid-Atlantic, and few expect Maryland’s numbers to drop far.
MGM National Harbor once again led the state. The Prince George’s County resort made $67.9 million in October, about 2% less than a year earlier. Live! Casino & Hotel in Anne Arundel County followed close behind with $59.6 million, ticking up about 1.7%. Between them, the two heavyweights account for most of Maryland’s gaming income and continue to draw visitors from the D.C. area and beyond.
Baltimore’s Horseshoe Casino had a brighter story to tell. It posted $15.5 million in gaming revenue, which is up more than 12% year over year. Ocean Downs Casino on the Eastern Shore did nearly as well, climbing 11% to $8.1 million. Fall events and a steady tourism stream helped both properties. For smaller towns that rely on that seasonal traffic, the lift means more full hotel rooms and busier restaurants, which matter just as much as the casino totals themselves.
The numbers weren’t all positive. Hollywood Casino Perryville’s revenue dropped to $6.4 million, a decline of about 10%. Out west, Rocky Gap Casino Resort earned $4.4 million, roughly flat compared with last year.
The money generated each month doesn’t just pad state accounts. The majority goes back to local governments. The arrangement spreads the benefit beyond casino walls, which was the point from the beginning when Maryland legalized gaming more than a decade ago. Since then, oversight has always come from the Maryland Lottery and Gaming. The agency manages everything from license renewals to financial audits. Its job isn’t glamorous, but without that level of scrutiny, confidence in the system would fade fast. Regulators track revenues closely, making sure the numbers add up before announcing results to the public each month.
In recent years, lawmakers have debated another source of revenue: online gambling. Recently, this debate has sparked again with a new proposal known as House Bill 1319. Introduced by Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary, this bill would allow internet casinos to operate legally under state supervision. Proponents say the measure could modernize Maryland’s gambling industry while generating tens of millions in new revenue for the state.
Under the plan, much of that income would be funneled into the same programs that benefit from today’s casino profits. The State Lottery Fund would receive the largest share, while local jurisdictions would see annual increases in allocations tied to gaming revenue. Portions would also support education reform through the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, along with a dedicated pool to help casino workers whose jobs might shift as online play expands.
By the look of it, October was neither a banner month nor a disappointment. A few casinos gained, a few slipped, and overall revenue nudged upward just enough to keep everyone comfortable. If Maryland eventually moves forward with online gaming, those monthly totals could rise considerably, expanding not just the industry’s footprint, but the funds flowing into schools, counties, and community programs across the state.
