Maryland iGaming Is a Possibility in 2025

Maryland is set to discuss the possible legalization of online casino gaming, potentially heralding a new era for gambling in the state. While America has been fairly conservative when it comes to online casinos, there have been intense efforts to make new breakthroughs.

Maryland to Discuss an iGaming Bill

The Maryland General Assembly is set to discuss Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary’s House Bill 17, which outlines a regulatory framework for iGaming. The measure, if passed, would legalize the vertical, setting the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission as the authority responsible for licenses and regulation.

Potential licensees will be required to prove their financial stability, tech capabilities and commitment to compliance.

The bill seeks to enable online gaming via a variety of platforms, including computers and mobile devices, allowing players to enjoy gambling products from their homes or on the go. In addition to launching online casinos, the measure also promotes job creation that would women and minorities with career opportunities.

In addition to all that, the bill would also potentially allow Maryland to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). If that happens, poker players in the state will be able to compete with players from other states that have ratified the agreement. These include Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Set to be heard on January 8, the bill would open the 2025 iGaming legislation efforts in the United States.

There Is Significant Opposition

Maryland lawmakers have been trying to get iGaming legalized for a while but previous efforts have unfortunately failed to leave a dent on the wall of opposition. Land-based operators in particular have been bullish on preventing iGaming from getting legalized, arguing that it would cannibalize their revenues, potentially leading to job cuts and jeopardizing local economies.

Other critics have cited problem gambling concerns as the reason for their opposition.

Proponents Cited a Wealth of Opportunities

Proponents of online casinos, on the other hand, have pointed out states where iGaming and land-based casinos coexist, arguing that the legalization of the former vertical would benefit the economy and allow Maryland to remain competitive with its neighboring states, some of which already allow online casinos.

Additionally, the launch of iGaming would stop money from flowing out into the more dangerous black market and would generate additional tax income. Funds from iGaming will be channeled toward education, workforce initiatives and problem gambling treatment.

Despite the challenges, some analysts believe that Maryland is among the states that are the most likely to legalize online casinos in 2025. This sentiment was echoed by Deutsche Bank expert Carlo Santarelli who noted that that Ohio and Maryland seem to be the most likely to pass a relevant measure, while New York and Illinois are the least likely to legalize online casinos.