Attempts to legalize online gaming in Maryland have once again stalled, as introduced bills failed to advance before the legislative deadline. Proponents, including Del. Vanessa Atterbeary and Sen. Ron Watson, argue that legalizing online gaming could mitigate the $3 billion budget shortfall by capitalizing on an estimated $7 billion illegal gambling market. Despite the potential economic benefits and ongoing discussions, Gov. Wes Moore has not prioritized online gaming in his budget. Consequently, the future of regulated online gaming in Maryland remains uncertain, highlighting resistance from some gaming companies concerned about market impacts.
Watson told Card Player that he believed clearing unlicensed operators from the market could pave the way for legal, regulated online gaming to come to the state.
The intent of this bill is to acknowledge and put a halt to the amount of illegal gaming going on, and the uncaptured state revenue that is missed by not regulating and supporting legal iGaming.
Maryland faces a budget shortfall of about $3 billion, but Gov. Wes Moore has not included online gaming in his budget outline for the coming fiscal year.
Abernathy estimated that the state has an illegal gambling market of $7 billion and hoped her bill would help the state recapture some of that lost revenue via a legal market.
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