Maryland legislator goes own way with new online casino bill

Article by : Charles Perrin Feb 12, 2024

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Maryland Rep. Vanessa Atterbeary has launched herself into the iGaming debate by presenting her own online casino bill.

After filing HB 1319 in the Ways and Means Committee at the end of last week, Atterbeary has a vision of how she wishes online casino gambling to play out in the state.

While there have been suggestions that there are similarities between this proposal and Sen. Ron Watson’s SB 603, this is not deemed as being a companion bill.

Rather, the bill is being viewed through the lens of a competing one with a change in discourse. For example, Atterbeary’s HB 1319 would make the casino licensing process more rigorous.

Indeed, it would be subject to bidding, and the proposed bill stipulates that the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission may not issue more than 12 untethered internet gaming licenses.

Among the other crucial points outlined in HB 1319, includes:

• A minimum tax rate of 55% for electronic games would be set, whereas SB 603 has established a rate of 47%.
• Unlike SB 603, which has no separate tax rate for live dealer games, the fresh bill proposes a rate no lower than 20%.
• Licensees will be permitted to enter into a labor peace agreement with labor unions to curtail work stoppages during the first five years, something SB 603 does not refer to.

Not only that, but Atterbeary has outlined taking serious steps to tackle problem gambling in Maryland.

The bill would call for licensees to display messages promoting responsible gambling during the log-on and log-off stages.

While Watson initially assumed control in campaigning for the introduction of online casinos, Atterbeary appears to be a bigger player in the Maryland legislature.

Discussing the impact of having two online casino bills on the table, John Papas, state advocacy director with industry advocacy group iDEA Growth, said: “We are pleased momentum is building and that Chairwoman Atterbeary and Sen. Watson have taken lead roles to shape the policy with an emphasis on job creation and equitable participation.

“Lawmaking is a process and I believe that a consensus approach will emerge that benefits consumers, the state and the industry.”

Atterbeary’s bill is scheduled for a hearing on February 26, just two days before Watson’s SB 603 is set for a hearing in the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee.

For a prospective bill to pass, voters would need to give their approval in November to amend the state constitution.