Online Casino Discussions Advance in Maryland
Last week, prominent Maryland legislators and iGaming experts gathered at Morgan State University’s Center for Data Analytics and Sports Gaming Research for a panel discussion on the future of gambling in the state.
The prevailing consensus among participants was that legalizing online casinos in Maryland is imminent.
While the discussion initially delved into revisiting previous sports betting legislation – with retail sportsbooks launching in December 2021 and mobile sportsbooks going live in November 2022 – the final 30 minutes of the conversation shifted toward the future.
Notably, Delegate Edith Patterson, former Del. Darryl Barnes and Becca Giden, the director of policy for Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, all expressed their belief in an upcoming push for online casino legalization in Maryland.
Sen. Ron Watson introduced an online casino bill during the 2023 legislative session, and although it did not progress, he anticipates reintroducing similar legislation in 2024.
Furthermore, the Maryland Lottery has commissioned The Innovation Group to conduct an iGaming feasibility study, slated for completion by November, with findings to be shared with the General Assembly. Any expansion of gambling in Maryland would necessitate a referendum in 2024.
Barnes emphasized the importance of a deliberate approach, drawing lessons from the state’s experience with sports betting. Barnes emphasized that the process is timely.
Despite concerns about potential problem gambling, the prospect of increased state revenue generation and enhanced consumer protections is considered compelling support for the legalization of iGaming, despite concerns about potential problem gambling.
Advocates argue that online casino gaming has demonstrated notably higher revenue potential than mobile sports betting in states where both are legalized.
Shawn Fluharty, a West Virginia legislator experienced in legalizing sports betting and casinos, pointed out that the revenue generated from iGaming in one month surpasses what takes nearly three months to accrue through sports betting alone.
Should Maryland embrace online casino gaming, Fluharty emphasized the importance of responsibly managing tax revenue. He and John Pappas believe a regulated market would provide much-needed consumer protections.
Pappas illustrated a significant consumer protection concern by encouraging individuals to question whether poker can be legally played in the state.
Papas highlighted that such searches often lead users to multiple affiliate sites falsely claiming legality and legitimacy. A regulated market could redirect customers to verified legal online poker platforms.
Furthermore, Maryland’s sports betting legislation was crafted to promote diversity, particularly benefiting minority- and female-owned businesses.
Similar inclusionary language is anticipated in future iCasino legislation. Lawmakers aspire to explore innovative ways to foster diversity among online casino businesses should Maryland proceed with casino legalization.
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