Maryland's legislative session concluded without the adoption of a bill aimed at legalizing online gambling. HB 1319, spearheaded by Democratic state Delegate Vanessa Atterbury, sought to permit up to 30 licensees to offer online casino games in Maryland. However, the bill failed to garner majority support.
Under the proposed legislation, companies could obtain licenses for a fee of $1 million over a five-year period. These licenses would be available to operators of land-based casinos, horse racing tracks, video lottery terminals, and other eligible brands through a competitive bidding process. Tax rates for most online casino games were set at a minimum of 55%, with live dealer games taxed at a lower rate of 20%.
Efforts to legalize online gambling in Maryland have encountered significant opposition, despite the state already having a regulated online sports betting industry and established land-based casinos. Concerns about potential job losses and market disruptions within the casino sector have contributed to resistance against
