Maryland online casino bill hits senate hurdles

Added: March 27, 2024

A bill to legalize online casinos in Maryland faces hurdles in the Senate committee after passing the House by a 92-43 majority.

HB 1319, which would allow statewide online casino gambling in a state with an established retail casino sector, as well as digital sports betting, is facing resistance in the Senate committee. The measure would be submitted in November 2022, but concerns about its possible impact on current casinos, gambling addiction, and remaining issues have spurred controversy.

The bill’s proponent, Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary, underlined the necessity to regulate internet gambling, which is currently taking place illegally in Maryland. The measure designates one percent of online casino tax income for PG and RG initiatives. Atterbeary also addressed worries about cannibalization of current casinos, claiming that the law has mechanisms to offset these impacts, including a ten-million-dollar provision for a fund to help existing casino employees.

The bill is running out of time this legislative session, as the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn on the eighth of April. Despite clearing the House and rapidly making its way to the Senate, the bill has stalled in the Budget and Taxation Committee, indicating a lack of votes to move it. Lawmakers are presently discussing the bill’s contents and prospective modifications.

Advocates say that online and retail gambling may work together to reduce financial losses for retail-only enterprises. Opponents, citing a research from Morgan State University’s Data Analytics and Sports Gaming Research department, raise concerns about potential employment losses, particularly among people of color.

Legalizing internet casinos has been difficult in 2024, with some states abandoning similar initiatives. In Maine, an analogous attempt came to an end in late February when lawmakers were divided on the topic. Despite these hurdles, supporters of the Maryland law remain enthusiastic about the initiative’s potential advantages to the state.

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