Maryland Introduces Second Bill to Legalize Online Casinos
House Bill 1319 Plans to Distribute 12 Online Casino Licenses but Not to the Already Existing Physical Casinos
Keep Your Fingers Crossed, Marylanders
Hey there, gamers! Get ready to level up, because Maryland is making moves to bring online casino action straight to your fingertips. Last week, Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary tossed her chips into the ring with House Bill 1319, a juicy piece of legislation that could pave the way for online gambling in the state.
HB 1319 is set to hit the House Ways and Means Committee on Feb. 26, and it’s packing some serious firepower. This bill ain’t playing small ball—it’s dishing out up to 12 online casino licenses like candy on Halloween. And get this: unlike its Senate counterpart, this bill isn’t hitching those licenses to the state’s physical casinos.
Now, let’s talk taxes, because Uncle Sam always wants his cut, right? Well, HB 1319 ain’t skimping. It’s slapping licensees with a minimum of 20% on live dealer table games and a whopping 55% on all other online casino gaming. Talk about a hefty toll! But hey, if you wanna play, you gotta pay, am I right?
But wait, there’s more betting news! While SB 603 and HB 1319 duke it out in the legislative arena, we’re in for a showdown of epic proportions. Both bills are getting their time in the spotlight, with SB 603 stepping up to the plate on Feb. 28.
Now, let’s talk timing. Maryland’s legislative session is in full swing, running through April 8, with a crossover deadline on March 18. That means our fearless lawmakers have a few weeks to shuffle these bills around like a deck of cards. And if one of them manages to climb the legislative ladder, it’s still gotta face off against the voters in November. Talk about a high-stakes gamble!
But hey, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Even if Lady Luck smiles upon us and these bills become law, we’re still looking at a 2025 launch date for online casinos in Maryland. So, for now, we’ll just have to keep hitting up the physical casinos and crossing our fingers for that digital revolution.
In the meantime, Marylanders can still get their gaming fix with in-person casino action and online and retail sports betting. And hey, let’s not forget about the lottery—because who doesn’t love a good scratch-off?
Maryland, brace yourselves! Betting online is about to explode brighter than a summer fireworks display. Dice rolling and slots spinning right in your living room? Game on, MD!
For gambling news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
