Maryland Considers Online Casino Legalization in 2025

Maryland Del. Vanessa E. Atterbeary has reintroduced legislation aimed at placing the question of legalizing and regulating online casino gaming before voters in November 2026. The bill, which mirrors a similar proposal from 2024, sets the stage for a renewed effort to expand the state’s gambling landscape. While the 2024 measure passed the House of Delegates, it fell short in the Senate, where the influence of key stakeholders, such as The Cordish Companies, played a pivotal role in derailing its progress.

As Maryland faces a growing budget deficit, proponents of the bill are looking to build momentum for a 2025 push. With an estimated $1 billion in annual tax revenue at stake, the stakes are higher than ever. However, gaining approval in both the Senate and from voters, alongside overcoming opposition from entrenched interests, will require careful strategizing. Still, key figures like Atterbeary and Sen. Ron Watson believe the tide may be turning in favor of online casino gaming.

 

A Refined Push for Legal Online Casinos

Atterbeary’s pre-filed bill, HB 17, is a direct reintroduction of 2024's HB 1319. The latter bill received House approval but was halted in the Senate, despite lobbying efforts from Sen. Watson. At the time, The Cordish Companies, which operates Maryland Live! Casino in Hanover, opposed the measure, citing concerns about competition and the impact on brick-and-mortar gaming operations. Cordish's influence and the broader resistance to online gaming expansion were seen as major hurdles.

For 2025, Watson remains cautious but optimistic. “There are certainly similar obstacles to what we faced last year,” he said, acknowledging continued opposition from entities like Cordish. However, Watson added that the state's fiscal condition has changed significantly, with Maryland projected to face a $2.7 billion budget deficit for 2026. The growing need for revenue could prove to be a decisive factor in securing enough support to push the bill across the finish line.

As Maryland's budgetary challenges intensify, the financial appeal of online casino gaming becomes more evident. According to projections, the iGaming market could generate up to $1 billion annually once it matures, providing a critical boost to the state’s tax revenue. This is particularly compelling given the substantial budget gap that must be addressed ahead of the 2026 fiscal year.

Despite the increased pressure to find new sources of revenue, key political figures, including Senate President Bill Ferguson and Gov. Wes Moore, remain hesitant about embracing online casinos. Additionally, The Cordish Companies continue to oppose the measure, citing the potential threat to the state’s established gaming infrastructure. This opposition, while formidable, may not be enough to stall the momentum behind Atterbeary’s bill if advocates can secure broader legislative support.

Assuming the bill passes through the General Assembly, the next step will be securing voter approval in November 2026. While online sports betting was legalized in Maryland through a referendum in 2020, the rollout of legal sportsbooks took longer than many anticipated, with licensed apps becoming available in November 2022. If online casinos are legalized, a similar process may unfold, though it could be expedited by the state’s existing infrastructure for online gambling.

Many of the key players in the online gaming space, including major casino operators, already have established relationships in Maryland through sports wagering. This existing presence could streamline the regulatory process, allowing the state to roll out online slots and table games more swiftly than the multi-year wait for sportsbooks.

If all goes according to plan, Marylanders could see legal online casinos up and running as early as 2027. But whether the state’s voters and lawmakers are ready for this next step in gambling expansion remains to be seen.

 

Expanding gaming in this way could help address that shortfall

 

Conclusion

The path to legal online casinos in Maryland is fraught with challenges, from legislative opposition to concerns about market impact. Yet, with the growing need for tax revenue, proponents are pushing ahead with renewed determination. If successful, online casino gaming could become a significant revenue source for the state, potentially starting as early as 2027. As the legislative process unfolds, Marylanders will be watching closely to see if Atterbeary’s bill can overcome the hurdles of opposition and lead to a new chapter in the state’s gaming history.