Maryland: February 22 Hearing Recap + Link to Recording

HB 1087 would require gaming operators, through the direction of the Commission to geofence all state colleges and universities to restrict betting on these campuses. The author of the bill testified that she is amending it to make clear that the onus for the geofence is on the operators, not the higher education institutions. During her testimony, she cited the 60 Minutes piece and the rise in betting with young male adults, particularly on college campuses.

HB 1029 increases funding for problem gambling and also creates funding for a gambling prevalence study. Interestingly, two representatives from Cordish testified in support of the bill and used their testimony to state their opposition to expanded online gambling (iGaming and iLotto) until the state could further study the matter. They referenced their submitted testimony and news stories they include about the dangers of online gambling. We suspect they will also testify next week in opposition to the iGaming bills. Chairwoman Atterbeary astutely pointed out that Cordish has a sports betting license in Maryland and sports and iGaming licenses in Pennsylvania.

A recording of the full hearing can be viewed below or via this link.

• Discussion re: college prohibition bill: @ 26-min mark
• Cordish testimony: begins @ 2 hr 10 min mark

Key Dates

• Feb 26 – Hearing on SB 1319 in House Ways & Means Committee
• Feb 28 – Hearing on SB 603 in Senate Budget & Tax