Maryland House iGaming Bill: iDEA Review of Draft (bill text not yet available)
February 9, 2024
On Feb 9, 2024 MD’s House Ways & Means Committee Chairwoman Atterbeary introduced the House version of an iGaming bill. The bill text is not yet available, however, iDEA was able to review a draft, and we provide a summary below.
Based on our first review of the bill:
- Commission will award up to 12 licenses based on an application process to be established – not tethered to land-based entities
- Applicants must demonstrate that they have a 5% ownership of an individual with a personal net worth (determined by the commission) that “encourages diversity, equity and inclusion in the internet gaming industry.” OR a “profit-haring agreement with nonmanagement employees “ with a PNW that “encourages diversity, equity and inclusion in the internet gaming industry.”
- Applicants must commit to a minimum tax of 20% on live dealer table games, and a 55% tax on all other internet gaming
- Applicants must provide a workforce development plan for hiring in-state jobs, and also hiring individuals from “economically disadvantaged areas.”
- $1M initial license fee
- 5 year license term; renewal 1% of avg annual proceeds of preceding 3 years
- Labor peace agreement requirements
- Live dealer studio located in the state, but not required to be at a casino