Maryland iGaming Bill Returns as Budget Pressures Mount
Delegate Atterbeary has introduced HB 17, an iGaming bill for the legislative session beginning January 8th.
The bill is identical to the version that passed the House last year. Delegate Atterbeary has expressed her commitment to advancing the bill again this year and intends to move the current version forward without amendments (“warts and all”). However, she is open to supporting changes if the bill returns to the House after advancing in the Senate.
Challenges remain in the Senate, where the Majority Leader and the Chair of the Senate Budget Committee remain hesitant to support iGaming legislation. Opposition also continues from Cordish and Churchill Downs.
That said, Maryland’s worsening budget outlook may serve as a significant motivating factor to advance the bill this session, particularly as the Governor has shown willingness to discuss the potential revenue benefits. While the Governor has not yet taken a formal position, discussions are ongoing. We are continuing conversations with lawmakers and stakeholders and plan to travel to Annapolis in the coming weeks for additional meetings.