Maryland iGaming Push Returns; Senate Leadership and Referendum Questions Remain
Legislation will again be introduced to authorize iGaming. Del. Atterbeary, who successfully passed her bill out of the House last year will again champion the measure. She has indicated that she intends to pass the same bill, but is willing to work with the Senate on changes they would make.
The Senate President has not committed to support legislation this year, however, there continue to be growing budget pressures for the state and few areas where new revenues are available.
We have actively engaged the Governor’s office as well to secure his active support for iGaming as a budget item.
Based on our conversations, Cordish (a casino property owner in MD) is still firmly opposed to iGaming expansion.
Of note, if a bill passed in 2025 that required a ballot referendum, it would not go to the voters until 2026. There have been discussions on how to legally remove the ballot requirement, but there is no resolution to that matter.