Maryland lawmakers are preparing for hearings on 11 March to revisit the state’s approach to online gambling. Alongside a bipartisan proposal from Senators Jeff Waldstreicher and Chris West addressing unlawful sweepstakes and unregulated gambling, three bills sponsored by Senator Ron Watson will be considered. The hearings will examine whether to authorise online casino gaming, explore standalone online poker with multistate agreements, place the issue before voters in a 2026 referendum, and strengthen enforcement against unlawful platforms.
SB 885 sets out Maryland’s framework for online casino regulation. It proposes legalising online slots, table games, and bingo, with licences available to existing casino operators, sports wagering licensees, and certain eligible Maryland employers. Each operator could partner with one online platform provider. The measure specifies five‑year terms with fees of $1 million for a complete licence, $500,000 for live‑dealer‑only licences, and reduced rates for minority‑owned or social equity applicants. Notably, it leaves the question of a tax rate open for discussion at legislative hearings.
SB 885 addresses union concerns about job losses if gambling shifts online by requiring applicants to provide proof of a labour peace agreement guaranteeing no strikes or disruptions for five years. Consumer protection measures include a voluntary exclusion list, restrictions on marketing to self‑excluded players, delays on deposit‑limit increases, and annual reporting on risky gambling behaviour. To address fears that online gambling could reduce revenue at physical casinos, SB 885 calls for annual impact studies and establishes a fund to support displaced workers.
SB 884 outlines Maryland’s approach to online poker and skill‑based gaming. Unlike casino games, poker is classified separately as a skill‑based activity. The plan allows operators to retain 70 percent of earnings and sets licence fees at $1 million, with lower costs for minority‑owned businesses. Oversight would fall to the Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission. Crucially, the governor could approve agreements with other states for multijurisdictional online poker, enabling shared player pools and larger tournaments. Without such agreements, online poker markets often remain limited, while shared participation helps sustain them.
SB 761 sets out the constitutional requirement for voter approval before Maryland can expand gambling. Even if SB 885 and SB 884 pass, no changes would take effect without a statewide referendum. The bill would place the question on the November 2026 ballot, asking voters whether they support authorising internet gaming, with revenue directed to public education. This link to education funding is intended to frame the expansion as a public benefit, though whether voters will agree remains uncertain.
Maryland has attempted to expand online gambling several times without success. In 2023, both House and Senate bills stalled in committee, largely due to the referendum requirement complicating timing. In 2024, the House passed an iGaming bill, but the Senate did not act, leaving momentum divided. By 2025, enthusiasm had waned and proposals failed again. Opposition has consistently focused on union concerns about job losses, fears of reduced revenue at land‑based casinos, and hesitation from Senate leadership. The current proposals aim to address these objections directly.
Earlier in the session, lawmakers introduced SB 112 and HB 295 to address sweepstakes casinos. Regulators reported issuing 75 cease‑and‑desist letters, with about a third of operators complying. Industry representatives argued they were operating within Maryland law and expressed preference for regulation rather than prohibition. The debate over how to manage these platforms remains unresolved.
SB 652 targets illegal online gambling, including sweepstakes casinos. Activities such as sports betting, video poker, slot machines, table games, and sweepstakes systems offered outside regulation are defined as unlawful. Sweepstakes platforms using dual‑currency systems that can be exchanged for prizes or cash equivalents are specifically addressed. The bill grants the Attorney General authority to issue cease‑and‑desist orders and requires payment processors and platforms to block illegal operations. Penalties include civil fines, criminal charges, and confiscation of profits, aiming to curb unregulated gambling.
Lawmakers continue to weigh options for addressing sweepstakes casinos. Regulators have already issued 75 cease‑and‑desist letters, with roughly one‑third of operators complying. Industry representatives maintain they are acting within Maryland law and favour regulation over prohibition. The question of how these platforms should be managed remains unsettled.
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