Earlier this year, House Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary introduced House Bill 17: proposing the legalization and regulation of online casinos in Maryland.
If passed, the legislation would establish a framework for licensing, player registration, and oversight by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission.
However, previous attempts to allow casino gambling in MD haven’t exactly gone well. Lawmakers have raised concerns about problem gambling and the challenges of regulating online platforms effectively.
But does that mean MD should abandon its efforts to legalize online casinos altogether?
Or should it double down on addressing the concerns raised?
Our experts, John and Peter, offer their perspectives on this significant legislative development plus everything you need to know about House Bill 17.
Maryland Casino Laws 2025: Current Legal Landscape of Online Gambling Maryland
Maryland legalized in-person casino gambling in 2008 through a constitutional amendment. This allowed video lottery terminals (VLTs), commonly known as slot machines, to be placed at specific locations.
Table games like blackjack and poker were later approved in 2012, and today, the state already has six commercial casinos, including MGM National Harbor and Live! Casino & Hotel, regulated by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency.
“The initial legalization of casino gambling in Maryland was definitely a significant step, but it primarily focused on in-person gambling. We’re already in the digital era, and restricting casino access to physical locations overlooks a significant portion of potential revenue and consumer demand,” argued John.
John also explained that it’s only logical to introduce an online gambling legislation because aside from potential revenues, “A regulated online market offers Marylanders a safer alternative to the numerous unregulated offshore gambling sites that are currently accessible.”
Steps Maryland Has Taken for Legal Gambling
As mentioned, this isn’t the first time that the state will be attempting to pass a bill to legalize a form of online gambling activity.
In 2020, Maryland voters approved a referendum to legalize sports betting, which led to the passage of House Bill 940 in 2021. This bill laid the groundwork for both retail and online sports betting in MD that were launched in 2022.
When it comes to online casino legislation in Maryland, the most recent efforts made for this before House Bill 17 were just last year (2024). However, it faced significant resistance in the Senate and did not make it to the final legislative agenda before the session ended.
Peter explained that while the argument for consumer protection through regulation is compelling, the increased accessibility of online gambling could inadvertently expose more individuals to the risks of addiction.
That’s mostly why the Senate felt like legalizing online casinos “could be more trouble than actual help, particularly when considering the potential strain on resources for problem gambling prevention and treatment,” Peter explained.
“While the promise of increased tax revenue is appealing, the social costs associated with widespread online casino access need to be thoroughly evaluated and addressed.
The Senate’s hesitation likely stemmed from a concern that the existing framework for responsible gambling may not be sufficient to handle the potential influx of new online casino players and the associated risks of addiction.”
Maryland Residents Are Still Playing Online Casino Games
Despite the current legal prohibition of online casinos within Maryland, a significant number of residents continue to engage in online casino gaming through various means.
Many access offshore gambling websites that, while not licensed or regulated by the state, readily accept players from Maryland.
Unfortunately, using these platforms comes with risks, as they are neither regulated by Maryland nor U.S. authorities. This means players have limited legal recourse if issues arise, such as disputes over payouts or account security.
Interestingly, some Maryland residents also turn to sweepstakes and social casinos as legal alternatives. These platforms allow users to play casino-style games for free or with virtual currency; some even offer the chance to redeem prizes.
While not the same as real-money online casinos, they provide a safer option for those looking to enjoy casino games online.
“The fact that Maryland residents are actively seeking out and using offshore online casinos underscores the existing demand for this form of entertainment. Rather than ignoring this reality, a regulated in-state market could provide a safer and more accountable environment for these players,” John said.
However, Peter counters this and says, “While acknowledging the demand for online casino games is important, the reliance on unregulated offshore sites, even if driven by a lack of legal alternatives, presents a significant challenge.”
Peter explained that the state must carefully consider whether legalizing online casinos will truly divert players from these risky platforms or simply create a larger pool of individuals exposed to potential gambling harms.
“After all, the temptation of easily accessible online casinos, even regulated ones, could still lead some individuals to bypass responsible gambling measures and potentially gravitate towards unregulated sites offering more lenient restrictions or different types of games.”
Understanding House Bill 17
Maryland House Bill 17 (MD HB17) builds upon previous attempts, such as the 2024 proposal (House Bill 1319), which passed the House but stalled in the Senate.
In January, when the Maryland online casino bill was introduced, Atterbeary said, “We’ve seen other states significantly boost their economies with online gaming. This legislation will bring Maryland into the future while providing critical funding for education and other essential services.”
It’s obvious that the core goal of these two casino bills is the same, but HB 17 includes changes aimed at addressing the concerns that derailed earlier efforts. That includes the inclusion of a Video Lottery Facility Employee Displacement Fund.
This is designed to support workers in Maryland’s land-based casinos who may be affected by the shift to online gaming. This directly addresses concerns raised by labor unions and brick-and-mortar casino operators, who feared that online casinos could cannibalize their revenue and lead to job losses.
The bill also includes enhanced responsible gaming measures, such as requiring all online platforms to display resources for problem gambling and dedicating 1% of annual iGaming revenue to Maryland’s Problem Gambling Fund.
When it comes to licensing, HB 17 proposes a $1 million fee operators have to pay to get a license valid for five years. It also allows for multijurisdictional agreements, enabling Maryland to collaborate with other states for activities like online poker.
When Will Online Casinos Be Legal in Maryland?
While HB 17 already includes improvements compared to HB 1319, it still faces challenges. There’s still a long road ahead before we finally know whether Maryland will actually legalize and regulate local online casinos.
Following its introduction in the House of Delegates, HB17 will undergo a thorough review process within relevant legislative committees.
These committees will hold hearings where lawmakers can discuss the bill’s provisions, hear testimony from stakeholders – including representatives from the gaming industry, problem gambling advocacy groups, and the general public – and potentially propose amendments.
“The committee process is where the real work of shaping legislation takes place,” explains John. “It provides an opportunity to refine the details of HB17, address any outstanding concerns, and ensure that the final version of the bill is robust and well-considered.”
If HB17 successfully navigates the committee process and receives a favorable vote in the House of Delegates, it will then move to the Senate for a similar review. The Senate will also have the opportunity to debate the bill, hold hearings, and propose amendments.
Differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill, if any, would need to be reconciled through a conference committee before a final version can be sent to the Governor for consideration.
“The Senate’s previous reluctance to advance online casino legislation suggests that HB17 will face significant scrutiny in that chamber,” notes Peter.
“Lawmakers will likely want assurances that the bill adequately addresses the potential risks associated with expanded online gambling access and that the proposed regulatory framework is sufficiently robust.”
Ultimately, just like the online sports betting bill passed in 2020, the bill will be subject to a statewide referendum. This means that Maryland residents will have the final say on whether to amend the state constitution to allow for commercial online casino gaming.
If we do reach that point, the referendum would likely appear on the ballot in the next general election.
“While a referendum allows the public to decide, it also means that the debate surrounding the potential impacts of online casinos will likely intensify as the election approaches. Educating voters on the complexities of the issue will be crucial,” Peter explained.
The Future of Online Casinos in Maryland
If Maryland legalizes online casinos, the state could see transformative changes in its local gambling industry.
A regulated online casino market would provide residents with legal and secure platforms for games like slots, poker, and blackjack. This would reduce reliance on offshore gambling websites, which we already know carry risks.
Why Legal Online Casinos in Maryland Matter
Legalizing real money online casinos in Maryland can have advantages, and that includes the potential for significant tax revenue generation.
Multiple states with legalized online casino markets have reported substantial contributions to their state budgets through licensing fees and gaming taxes.
In 2024, Pennsylvania’s online casinos generated over $2.1 billion in revenue, while sports wagering revenue reached over $500 million.
Maryland’s own online sports betting market is also proof that legal online casinos can bring in substantial revenues. Since the legalization of sports wagering, MD has already gained over $11 billion in sports betting handle, $880+ million in revenue, and over $100 million in taxes.
Potential Online Casino Brands Entering the Maryland Market
So, which brands will likely enter Maryland’s legal online casino scene?
“Given Maryland’s proximity to states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania, brands like Golden Nugget and Borgata, which have a strong presence and proven track record in those regions, would likely find significant success in Maryland,” John said.
Peter also shared their two cents and said, “We can also consider operators with strong sports betting ties in Maryland, like DraftKings and FanDuel. Their existing user base and marketing infrastructure could provide a significant cross-promotional opportunity, so they could quickly gain traction in the online casino market.
However, I’m more interested to see how effectively their sports-focused brand image will translate to the online casino environment.”
Gambling Options While Waiting for Maryland Online Casino Legalization
It will be quite a wait before we come to a conclusion on whether Maryland will finally allow local online casino operations. Until then, locals will still likely continue to play at unregulated online casinos or those that are licensed offshore.
John cautions, “Continued participation in offshore online casinos, despite their accessibility, exposes Maryland residents to considerable risks. So, if you’re considering gambling at offshore casinos, know these risks and only trust reputable brands with licenses.”
Peter suggests trying out alternatives. “While not a perfect substitute for regulated real-money online casinos, sweepstakes and social casino platforms can offer a lower-risk alternative for Maryland residents who enjoy casino-style games online while the legislative process unfolds. These platforms generally adhere to legal requirements and provide a level of consumer protection absent on unregulated offshore sites.”
That said, if you have the time for it, Maryland’s local casinos offer a fine alternative.
Here are some of the casinos you can visit in the state:
Horseshoe Casino Baltimore: This two-story casino features hundreds of slot machines, video poker, and table games, including a World Series of Poker (WSOP) room. It also houses Maryland’s only full-service Caesars Sportsbook for sports betting enthusiasts.
Live! Casino & Hotel: This AAA Four Diamond-rated casino has over 4,000 slot machines, 200 table games, and a poker room. It also includes luxury accommodations, award-winning dining options like The Prime Rib, and a FanDuel Sportsbook for in-person sports betting.
Hollywood Casino Perryville: This casino offers a friendly atmosphere with Vegas-style gaming. It features a mix of slot machines, table games, and live entertainment.
A&A Gaming at Abner’s Crab House: This Chesapeake Beach venue combines gaming with a unique dining experience. While smaller in scale, it offers a cozy environment for casual gaming enthusiasts.
Tips for Choosing Online Gambling Platforms Currently Available
If you still prefer to engage with currently accessible online gambling platforms, be they licensed offshore sportsbooks or sweepstakes/social casinos, here’s a guide to help you have a safer gambling experience.
Scrutinize the Platform’s Security Certificates and Protocols
This is more than just checking if the casino site has “https” in its web address. You should dig deeper and look for details about the type of encryption used (e.g., 128-bit or higher SSL) and whether the platform undergoes regular security audits by independent third-party firms.
These audits assess the resilience of their systems against vulnerabilities. Some of the known third-party casino testers you can trust are eCOGRA and iTechLabs.
Online casinos that pass their testing usually have a tester’s badge on their websites.
Look into the Platform’s Ownership and Track Record
Research the company or group that owns and operates the gambling platform. Look for information about their history, other gambling ventures, and any regulatory actions or controversies associated with them.
A long-standing and reputable ownership group provides a degree of assurance regarding fair practices. You should avoid platforms run by unknown or potentially disreputable operators who may be more likely to engage in unethical practices or have financial instability that could jeopardize your funds.
Evaluate the Transparency of Game Mechanics and Payout Rates
Reputable platforms, even those offshore, often provide information about the Return to Player (RTP) percentages for their games. RTP is a key metric used in gambling to indicate the percentage of total wagered money a game is designed to pay back to players over time.
Just know that a high RTP isn’t a guarantee of short-term wins. What really matters here is the transparency in game mechanics and payout rates. Not many online casinos disclose this information. Only a few have dedicated pages for game RTPs, and that’s always a big plus.
Also, seeing game RTPs helps you make more informed decisions about the games you should play and identify platforms that are more likely to offer a fair gaming experience than those with opaque or potentially manipulated systems.
Assess the Responsiveness and Availability of Customer Support
Before depositing significant funds, test the platform’s customer support through various channels (e.g., live chat and email). Gauge their response time, the clarity and helpfulness of their answers, and availability across different time zones.
Responsive and accessible customer support is vital for resolving any issues or disputes that may arise during your gaming sessions. Know that even the best platform can encounter problems, so it’s a matter of which of them prioritizes helping their customers.
Understand the Platform’s Data Privacy Policies
Carefully review the platform’s data privacy policy to understand how your personal information is collected, used, and stored. Pay attention to whether the platform shares data with third parties and the measures it takes to protect your privacy.
Platforms with clear and comprehensive privacy policies demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding your personal information. You can usually find this on an online casino’s Terms & Conditions page.
General Tips for Responsible Gambling
Regardless of your chosen platform or the legal status of online casinos in Maryland, adhering to responsible gambling practices is essential for a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.
Here’s how you can practice responsible gambling:
- Set a Financial Budget: Decide how much you can afford to lose and stop as soon as you reach that limit. Never gamble with funds earmarked for essential expenses like rent or bills.
- Establish a Time Limit: Decide in advance how long you’ll spend gambling and stick to that duration. This helps in preventing gambling from interfering with other important activities in your life.
- Avoid Chasing Losses: Trying to recover lost money often leads to impulsive decisions and bigger losses. Accept losses as part of the experience, and stop playing if things aren’t going your way.
- Understand Game Mechanics and Odds: Learn the rules and odds of the games you’re playing. Being informed helps you make better decisions and enjoy the activity more strategically.
- Monitor Emotional Well-Being: Avoid gambling when feeling stressed, angry, or overly excited. Emotional gambling can lead to poor choices. Take breaks to keep your mind clear and focused.
- Seek Help When Needed: If you find yourself gambling excessively or feeling out of control, reach out to organizations like Maryland’s Problem Gambling Fund or national helplines for support.
The Future of Maryland Online Casinos
The question of legalizing online casinos in Maryland isn’t going to be resolved overnight.
There are still many steps in the legislative process, and the possibility of a public vote adds another layer of time and uncertainty.
So, it’ll be a while before we know the final outcome of HB 17.
“This whole process will shape how Marylanders experience gambling in the future. It’s a big deal, and not rushing this decision is important. For now, even if I don’t recommend it, those who still want to gamble online should prioritize their safety at all times.” Peter said.
