Maryland's iGaming Bill's Chances Dim After Failing to Pass Before Crossover Deadline
A bill in Maryland proposed to authorize internet casinos with interactive slots and table games is facing an uphill battle to be passed this year. This is after the state legislature bypassed its "Crossover Day" without taking action on the gaming expansion measure.
"Crossover Day" is the cut-off date for ensuring a piece of legislation passed in one chamber of the Maryland General Assembly is considered in the other chamber. It falls three weeks before the legislature shuts up shop for the year, which is April 10, 2023.
In January, Senators Ron Watson (D-Prince George) and Nancy King (D-Montgomery) introduced Senate Bill 267, also known as the "Internet Gaming Authorization and Implementation Act." This legislation asks state voters if they're in favor of broadening commercial casino gaming to the internet through a referendum.
SB 267 already faced a battle to pass as a legislatively initiated referendum to amend the Maryland Constitution. It demands two-thirds majority support from each chamber of the General Assembly. Obtaining this level of backing would allow an online casino to be legalized with only a simple majority of the ballot vote.
Crossover Day Comes and Goes
SB 267 was assigned to the Maryland Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. The bill had a first reading in the committee on January 25, but no vote has been taken, as SB 257 remains there.
With "Crossover Day" now behind us, state legislators would need to propel the iGaming measure forward and expedite its discussions. This seems improbable, as the Assembly has over 100 legislative measures that need to be reviewed in the chamber they were passed to within the remaining 20 days before adjournment.
The amended sports betting legislation, part of SB 267, aims to create fresh tax income for the state education system. Maryland's casino industry, currently comprising six land-based commercial casinos, retail, and online sports betting, primarily facilitates funding for K-12 public education.
Last year, Maryland's casinos generated gross gaming revenue nearing $2 billion. The Maryland Education Trust Fund, which supports early childhood education, public elementary through secondary education, public school construction, and capital improvement projects, received approximately $617.1 million in 2022 casino taxes.
Sports Betting Bills Make it Across
Although iGaming might not be passing this year in Maryland, state lawmakers have greenlit bills that seek to update the regulatory landscape for sports betting in the Old Line State.
Senate Bill 620, sponsored by Senator Shelly Hettleman (D-Baltimore County), wants agreement from any sportsbook partnership forged with a college or university in the state to be disclosed. SB 620 sailed through the Senate and was transferred to the House last week.
Senate Bill 621, introduced by Senator Craig Zucker (D-Anne Arundel County) and co-sponsored by Hettleman, was also moved across the aisle before the deadline. SB 621 permits the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency to scan through sports betting handicappers. Handicapping services that lose more than they win would be subject to a state investigation and the potential revocation of their business license.
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