A Maryland lawmaker 20 February filed a bill to shut down that state’s legal sports betting market. It is the second bill across the US this year calling for the end to an already legal market. Lawmakers in Vermont filed a similar bill there 4 February.
In Maryland, senator Joanne Benson filed SB 1033, which would shut down the legal online sports betting market 1 January 2026. In the text of the bill, Benson suggests that some operators have application fees refunded in certain circumstances. It would not affect the status of Maryland’s brick-and-mortar sportsbooks.
Retail sports betting launched in December 2021 in Maryland. Digital platforms launched in November 2022. Through January 2025, bettors had wagered a combined $12.2 billion (£9.6 billion/€11.7 billion) across both verticals, and the state got $143.2 million in tax revenue. Operators reported gross gaming revenue of $1.4 billion during that span. Between October 2022 and November 2022, handle rose from $39.7 million to $219 million alongside the launch of mobile wagering.
Gambling expansion also on the table
Maryland lawmakers are also considering gambling expansion this session. Committees in the senate and house have already heard witness testimony on the subject of icasino. Next week, they’ll start the process of considering bills that would allow historical horse racing machines at certain sportsbooks.
It appears unlikely that igaming will gain traction this session, as stakeholders are at odds. Some land-based casino companies oppose the expansion, saying it will hurt their existing businesses. And problem and responsible gambling advocates have pointed to a potential rise in gambling addiction should icasino be legalised.
It seems unlikely that SB 1033 will move this session, as it was introduced after the senate’s 3 February filing deadline. Bills filed after the deadline are referred to the rules committee. Bills introduced this session do not carry over to 2026.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/sports-betting/maryland-bill-repeal-sports-betting/
