A Maryland lawmaker has introduced a bill that would shut down the state’s legal online sports betting market by January 1, 2026. Senator Joanne Benson filed SB 1033 on February 20, marking the second legislative attempt in the U.S. this year to eliminate an already legal sports betting industry. Earlier this month, Vermont lawmakers proposed a similar measure on February 4.
Under the proposed legislation, online sports betting operators in Maryland could be required to receive refunds on certain application fees, though the bill does not specify which operators would qualify.
The measure, however, would not impact retail sportsbooks, which have been operating in Maryland since December 2021. Mobile wagering was introduced nearly a year later, launching in November 2022.
Since the introduction of both retail and digital sports betting, Maryland bettors have wagered a total of $12.2 billion through January 2025. The state has generated $143.2 million in tax revenue from sports betting, while operators have reported gross gaming revenue of $1.4 billion during that time.
The market experienced early growth, with betting handle rising from $39.7 million in October 2022 to $219 million the following month when mobile wagering became available.
While some lawmakers are considering the reduction of gambling opportunities, others are focused on expanding gaming in Maryland. Legislative committees in both the Senate and House have begun hearing testimony regarding the potential legalization of online casino gaming. Next week, lawmakers will begin considering bills that would allow historical horse racing machines at select sportsbooks.
Despite discussions on gaming expansion, iCasino legislation is facing opposition. Some land-based casino operators argue that digital gaming could negatively impact their existing businesses, while responsible gambling advocates warn that increased access to online betting could contribute to higher rates of gambling addiction.
SB 1033 is unlikely to advance this session due to procedural hurdles. The bill was introduced after the Senate’s February 3 filing deadline, meaning it has been referred to the rules committee rather than proceeding through standard legislative channels. Additionally, because Maryland does not allow bills to carry over to the next session, the measure would need to be reintroduced in 2026 to remain under consideration.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/02/26/96436-maryland-lawmaker-proposes-bill-to-end-online-sports-betting-by-2026
