Internet Gaming and Online Bingo - Authorization and Implementation
SB885 would authorize internet gaming and online bingo in Maryland, subject to licensing and regulation by the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission. The bill creates a new subtitle governing who may apply, how licenses are issued and renewed, what games may be offered, and the operational rules for online casino-style gaming and electronic bingo. It also authorizes the Governor, on recommendation of the Commission, to enter into multijurisdictional internet gaming agreements with other governments, and it requires the measure to be approved by voters in a statewide referendum before taking effect.
The bill is structured to channel most gaming and bingo proceeds into state and local public purposes, especially education. It directs revenue to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, county education funding, the State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, the Problem Gambling Fund, and existing racing-related accounts, while also creating a Video Lottery Facility Employee Displacement Fund to support workers displaced by internet gaming. The bill also imposes consumer protections, age verification, data security, advertising limits, self-exclusion tools, and reporting requirements, and it requires live dealer studios to be located in Maryland.
SB885 would amend multiple sections of Maryland law in the Education, Labor and Employment, Economic Development, and State Government articles. It would add a new Subtitle 1F to the State Government Article to establish the legal framework for internet gaming and online bingo, including licensing, enforcement, revenue distribution, and responsible gaming requirements. It would also adjust education funding formulas so county education obligations are offset by internet gaming proceeds, and it would create a special fund for displaced video lottery employees. The bill would affect the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission, licensed gaming operators, commercial bingo operators, counties, school funding systems, the racing industry accounts, and workers at video lottery facilities.
Based on the bill text, the measure is framed as a revenue-raising and education-funding expansion of commercial gaming, with strong emphasis on social equity participation, minority- and women-owned business opportunities, and consumer safeguards. Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, there is no direct evidence of support or opposition from legislators in the available context. The bill’s structure suggests an effort to balance expansion of online gambling with protections for workers, problem gamblers, and existing gaming-related stakeholders.
The main points of contention likely concern the expansion of gambling itself, the effect on video lottery facilities and related businesses, and whether the promised education revenue justifies the policy change. The bill also creates potential friction by reallocating gaming proceeds among education, racing accounts, small business accounts, and regulatory costs, while requiring counties to account for gaming revenue in school funding calculations. Additional contentious issues include the social equity licensing framework, preferential access and reduced fees for certain applicants, labor peace and union neutrality requirements, and the requirement that the measure be approved by referendum before becoming effective.