{"id":18060,"date":"2024-03-28T12:23:35","date_gmt":"2024-03-28T12:23:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/instantcasinos.com\/?p=18060"},"modified":"2024-03-28T12:23:35","modified_gmt":"2024-03-28T12:23:35","slug":"maryland-online-gambling-bill-gathers-pace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/instantcasinos.com\/blog\/2024\/03\/28\/maryland-online-gambling-bill-gathers-pace\/","title":{"rendered":"Maryland Online Gambling Bill Gathers Pace"},"content":{"rendered":"
A proposal calling for the legalization of Maryland online gambling has picked up pace but faces opposition from those concerned about its impact.<\/strong><\/p>\n While sports betting is legal in 38 states, only a handful offer online gambling. As such activities use the internet, many players already play slots, live dealer and other iGaming titles online using operators outside the jurisdiction of the US.<\/p>\n Due to this, many state lawmakers are proposing legalizing and regulating iGaming.<\/p>\n One such bill is gaining traction in Maryland. Introduced by Rep. Vanessa Atterbeary, HB 1319 passed the state House earlier this month with a 92-43 vote.<\/p>\n Now with the Budget and Tax Committee, the bill is seeking a further green light.<\/p>\n But despite making progress, the bill must pass by April 8 to make the November ballot. This is not uncommon but means the future of HB 1319 remains uncertain.<\/p>\n The bill will seek support from the Senate, but many opponents within have voiced concerns about the impact of iGaming.<\/p>\n Atterbeary argues that online gambling would generate $200 million in taxes for the state each year. Furthermore, the bill aims to combat illegal online gambling.<\/p>\n At the same time, she confirmed that a regulated iGaming market would help to protect consumers from problem gambling.<\/p>\n In a debate on Tuesday, Rep. Atterbeary discussed the benefits of HB 1319 and addressed the concerns raised. Opponents have warned iGaming can lead to a rise in problem gambling and addiction, harming Maryland residents.<\/p>\n They also argued iGaming may have a detrimental effect on the retail betting sector, such as casinos.<\/p>\n But addressing those concerns, Rep. Atterbeary argued that state residents already engage in online activities, with this bill merely seeking to regulate the market.<\/p>\n She said: \u201cYou have folks going on their phones or their computers and doing iGaming with somebody in Cura\u00e7ao or somewhere far away, not here in the state of Maryland.\u201d<\/p>\n Atterbeary then added that the bill would allocate $10m for employees of land-based gambling venues, and that 1% of tax revenue from iGaming will be directed towards funding responsible gambling and treating problem gambling.<\/p>\nMaryland Online Gambling Requires Regulation<\/h2>\n