Maryland State Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary (D-Howard) has pre-filed House Bill 17 to legalize online casino gambling in Maryland. The legislation would authorize both commercial casino operators and qualified sportsbook licensees to offer iGaming services.

Key aspects of the bill include:

• Six commercial casino operators eligible for online gaming skins
• Five additional iGaming licenses available through competitive bidding
• $1 million license fee for five-year duration
• Tax revenue would support elementary and secondary public education
• Mandatory responsible gaming measures on all platforms

The bill emphasizes social equity through a specialized application process. Applicants can qualify for social equity status by meeting two of these criteria:

• Living in economically disadvantaged areas
• Attending public school in disadvantaged areas
• Graduating from qualifying Maryland higher education institutions
• Meeting net worth requirements set by the Commission

If passed by both chambers, the measure would require voter approval through a constitutional amendment referendum. Currently, only seven states offer legal iGaming: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.

This legislation follows Atterbeary's previous attempt in 2024, which passed the House but stalled in the Senate. The Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission would oversee the expanded gambling operations, with implementation focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry.

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