Challenges in Legalizing Online Casinos in Maryland
Efforts to potentially legalize online casinos in Maryland face significant hurdles. According to attorney Abbey Block, speaking at the Morgan State Data Analytics and Sports Gaming Research (DASGR) Town Hall, the same public sentiment contributing to the state’s strong opposition to unregulated sites may also impede progress on legalization.
Block, from the Ifrah Law Firm, highlighted that despite Maryland having legalized sports betting, horse racing, and retail casinos, online gambling is perceived differently. She remarked that sports wagering is tied to specific events like football games, while casino games carry a different moral weight and can be viewed as less acceptable.
“Sports betting is event-focused, and it’s generally a more family-friendly activity. In contrast, the morality surrounding casino games complicates their acceptance,” Block said. “This notion allows people to differentiate between leisure activities.”
Block also mentioned that online casinos pose a unique issue concerning availability. With online gaming being accessible at any time versus the scheduled nature of sports events, there are heightened concerns about problem gambling.
Maryland Del. Vanessa Atterbeary and Sen. Ron Watson introduced iGaming bills this session, but both proposals essentially failed when Governor Wes Moore identified different solutions to a $3.3 billion budget deficit. In the meantime, regulators have taken a proactive stance, issuing over 75 cease-and-desist orders to sweepstakes casinos. Notably, no iGaming bill has succeeded in Maryland since 2023.
Potential Benefits of Legalization
The potential to manage gambling habits could serve as a strong argument in favor of legalization. A legal framework would mean state oversight, which unregulated sites lack, thereby enabling protections against excessive gambling.
Block stated, “Regulating iGaming lets us implement control measures. We can use AI to monitor players’ patterns and remind them when they’ve been gambling for too long.” She emphasized that regulation could mitigate the risks associated with unregulated gambling platforms.
Regulatory Perspectives on Gambling
Maryland’s proposed bills could significantly differ from national ones, as they aim to prohibit any gambling not explicitly classified as legal. This approach could effectively counter unregulated sweepstakes casinos and other forms of gambling.
Block explained that regulators view certain platforms as indistinguishable from gambling. Meanwhile, sweepstakes operators argue for the legality of their dual-currency systems. However, regulators remain unswayed, insisting that any gambling outside the state’s explicit permission is illegal.
