In addition, another bill is aimed at eliminating online sweepstakes casino games deemed illegal by the state. All four of these bills are expected to be taken up by the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee.
One Bill for Online Casinos, Another for Online Poker
The main online casino legislation is SB 885. It would permit online casino games such as slot machines and table games. The Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission would be the online gambling regulator.
Who the bill allows to apply for licenses is specified there. Mainly, this includes casino operators already operating in the state of Maryland, sports betting license holders, and a few Maryland companies that are of a certain size. It also restricts the number of license holders to one online brand partner.
Licenses would cost $1 million, with the lower $500,000 rate applying only to live dealer-only sites. The expected validity period is five years. Online bingo has also been added to the bill. Something rather important is missing: the rate at which the game will be taxed.
Another important part of SB 884 is that it has the potential to allow Maryland to join multi-state agreements for online poker games. This is important since online poker games are best played with the same pool of players, especially in tournament situations.
Voters Would Have the Final Say
Even if lawmakers approve the casino bill and the poker bill, a ballot initiative must be approved by the citizens of Maryland. This would be accomplished through SB 761, on the ballot in the November 2026 election.
In addition, it will pose a ballot question on whether individuals support an expansion of commercial gaming for internet gaming, with the proceeds going to public education.
Why This Keeps Coming Back
This is not the first attempt for Maryland to progress with iGaming, as there have been bills introduced before in 2023, 2024, and 2025 that have not been passed. The main issues that have been turned around are:
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Worries About Jobs at Land-based Casinos
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Fears surrounding online play and effect on visits to physical casinos
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Political hesitation, particularly in the Senate
Concerns like these are being addressed by the bills this year through the addition of more rules. SB 885, for example, includes provisions on labor peace agreements, workers’ fund provisions in case of job losses, reporting of the effects of online gaming on land-based casinos, and responsible gaming conduct.
A Separate Bill Aims at Sweepstakes Casinos
The enforcement bill is SB 652. It deals with the issue of illegal gambling online and includes sweepstakes casinos clearly within its scope. It will:
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Ban the operation or promotion of illegal online gambling
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Allow the Attorney General to send cease and desist orders
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Some platforms or payment services have to restrict activities
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Penalties should also be included, so that the state can pursue profits
Lawmakers in Maryland have already held hearings during the current session on two other bills related to sweepstakes legislation (SB 112, HB 295). The regulators have explained that many letters were issued, demanding that people cease and desist, but not everyone has done so.
What Happens Next
The key date to look out for is March 11, because it’s going to show whether or not these bills are able to get underway. The hearings will also reveal whether lawmakers are more likely to agree on issues of expanding online gambling or tackling the issue of sweepstakes sites.
If any of the bills are moving forward, they still face additional committee action and full votes of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, as well as the voter referendum on iGaming and poker, before anything is actually implemented or launched.
