It appears that legal online casinos won't be coming to the Old Line State (again).
Efforts to legalize them in Maryland encountered a setback when State Senator Ron Watson (D-Prince George's County) announced the withdrawal of SB 0761. This key bill had the potential to introduce internet gaming to the state.
But its withdrawal leaves Maryland's plans for legal online casinos at a standstill for the third consecutive year.
What Was SB 0761?
SB 0761 was a proposed bill aimed at amending the state constitution to allow the General Assembly to issue internet gaming licenses via the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission. If the bill had passed, it would have included a question on the November 2026 ballot, seeking voter approval for expanding commercial gaming to include online casinos. The primary objective was to channel the revenue generated toward funding public education.
Although a corresponding bill, HB 1255, introduced by Delegate Caylin Young, exists in the House, it too stalled in the Ways and Means Committee following an initial hearing in early March.
Senator Watson did not publicly explain the withdrawal. However, reports suggest that the initiative faltered before reaching key legislative deadlines.
With the legislative session ending on April 13, 2026, and "crossover day" having passed on March 23, the bill ran out of time to advance.
Related Legislative Efforts: SB 0885
In conjunction with SB 0761, another bill, SB 0885, aimed to establish a regulatory framework for online gaming. This included licensing current casino operators, directing revenue to education and problem gambling programs, and implementing consumer protections. Without the constitutional amendments proposed in SB 0761, though, SB 0885 cannot progress effectively.
Earlier this month, the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee discussed SB 0885 and related bills.
Supporters argued that legalizing online casinos could modernize the gaming industry, help mitigate Maryland's $1.5 billion budget deficit, and provide critical educational funding. However, opponents, including casino workers' unions and local officials from areas with retail casinos like Ocean Downs, expressed concerns about potential revenue loss from in-person casinos, possible job cuts, and the risk of increased problem gambling.
But the meeting ended without a vote.
Current State and Future Outlook
With SB 0761 withdrawn, there is no clear pathway to placing the legalization question on the November 2026 ballot this session. Public opinion also remains unfavorable; a late 2025 poll indicated that around 71% of Maryland voters opposed expanding internet gaming.
For now, Maryland is unlikely to see online casino gaming soon. A renewed legislative effort might target a future session, perhaps in 2027. Until then, the state will likely focus on other gaming-related issues, such as addressing unregulated sweepstakes casinos.
The journey toward legalizing online casino gaming in Maryland faces significant challenges, including strong opposition from various stakeholders and the requirement for voter approval.
