A Maryland bill proposing the legalization of online casino gambling has been pre-filed by House Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary (D-Howard). House Bill 17 would authorize iGaming operations for the state's six commercial casino operators and qualified sportsbook licensees.

Key aspects of the bill include:

• $1 million licensing fee for five-year terms
• Tax revenue dedicated to elementary and secondary education
• Five additional iGaming licenses available through competitive bidding
• Mandatory responsible gaming measures
• Social equity provisions similar to Maryland's sports betting law

The social equity component requires applicants to meet two of four criteria:

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

If passed by the legislature, 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 marks Atterbeary's second attempt at legalizing online casino gambling in Maryland, following an unsuccessful effort in 2024 where the bill passed the House but stalled in the Senate.

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