Maryland lawmakers are currently deliberating legislation for online casino gambling. Maryland’s land casinos have already expressed support for this expansion and the US Supreme Court recently overturned federal sports betting restrictions.
Maryland is making strides toward legalizing online gaming, but it will take some time before Maryland residents can access online slots or table games due to regulations governing this industry.
Legality
Maryland is well known as an open and permissive environment for various forms of regulated gambling, from horse racing and charitable bingo to state lotteries and state lotteries. While gambling may be legal in Maryland, its consequences can still be dangerous if you’re not careful; gambling addiction could arise, along with more serious criminal charges related to betting offenses.
Questions surrounding whether online casinos will become legal in Maryland are still unclear; however, lawmakers have begun pushing legislation that would legalize iGaming. Under this bill, all six land-based casinos would receive licenses to operate iGaming sites while Maryland would oversee their operation, creating a fund dedicated to problem gambling that includes 24-hour helplines, outreach programs, treatment and prevention efforts as well as treatment and prevention initiatives.
Regulation
if Maryland legalizes online gambling, it will most likely be overseen by its six land-based casinos and voluntary exclusion program, both administered by Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency and requiring participants to undergo assessment by a counselor; no family or friend proxies can act as agents on players’ behalf in placing themselves on the list.
Maryland is known to support responsible gambling initiatives; however, the potential impact of iGaming raises alarm in terms of problem gambling. A bill may be introduced during Maryland’s 2024 legislative session starting January 1.
Taxes
Maryland residents should keep in mind that gambling winnings should be reported to the IRS as income, using bank statements, receipts or ticket stubs to demonstrate your earnings. Loyalty rewards programs at gambling sites may also offer helpful evidence of your activity and can serve as proof that winnings must be reported.
Maryland sportsbooks recorded an astounding $42.7 million combined handle during their inaugural month of legal sports betting, led by online operators FanDuel and DraftKings with promotions to achieve such staggering numbers.
Maryland stands out from some states by not allocating part of its tax revenues from sportsbooks to a problem gambling fund. Instead, Maryland allows a maximum tax rate of 15% for major retail sportsbooks and online sportsbooks that offer iGaming; similar to other states offering such gambling platforms. Furthermore, no sales taxes from players are collected at casinos in this state.
Problem gamblers
Maryland’s legalization of sports betting has opened access to an enjoyable national pastime while also increasing risk. Maryland’s problem gambling fund supports 24-hour helplines, outreach programs, treatment and prevention services; however lawmakers rejected a proposal to contribute some sports wagering revenue toward this fund.
Director of the State Center for Problem Gambling reports an uptick in calls since sports betting became legal online and retail in November; however, she cautions that too soon can tell if these extra calls are related to betting activities.
Gambling issues have been linked with substance abuse and relationship violence, with devastating repercussions for children. If you are facing charges for problem gambling, consulting a criminal defense attorney is in order. Our firm, The Law Offices of James E. Crawford Jr & Associates LLC can provide expert guidance as you work toward clearing up any gambling-related convictions in the courts.