Published: January 13, 2020

Maryland lawmakers look at legalizing sports betting

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Now that Maryland’s 2020 legislative session has kicked off, there’s speculation that a bill will be drafted this session that would look to legalize sports betting in Maryland. Since Delaware legalized sports betting in 2018, all eyes have been turned to Maryland to see if they would do the same.
While it was never discussed in session last year, lawmakers tell 47 ABC there’s a bit more incentive this year. Now that the General Assembly is in need of funding for the Kirwan Commission, some think legalizing sports betting would be an alternative to raising taxes in the state. But other legislators are skeptical of whether approving this bill would be of any help.

“I expect that to be something that we see this session as a way to pay for it but that’s just a small drop in the bucket compared to the overall cost of it. I would not support any tax increases to pay for it,” said Delegate Wayne Hartman (R-District 38C).

Legislators tell 47 ABC there’s also a possibility that the general assembly could approve a bill that would send the proposal to voters on the 2020 ballot.

https://www.wmdt.com/2020/01/md-lawmakers-look-at-legalizing-sports-betting-as-part-of-kirwan-funding-solution/

© Public Gaming Research Institute. All rights reserved.