Maryland Senator Ron Watson Advocates for iGaming Legislation with Multistate Poker Integration

By Scott Bowen,
Editor at online-gambling.com

Scott Bowen Editor at online-gambling.com

Scott Bowen is a casino expert and editor with many years of experience in the gambling industry. He is one of the most valuable members of our team at online-gambling.com. Bowen specializes in writing on a variety of subjects, including roulette, blackjack, video poker, sports betting, and more.

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Last updated: February 5, 2024

Democratic state senator from Prince George, Maryland, Ron Watson, is preparing to present a complete iGaming bill in 2024, marking his second try following failures in 2023. Watson is unfazed by the bill’s prior inability to pass the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee and is buoyed by the ongoing popular support for iGaming, which is especially noticeable in the latter half of 2023.

Concerns about the possible effects of allowing online casino gambling have come up during House Ways & Means Committee debates. A report by the Innovation Group, commissioned by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission, offers a dismal forecast: should iGaming be approved, traditional brick-and-mortar casino revenues will drop by 10% annually.

Legislators are highlighting the need to address the concerns of underrepresented groups and bringing up problems related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, concerns have been raised regarding probable job losses at land-based casinos, since the analysis suggests that a drop in foot traffic might result in the loss of 2,700 employment.

Key Features of the Upcoming Legislation

The upcoming bill sponsored by Senator Watson includes a number of noteworthy elements intended to regulate internet gambling in the state. One noteworthy suggestion is a $1 million four-year license fee, which is double the amount that was originally recommended. Furthermore, the plan promotes a high tax rate of 46.5% on internet gambling, a move that will considerably increase state revenue. One notable addition is the clause pertaining to multistate online poker, which permits Maryland to participate in the Multi-State iGaming Agreement (MSIGA) and so promotes the growth of operator networks in the state.

According to Senator Watson, the legalization of online gaming offers conventional casinos a special chance to expand their clientele and bring in more money for the state. In his ideal world, participants would be able to play microstakes games whenever they want, generating a steady flow of income that the state is not now utilizing.

Notwithstanding apprehensions expressed during legislative discussions, the Maryland Lottery and gambling Control Agency maintains a positive outlook regarding the earnings prospects of virtual gambling. According to their analysis, Maryland’s budget would receive a considerable financial boost in the first year alone, totaling $533 million, whereas the state is now facing a $400 million deficit.

Maryland’s History with Gaming Options

Voters in Maryland have shown a readiness to increase gaming alternatives during the previous 16 years, as seen by their three votes in favor of gaming expansions. This includes approving the construction of six casinos in 2012, numerous land-based casinos in 2008, and sports betting in 2020 after a landslide vote by the Senate.

Senator Watson is upbeat about the bill’s chances because he views it as a proactive reaction to any changes in the business brought about by events in other states. But even if the plan passes both houses and is signed into law by Governor Wes Moore, it would still need to be approved by voters in November. Strong discussions are expected to take place in the upcoming months as interested parties balance the proposed legislation’s possible advantages and disadvantages from an economic standpoint.