A report about online casino legalization is on track to be submitted to the Maryland General Assembly by Nov. 15, the Maryland Lottery shared this week. 

The study, conducted by The Innovation Group, is designed to give Maryland legislators a better idea of the potential economic impact of iCasino legalization. Currently, Maryland allows for legal retail casino wagering as well as retail and mobile sports betting, but online casino games are illegal. 

The Maryland Lottery shared that its staff members meet weekly with The Innovation Group to “get updates on its research methods, data gathering, and interview scheduling with representatives of iGaming states.” Lottery officials have viewed preliminary findings and are awaiting the final draft. 

Report details

When the report does reach the legislature, it’s expected to include information about the estimated iGaming market size in Maryland, the potential economic impact to Maryland’s six physical casinos, and results from other states with legalized online casinos. 

The push for gambling expansion in Maryland has increased since the state’s 2023 legislative session ended. 

Several prominent legislators met at Morgan State University in September to hear from experts about legalized mobile casinos and their potential impact on the state. Legislators are seemingly weighing the potential economic boost from iGaming with the possibility of increased problem gambling issues in the state. Problem gambling funding has been a concern for Maryland legislators in recent weeks, as the state’s mobile sports betting market nears one year in existence. 

The report is also expected to share some details on the possible problem gambling impact online casinos could create. All of the report’s information will be used by legislators in early 2024 as they discuss possible gambling expansion. 

Maryland’s 2024 legislative session begins on Jan. 10 and ends on April 8. Legalizing online casino games in Maryland would require referendum approval by the state’s voters. 

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