In the latest gambling news, the state House passes the Maryland iGaming bill, which aims to legalize online casino gaming in the state. The House was able to pass HB1319 in a 92-43 vote early this week. They were cutting it close, passing it two days before the deadline, much to the relief of those in the industry. Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary introduced this bill, which aims to allow 30 iGaming operator licenses to operate in the state. These licenses will then have a five-year validity, and will cost $1 million.
The bill did not have it easy, going through several amendments as it passed through the House of Delegates. For one, if the bill passes, people will not be able to use their credit cards to fund their accounts. Additional support for problem gambling was also added. If this pushes through, one can offer better online sportsbook advertising content to add in casino gaming for the extra boost in new player registration.
Maryland iGaming Bill Details and Future
The options for gaming are quite a lot, similar to what you will find in the casino software offered by your pay per head software solution. If this pushes through, Maryland will be the 8th state to allow online casinos. Given the popularity of online casino gaming, many expect this to increase the revenue of gaming in the state- and at certain times, even surpass that of sports betting.
This is why in your sportsbook pay per head software, you will see the option to offer casino games. A more complete gambling portfolio gives you the potential for higher revenues. For Maryland, the state also earns from this measure. Aside from the $1 million licensing fee, the proposed tax rate is 55% for online slots, and 20% for online table games.
Hopefully, the bill will pass in the Senate, as the state could use this to bolster the $1.3 billion state budget. Should the bill pass, revenue from iGaming will fund transportation and educational programs in the state.
