In a recent article from the state, Maryland lawmakers have decided against the initial plans to introduce a significant tax hike for online sports betting. While the tax hike will still happen, the report says, it will be much lower than previously discussed. The original tax hike was outlined in Governor Wes Moore’s budget proposal. Published in January, the proposal sought to double Maryland’s 15% online betting tax to 30%. This drastic hike would have mirrored a similar measure in Ohio, which doubled its tax on betting two years ago. Additionally, the talks about higher taxes follow a broader trend that has swept multiple US jurisdictions.
For this article, SBS will be going over the latest gaming news and notes coming from the state of Maryland, along with some additional thoughts regarding the state and beyond.
Per the same article, in Maryland, lawmakers argued that higher taxes would align Maryland with its neighbors and introduce a sounder tax policy. However, a new decision would tone down the planned tax hike. In late March, the House of Delegates’ Ways and Means Committee discussed the tax hike proposal. Although they agreed to raise the online betting tax, they proposed a much more modest increase of 5% to 20%. Committee members voted in favor of this amended version of House Bill 352. Also, the extra tax revenue will fuel the state’s general fund. This would effectively increase the industry’s contributions to the Old Line State while still saving some operator expenses.
Additionally, as noted in the same report, lawmakers seem to have struck down Gov. Moore’s proposal to raise the tax on casino table games from 20% to 25%. While online sports betting operators will pay a bit more, the latest budget will take some of the tax burden off Marylanders’ shoulders. According to Moore, 94% of all people in the state will either get a tax cut or remain unaffected in terms of income taxes. He added that only those who have “done exceptionally well” will have to pay more. Additionally, Moore clarified that the extra money would support local schools, law enforcement, and firefighters.
Meanwhile, Maryland regulators are busy trying to get controversial sweepstakes operators to stop offering their products to local players. Sweepstakes, which remain unregulated in the United States, have experienced significant growth recently, prompting regulatory scrutiny. In Maryland, a proposal to outlaw sweepstakes gained significant traction earlier this month, potentially spelling trouble for sweepstakes companies. In the meantime, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency just ordered VGW, one of the biggest social casino companies in the U.S., to cease and desist. Shortly after that, the state regulator published a list of all legal gaming services available in the state. It also published a list of all operators that have received cease-and-desist orders from the agency.
In other updates coming from the state, Maryland’s six casinos reported a combined revenue of $155,150,298 from slot machines and table games in february 2025. This marks a 2.6% decrease compared to the same month in 2026. The decline amounted to $4,076,380 less than the previous year. Additionally, casino gaming contributions to the state also saw a decrease, totaling $65,225,418 in February 2025, down by $2,569,575 or 3.8% from February 2024. In addition to supporting the Education Trust fund, casino gaming revenues benefit local communities, Maryland’s horse racing industry, and small, minority-and-women-owned businesses.
The revenue breakdown for each casino in February 2025 is as follows per the article. MGM National Harbor in Prince George’s County, with 2,274 slot machines and 211 table games, generated $66,921,826, a slight increase of 0.1% from February 2024. Live! Casino & Hotel in Anne Arundel County, featuring 3,809 slot machines and 179 table games, reported $57,006,888, a 3.9% decrease from the previous year. Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, with 1,338 slot machines and 115 table games, earned $14,082,816, down 5.8%. Hollywood Casino Perryville in Cecil County, operating 719 slot machines and 23 table games, brought in $7,145,410, a 3.5% decrease.
Finally, Ocean Downs Casino in Worcester County, with 892 slot machines and 19 table games, collected $6,108,732, a 3.9% drop. Rocky Gap Casino in Allegany County, featuring 630 slot machines and 16 table games, generated $3,888,625, a significant 10.5% decrease from February 2024.
Once you are all up to speed in relation to the latest gaming news and notes coming from Maryland, make sure to of course, peruse the excellent array of info for you over at SBS. Of course, for even more info about the state covered here, the Maryland sports betting guide has you covered with all of the latest updates coming from the area. Additionally, for those looking to maximize their wagers, the best bonus betting sites rundown has your back. On this page, eligible customers can find a variety of great information as it pertains to charging up their wagers. This includes a catalogue of the latest and greatest welcome bonus offers. Finally, for those looking for some higher-stakes wagering, the VIP sports betting sites breakdown is great for qualified customers and includes some solid info.
About the Author
Chris Boline is a Reno-based business development professional and freelance sports writer with over a decade of experience covering the NBA G League, Los Angeles Chargers, and national football and basketball. His expertise spans the NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and motorsports, along with topical news, marketing, and promotional content. A proud University of Nevada graduate, Chris earned both his BS in Management & Economics (2015) and MBA (2023). He is active in the Reno community, serving on boards such as the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET, and the College of Business Alumni Association, where he was past president (2022–23). Notable honors include: - Two-time University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year honoree (2017, 2021) - 2021 NCET Professional Services Organization of the Year (with TAC) - 2016–17 Reno Bighorns MVP, awarded by the Sacramento Kings - Nevada Press Association Award for Best Sports Column (2015) - Former Editor-in-Chief of The Nevada Sagebrush Chris blends his passion for sports with a strong background in sales, marketing, and community engagement.
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