The Senate Budget & Taxation Committee heard hours of testimony on iGaming on Wednesday, January 29th. The Center was there to oppose the legislation along with many other advocates.
A few themes that stood out:
- Problem Gambling: The expansion of gaming in Maryland would have societal impact
- Cannibalization: According to several union and trade professionals, iGaming legalization could mean fewer patrons at brick-and-mortar casinos, resulting in a negative impact on gross gaming revenues for state casinos. While not mentioned in the hearing, this would reduce funding to the Problem Gambling Fund which is the sole funding source for Maryland’s problem gambling helpline and no-cost treatment program.
- Illegal Market: Proponents of the bill argued that legalization would tamp down the illegal iGaming market.
This is just the first of many hearings and discussions on iGaming in Maryland. The House will take up the issue on Monday, February 10th. This same bill made it out of the House last year and we don’t want to see that happen again this year. The Center will be out in full force to oppose the bill. Join us?
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