Broad testimony before Ways and Means as delegates weigh legalizing iGaming in Maryland

Delegate Vanessa Atterberry introduced House Bill 17 in a Ways and Means Committee hearing on Feb. 10, seeking to authorize internet casino gaming in Maryland with a licensing framework, diversity requirements, consumer protections and fees intended to bring unregulated play into a state‑regulated market.

The bill, Atterberry said, is intended “to capture the already existing illegal online gaming market in the state of Maryland that is operating to the tune of $7,000,000,000, annually,” and to create a regulated alternative that funds education and problem‑gambling resources while imposing safeguards for minors and at‑risk players.

What supporters told the committee

Witnesses for the bill included trade groups, prospective license applicants and casino industry representatives who argued legalized iGaming would generate new tax revenue, bring offshore operators under state oversight and enable stronger consumer protections. Richard Taylor, BetMGM’s director of responsible gambling, told the committee: “By…