- A Maryland Senator has introduced a bill to repeal online sports betting in the state
- The legislation will refund application fees for online sports betting license holders
- It’s the second state in the last month to have a bill introduced to repeal sports betting
Maryland lawmakers giveth online sports betting, Maryland lawmakers look to potentially taketh away.
Sen. Joanne C. Benson’s (D-24) bill, SB 1033, seeks to repeal online sports betting in the Old Line State, but allow sports betting to remain at brick-and-mortar facilities.
This is the second bill introduced in the last month to repeal sports betting in a state, with Vermont lawmakers also considering a bill to do so.
Goodbye to Maryland Online Sports Betting?
If Benson’s bill is approved in both the House and Senate, and signed into law by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D), online sports betting will cease in the state on Jan. 1, 2026.
Maryland online sports betting has contributed $143,274,277 to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which supports public education in the state. The vast majority of tax revenue contributed to the state fund comes from online sports betting.
Through the first seven months of FY 2025 (July 2024 through January 2025), sports betting has contributed $54,821,117 to the state, according to Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency spokesperson Seth Elkin.
With Maryland facing a nearly $3 billion budget deficit, a bill to erase millions in tax revenues is likely to gain much momentum among Benson’s fellow lawmakers.
Gov. Moore has also pointed to sports betting as a solution to help bridge the deficit, recently proposing a 100% increase on Maryland’s sports betting tax rate, from 15% to 30%, in his newest budget plan. Moore also proposed an increase to state casino table games, bumping the rate from 20% to 25%.
But Maryland is not the only state to potentially consider a repeal, as one of the newest legalized states is may also rollback their position on sports betting.
Vermont Also Looking to Repeal Sports Betting?
Vermont Representatives Troy Headrick (I-15), Michael Mrowicki (D-4), and Thomas Stevens (D-Washington-Chittenden) recently introduced H.133, a bill to repeal Vermont sports betting and the state lottery.
Under the bill, the legislation will repeal all statutes that authorize the Vermont state lottery and sports betting program.
Vermont launched sports betting in January 2024 and currently has three operators; DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook.
The bill was introduced on Feb. 4, 2025, and has been referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs. It has yet to receive a hearing in the committee.
Maryland State Senator Chris West recently introduced a proposal to repeal online sports betting in the state. The bill, known as Senate Bill 987, aims to reverse the legalization of online sports betting that was passed in 2021.
The decision to introduce this proposal comes after concerns were raised about the potential negative impacts of online sports betting on Maryland residents. Senator West cited worries about increased problem gambling, especially among young people, as one of the main reasons for wanting to repeal the law.
Supporters of the repeal argue that online sports betting makes it too easy for people to place bets and can lead to addiction and financial ruin. They also point to studies that show a correlation between online gambling and increased rates of problem gambling.
Opponents of the repeal, on the other hand, argue that online sports betting provides a source of revenue for the state and can help fund important programs and services. They also argue that regulating online sports betting can help protect consumers and prevent illegal gambling activities.
If the proposal to repeal online sports betting is successful, it would mean that Maryland residents would no longer be able to place bets on sports through online platforms. Instead, they would have to visit physical sportsbooks or casinos to place their bets.
The proposal is currently being debated in the Maryland State Senate, and it remains to be seen whether it will ultimately be passed into law. In the meantime, Maryland residents who enjoy online sports betting will have to wait and see what the future holds for this popular form of entertainment.
