Maryland's Senate has unanimously passed legislation to ban sweepstakes casinos, with a 47-0 vote on SB860. Pro-gambling Senator Ron Watson supports the ban, viewing it as a step towards a regulated online gambling industry that could address the state's $3 billion budget shortfall. Watson believes that legalizing iGaming would capture revenue currently lost to illegal gaming operations. The bill aims to halt illegal gaming practices involving dual-currency systems that users exploit, clearing a path for future discussions on online poker and casino games in Maryland.
The intent of this bill is to acknowledge and put a halt to the amount of illegal gaming going on, and the uncaptured state revenue that is missed by not regulating and supporting legal iGaming.
iGaming is definitely 'on the table' and as Maryland's fiscal challenges become more severe, this is now being considered as a potential option. Daily conversations are ongoing.
Legislation that would ban sweepstakes casinos in Maryland recently passed the state senate through a unanimous 47-0 vote.
Watson believes the bill will help pave the way for regulated online poker and other casino games. Especially with the increased tax revenue that could come with a regulated.
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