A recent trend in sports betting legislation across the United States is to shut down legal markets that are already in operation. In Maryland, Senator Joanne Benson filed a bill, SB 1033, on February 20 that aims to close the state’s legal online sports betting market by January 1, 2026. This bill is the second of its kind this year, following a similar bill filed in Vermont on February 4.
The legal sports betting market in Maryland has been thriving since its launch in December 2021 for retail sports betting and November 2022 for digital platforms. The industry has seen significant growth, with a combined $12.2 billion in wagers and $143.2 million in tax revenue generated through January 2025. However, some operators have reported concerns about certain application fees being refunded, prompting the filing of SB 1033.
In addition to the proposed bill to shut down the legal sports betting market, Maryland lawmakers are also considering gambling expansion during this legislative session. Discussions have included the possibility of allowing historical horse racing machines at certain sportsbooks, though there is disagreement among stakeholders on this issue.
It is unlikely that SB 1033 will move forward during this session, as it was introduced after the deadline for filing bills. Any bills introduced this session will not carry over to the next session in 2026. Despite the challenges facing the legal sports betting market in Maryland, the industry continues to thrive, generating significant revenue for the state.
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