Maryland lawmakers propose more moderate increase in sports betting tax
Lawmakers have scaled back the governor’s proposed 30 per cent tax on Maryland sports betting.
US.- The Maryland House Ways and Means Committee has amended governor Wes Moore’s proposed sports betting tax increase, proposing a rate of 20 per cent instead of 30 per cent. Legislators voted 13-5 on the measure while rejecting a proposed increase in casino table game taxes from 20 to 25 per cent in a separate vote.
The revised 20 per cent tax rate for sports betting in Maryland would represent a middle ground between the current 15 per cent rate and the 30 per cent rate proposed in Moore’s budget plan as part of efforts to address a $3bn budget shortfall. The Maryland legislature must approve the state’s budget by April 7. If approved, Maryland would become the third state in two years to raise its sports betting tax rate.
Maryland’s sports betting market launched in late 2021. Since then, operators have contributed over $135m towards education and problem gambling programmes.
Sports betting figures in February
Maryland’s eleven mobile sports wagering platforms and 13 retail sportsbooks generated a handle of $475.7m in February. That’s a rise of 7.5 per cent compared to the same month in 2024 but 23 per cent behind the $618.8m reported in January.
According to figures released by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA), $463.2m was spent online and $12.5m at retail sportsbooks. Players won $415.7m. Gross gaming revenue was $60m, and the taxable win was $42.3m.
