A busy week for online gambling legislation in the United States has revealed significant setbacks for iGaming measures in both Maryland and New York. These challenges stem from opposition to the proposed bills and a lack of cohesive support from industry stakeholders, echoing previous legislative struggles in 2024.
Maryland‘s iGaming Legislation Faces Opposition
In Maryland, a House measure aimed at legalizing iGaming, which failed last year, was reintroduced last month. However, two recent hearings have yielded minimal progress. The current proposal is facing opposition from the parent companies of two major land-based casinos: Cordish Companies, which operates Maryland LIVE!, and Penn Entertainment, owner of Hollywood Casino Perryville. Both companies maintain that iGaming could cannibalize their live casino operations.
A representative from Penn Entertainment stated during the House committee meeting that the company would support HB 17 if online licenses were restricted to the six full-service casinos in Maryland. This limitation would exclude eight other pari-mutuel facilities in the state that offer limited gambling and are vying for a share of the potential iGaming market.
Due to the ongoing opposition and lack of consensus, further action on HB 17 is postponed until April, when it will be eligible for reconsideration.
New York Assembly Faces Uncertainty on iGaming Bill
In New York, the landscape for iGaming legislation appears equally uncertain. State Senator Gary Pretlow recently introduced an updated bill to advance online gambling, but challenges remain. For the bill to become law, it must navigate parallel legislative paths in both the Senate and Assembly, ultimately requiring approval from Governor Kathy Hochul.
The newly appointed chairwoman of the Assembly’s Racing and Wagering Committee, Rep. Carrie Woerner, expressed a cautious stance on the iGaming bill. In an interview with New York’s City & State, she remarked, “I think in the Assembly we’ll be taking a look at it, but I would not think that we’re ready to take that step yet. There’s a lot to look at. I know it’s out there and under consideration, and I’ll certainly take a hard look at it. We’ll see.”
Woerner’s hesitance may be influenced by her district’s proximity to the Saratoga Casino Hotel and the Saratoga Race Course, significant players in the horseracing industry. This connection suggests that the Saratoga complex could be among the least supportive of expanding into casino-style online gambling, regardless of eligibility for an iGaming license.
The Need for Unified Support
While there is potential for pressure from various stakeholders to advance iGaming legislation, such efforts would likely require backing from Governor Hochul, particularly for fiscal reasons. Notably, in 2024, Hochul did not include any references to iGaming in her proposed fiscal budget for 2025, signaling a lack of prioritization for online gambling expansion.
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