Once sequestered to the desert of Las Vegas, whispered about over pay phones, and deemed to be a threat to “the integrity of” football by the NFL’s commissioner, the practice of betting on sports has escaped ostracism and emerged as a ballyhooed favorite of sports leagues and fanatics…

It was first legalized in Maryland in 2021, with online wagering starting in November 2022. In the year since, it has entertained bettors across the state to the tune of a predicted $4 billion in bets. With 15% of sportsbooks’ profits going to the state, it’s expected to raise at least $40 million for public education in its first year.