It appears hopes to legalize internet casino gaming this year in Maryland have come to an end after Gov. Wes Moore announced Thursday night there is a framework for the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year that attempts to close a projected $3.3 billion deficit.
While Del. Vanessa Atterbeary and Sen. Ron Watson each had their iGaming bills brought to their respective floors for debate, there was no guarantee of passage in either chamber. Online casino gaming also looked to take on a lesser priority in recent weeks as Maryland lawmakers joined other states in the push to ban sweepstakes casinos.
