Maryland voters in November decided Question Two by a larger than two-thirds margin to legalize sports betting in the state. It was that rarity, an issue with overwhelming bipartisan support.
Now, says Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director Gordon Medenica, “The devil’s in the details, and there will be many details to come,” before residents can actually play sports wagers.
The state is expected to take in from $20 million to $40 million in taxes, which would be used for elementary and high schools.
Sports betting rivals FanDuel and DraftKings cooperated to spend millions on advertising to convince the voters to support Question Two. Now they are expected to reap the benefits.
The state is surrounded by jurisdictions that have already made the move, including the District of Columbia. Residents were already able to make sports wagers before the voters legalized it, they just didn’t pay any taxes to their home state. But the constitution required a statewide vote.
Details that need addressing include how to award licenses and creating a framework for determining who is eligible to apply for one. Also to be addressed: will there be retail betting or online? Will online providers need to be based in a physical location?
Also to be decided: how to tax wagers.
