ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland voters would no longer be required to decide whether to allow new forms of gambling in the state, under a measure approved by the state Senate on Tuesday.
The Senate voted 46-1 for the constitutional amendment. If the House approves, Maryland voters would still have the final say about whether they want to take themselves out of the process in November.
Under the proposed change, lawmakers would decide whether to expand forms of gambling that are not currently offered at the state’s six casinos. The law requiring lawmakers as well as voters to decide on any further gambling expansion was part of the constitutional amendment voters approved in 2008 to allow casinos.
Maryland has been delayed in allowing sports betting like neighboring states, partly because the added form of gambling could only go before voters in an election year. Sports betting would still need to be approved by voters this November, if lawmakers pass legislation to legalize it this year.
Adding casinos or how many slot machines casinos can have would still require voter approval in a referendum, under the Senate-passed legislation.
State analysts project Maryland’s six casinos will generate about $1.8 billion in gross gambling revenue in fiscal year 2021. That includes $542 million for the state’s Education Trust Fund.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.