Revenue from gambling in Maryland decreases, according to recent reports

Shift from Land-Based Casinos to Online Casinos in Maryland

Revenue from gambling in Maryland decreases, according to recent reports

The casino industry in Maryland is experiencing a significant transformation, with the rise of online casinos gaining momentum. Here's a closer look at the current trends and factors influencing this shift.

Current Trends

Convenience and Accessibility: Online casinos offer players the ability to engage in casino games from anywhere, making them an attractive alternative to traditional land-based venues.
Technological Advancements: Improvements in technology have made online casinos more secure and appealing. Features like live dealer games and mobile apps offer an experience that is increasingly comparable to land-based casinos.
Competitive Market: The rise of online platforms offers a broader range of games and promotions, attracting players who might otherwise frequent land-based casinos. This increased competition forces traditional casinos to adapt or risk losing market share.

Factors Influencing the Shift in Maryland

Legal Landscape:
Maryland's sports betting sector has thrived since its legalization, providing a potential model for online casinos.
Bills like HB 17 and SB 267 have been proposed to legalize online casinos, but none have yet become law.
Economic Considerations:
Legalizing online casinos could generate significant revenue for the state. Estimates suggest millions in annual tax revenue, as proposed in bills like SB 267.
The economic downturn and pandemic have highlighted the reliability of online gaming as a stable source of revenue.
Social and Cultural Factors:
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards online gaming by limiting access to physical venues. This shift has persisted even after restrictions were lifted.
Demographic changes, including a younger population and increased tech-savviness, also contribute to the preference for online gaming over traditional casinos.
Infrastructure and Accessibility:
Maryland's strong internet infrastructure and widespread mobile device usage facilitate easy access to online gaming platforms.
The proposed inclusion of mobile and digital gambling in legal frameworks could further enhance accessibility.

While Maryland's online casino industry remains in a legal gray area, the trends and factors above suggest a continued push toward online gaming. As legislation progresses, the state is likely to see a significant shift in the casino industry landscape.

Casinos' Financial Performance in July 2025

In July 2025, the six privately owned casinos in Maryland reported a collective revenue of $165.7 million. However, this figure represents a 2.5% decrease compared to the $169.9 million reported in June 2025.

Live! Casino & Hotel in Anne Arundel County reported a revenue of $59.7 million, a 4.6% decrease from the previous month. MGM National Harbor, located in Prince George's County, reported the highest revenue among the casinos, with $68.6 million. However, this figure showed a 4.7% drop from the previous month.

On the other hand, Ocean Downs Casino in Worcester County saw a 6.4% increase in revenue to $10.2 million in July 2025. The Horseshoe Casino Baltimore reported an 8.2% increase in revenue, with the figure of $14.4 million in July 2025.

Despite the overall decline in revenue, it's important to note that some smaller operators within Maryland have seen growth in their revenues in July 2025. This trend might suggest that consumers are more comfortable with smaller, more intimate casino establishments.

The Future of Casinos in Maryland

The shift from land-based casinos to online casinos is influenced by several key trends and factors. As the legal landscape evolves and technology continues to advance, it's likely that Maryland will see a significant shift in its casino industry.

The large casinos might choose to double down on their business models or try to recapture the market with more intimate experiences for consumers. Meanwhile, the authorities will look to collect tax revenue from the casinos whether the business model is thriving the most with traditional in-person establishments or online.

One thing is certain: the convenience and accessibility offered by online casinos are here to stay, and they will continue to influence consumer behavior and the broader casino industry.

Contributions to the Community

Casinos contribute a significant amount of money towards various projects. In July 2025, $51.7 million was given from the casinos to the Education Trust Fund in Maryland, which supports schools and the local community. This contribution underscores the importance of the casino industry not just as a source of entertainment, but also as a vital contributor to the local economy.

Consumer Preferences

While some consumers prefer the in-person business model and will want their favorite casinos to remain in business, others are leaving land-based casinos and opting for online options. Real money fish game gambling is one of the most popular ways for casino lovers to spend their money these days.

As the casino industry continues to evolve, it's clear that both traditional land-based casinos and online casinos have their place. Whether consumers prefer the excitement of a bustling casino floor or the convenience of playing from home, there's a casino experience out there for everyone.

[1] Maryland Online Gambling Bill Reintroduced for 2025 [2] SB 267: Maryland Online Gaming Bill [3] HB 17: Maryland Online Gaming Bill [4] Maryland Online Gambling Bill Proposes Tight Consumer Protections [5] Maryland Sports Betting Revenue Grows in 2025