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Online Sports Betting Tax Increases in Maryland

State Governor Wes Moore approved the fresh budget bill this week, featuring a reduced tax hike for digital sports betting platforms compared to the initial plan.

Governor Wes Moore authorized the state's fresh budget this week, incorporating a lesser tax hike...
Governor Wes Moore authorized the state's fresh budget this week, incorporating a lesser tax hike for internet sportsbook operators compared to the initial plan.

Online Sports Betting Tax Increases in Maryland

Let's Talk Sports Betting Tax Bump in Maryland φ photo by Northern-Virginia-Photographer, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Scoop

Listen up, sports fans! The tax rate for online sportsbooks in Maryland is getting a bump, raising from 15% to 20%. This ain't no small potatoes, peeps.

The man behind it all? Governor Wes Moore, who initially had his eyes set on a 30% tax rate, but after some chin-wagging with legislators, they agreed on a 20% increase.

Why The Bump?

You might be wondering, "Why the heck is the tax going up?" Well, here are a few reasons:

  1. Budget Gap: Maryland's got a hefty budget deficit, sitting at around $2.7 billion. The tax hike is part of a larger strategy to chip away at that mammoth number.
  2. Neighborhood Comparison: Maryland's taxes are lining up with neighboring states like Illinois and Ohio, which similarly tax online sports betting at 20%.
  3. New White House: With a new White House possibly impacting Maryland's economy, it's a smart move to boost their funds.

Where's the Money Going?

95% of the tax revenue will go straight to Maryland schools, with the other 5% supporting various state operations through the general fund. Since December 2021, over $160 million in tax revenue has been channeled towards education, so it's no secret that this industry is vital to our schools' future.

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Articles by Michael Savioº https://x.com/g00sefactory

[1] Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2025[2] Governor Moore Signs Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2025[3] Online Sports Betting Tax Increases in Maryland[4] New White House's Potential Impact on Maryland's Economy[5] Maryland's Budget Deficit Exceeds $2.7 Billion

  1. The increase in Maryland's sports betting tax rate from 15% to 20% might also encourage more online casino activity, as the tax rate for sports betting becomes similar to that of neighboring states like Illinois and Ohio.
  2. Governor Wes Moore's original proposal for a 30% tax rate on sports betting was reduced to a 20% increase, which could indicate a compromise made during discussions with legislators.
  3. In light of a possible impact from the new White House on Maryland's economy, the decision to raise the tax rate on sports betting could be seen as a financial move to secure additional funds for the state.

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