- Maryland’s push to bring online blackjack into the legal market has fizzled out after the iGaming plan fell apart for 2026.
- With that effort stalled, lawmakers are now zeroing in on tightening rules for sweepstakes casinos as the session approaches its final votes.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Online blackjack will not be available through any licensed state platform in Maryland in 2026, following the collapse of iGaming legislation.
In March, Senator Ron Watson, who has advocated for the establishment of online casinos since 2023, dropped Senate Bill 761, a referendum that would have allowed people to determine whether or not to allow online casino games. His accompanying law, which outlined a regulatory framework for online blackjack and other casino games, was certain to fail in the absence of that referendum.
Watson had cited Virginia as a source of hope, pointing out that both chambers of the adjacent state had approved iGaming legislation. Watson's best argument for proceeding was essentially destroyed when Virginia lawmakers failed to come to a final agreement before their session ended on March 14.
Instead of trying to increase access to legal blackjack, Maryland lawmakers are concentrating on tightening regulations on the available online gambling choices.
Two bills that target sweepstakes casinos were passed by the House. These platforms have been the main substitute for Maryland blackjack sites that are subject to regulations. Both HB 295 and HB 1226 are now on their way to the Senate after passing 105-24 and 134-2, respectively.
Even with a strong casino presence and an active sports-betting market, Maryland hasn’t caught up to places such as Michigan or New Jersey in rolling out regulated online blackjack.