Maryland is hoping to cash-in on sports betting.
In November, voters approved a sports betting referendum. As of this week, lawmakers in Annapolis are working out the details for how sports betting will look.
Casinos like Ocean Downs in Worcester County could soon get a sports betting license under the new bill. For sports betters in the state, it's welcomed news, says Tim Vancosky.
"I get in all the pools so I think the little guys that get in them could do a little more betting that way," Vancosky says.
As things stand now, state lawmakers would approve different levels of sports betting licenses. Places like the state's six casinos and pro sports stadiums would offer in-person betting. 10 licenses would be opened up for applications for private businesses. 15 would be available for companies offering online or mobile betting.
Since sports betting is currently illegal in Maryland, gamblers like Anthony Hayward go to nearby Delaware to place bets. "I'm going to place the bet anyway, so yeah why not. Why not come here and allow the money that I play, to benefit my community as opposed to the community of Delaware," Hayward says.
Though legalizing sports betting would help the state generate tax revenue, it's still a double-edged sword.
Hayward expresses his concerns by saying, "it has its pluses and its minuses because people have the tendency to not be able to control themselves when they're gambling."
As state lawmakers enter the final weeks of this year's session, it's now a race against the clock to get sports betting up and running in the state.
A House hearing on House Bill 940 could come as early as this week.
The Maryland State Senate has held several meetings in regards to sports betting, but, as of yet, has not proposed any legislation.
