Internet gambling soon to launch in New York, Maryland, Possibly California – panel predicts

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This week, Rhode Island became the seventh U.S. state to offer internet gambling. Industry professionals at an online gambling seminar are predicting that more states will follow suit in the coming years.

Internet casino games could soon be available in New York and Maryland, according to Next.io, an internet gambling and sports betting forum.

Rhode Island launches online gambling

Before Rhode Island launched online casino games this Tuesday, only six states in the U.S. had them: New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. However, it’s worth mentioning that while Nevada has internet poker, it doesn’t offer online casino games.

Shawn Fluharty, a state delegate from West Virginia and leader of a national group of lawmakers from gambling states, pointed to New York and Maryland as the following probable places to introduce internet gambling. Brandt Iden, vice president of government affairs for Fanatics Betting and Gaming and ex-Michigan state representative, shared this viewpoint.

Both men highlighted the challenges of legalizing online casino gaming. Thirty-eight states, along with Washington, D.C., currently allow sports betting, in contrast to the seven that permit internet casino gambling.

Some concerns about introducing online casino games might eat into the profits of traditional casinos. Yet, industry leaders point out that online gambling could boost in-person gambling. For instance, after Pennsylvania started hosting online casino gaming, they saw four new brick-and-mortar casinos open.

Maryland eyes online gambling revenue

Maryland’s study suggests that introducing online gambling could make $900 million each year by 2029. However, this could lead to a $200 million loss for physical casinos.

Internet gambling can become more popular if we highlight its tax benefits and its focus on discouraging addictive practices, according to experts. New York state senator Joseph Addabbo, a significant supporter of online gambling, recently proposed a bill devoting at least $6 million annually to help problem gamblers.

Though New York’s politicians strongly support internet gambling, Gov. Kathy Hochul didn’t include it in this year’s budget plan.

Edward King, a co-founder at Acies Investments, suggested that despite ongoing disputes between tribal and commercial gambling operators in California, the state will most likely approve online casino games and sports betting soon.

Adam Greenblatt, the CEO of BetMGM, has a different perspective. He believes that California may not allow online gambling shortly. Furthermore, he noted that Texas, another potentially profitable market, has consistently opposed online gambling for the past two decades.