Maryland's Sports Betting Adds $6,4M to Education Fund

The fund, which supports public education programs, has received $71,950,528 from sports wagering through the first 10 months of fiscal year 2025, a significant increase from $47,591,697 for the same period in fiscal year 2024.

In April 2025, Maryland bettors wagered $513,716,232 across 11 mobile platforms and 12 retail sportsbook locations. Bettors won $454,547,787 in prizes, leaving operators with a combined hold of 11.5%. After deductions for prizes, promotional wagers, and other amounts, the taxable win totaled $42,398,893, with 15% of that amount directed to the Blueprint Fund. Mobile wagering dominated, accounting for $501,403,954 of the handle, while retail wagering contributed $12,312,278.

The mobile handle included $15,604,551 in deductible free promotional wagers, and retail included $26,440. Mobile platforms held 11.7% of their handle, generating $6,297,026 in taxes, while retail locations held 2.9%, contributing $62,808.

Since Maryland launched sports wagering in December 2021, the program has contributed $160,403,688 to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund. Additionally, $3,899,809 in expired prizes has supported the Problem Gambling Fund, aiding efforts to address gambling addiction. Maryland Lottery and Gaming, which oversees the state’s sports wagering program, ensures transparency by posting monthly financial reports on its website.

Maryland Lottery and Gaming also promotes responsible gambling, encouraging residents to seek help if needed. Confidential support is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-GAMBLER or visiting https://mdgamblinghelp.org.

The sports wagering market’s growth reflects Maryland’s robust regulatory framework. The agency provides oversight on financial, security, and licensing procedures for operators, ensuring compliance and fairness. In April, the state’s 11 mobile platforms and 12 retail locations operated seamlessly, processing over half a billion dollars in wagers.

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, bolstered by these contributions, supports initiatives to enhance public education, including teacher salaries, early childhood programs, and school infrastructure. The $71,950,528 contributed in fiscal year 2025 represents a 51% increase over the previous year, highlighting the program’s growing impact.

Retail sportsbooks, while a smaller share of the market, remain vital, particularly in areas with casino-based betting facilities. Mobile platforms, however, continue to drive the majority of wagering activity, reflecting national trends toward online betting convenience. The 11.5% combined hold in April aligns with industry standards, ensuring sustainable revenue for operators and the state.

Maryland’s sports wagering program, launched after voters approved legalization in November 2020, has grown steadily. The state’s first retail sportsbook opened in December 2021, followed by mobile platforms in November 2022. The program’s success is evident in its consistent contributions to public education and problem gambling support, reinforcing Maryland’s commitment to balancing economic benefits with social responsibility.