Bill > HB1048

This bill modifies Maryland's sports wagering laws to explicitly authorize wagers on historical horse races under specific conditions. The bill expands the definition of "sporting event" to include historical horse races and allows certain sports wagering facility licensees, specifically those at thoroughbred or standardbred racecourses, the Maryland State Fairgrounds, and satellite simulcast facilities, to accept these wagers. Wagers on historical horse races must be conducted through pari-mutuel betting, can involve races of any breed, and are restricted to a designated area approved by the Commission. The betting terminals have strict requirements: they cannot reveal race details before a bet is placed, must provide past performance information, and are limited to a maximum of 4,000 terminals statewide. Bettors can only wager on these historical races in person, and mobile sports wagering licensees are prohibited from offering such bets. The bill aims to provide additional revenue streams for horse racing facilities while maintaining strict regulatory oversight, with the new provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1048?ys=2025RS