Legislative session ends on positive note for Maryland horsemen

The Maryland Senate and House of Delegates April 12 both passed broad legislation authorizing implementation of sports betting as approved last November in a statewide constitutional referendum. Most horse racing facilities and off-track betting outlets are eligible for licenses.

The General Assembly also passed a video lottery terminal bill that will generate substantially more revenue for the Purse Dedication Account.

The Senate had amended the House bill (HB 940), which resulted in a compromise hammered out just days before the General Assembly ended its 2021 session April 12. The final vote in the Senate was 47-0, while the House voted 122-16. The measure, which has emergency status to facilitate the awarding of licenses, now goes to Gov. Larry Hogan for his signature.