A bill being debated by the Maryland state Senate would "let voters decide during the November election whether to allow betting on sports," according to Pamela Wood of the BALTIMORE SUN. If approved, sports betting would be "allowed at the Pimlico Race Course, Laurel Park and Maryland State Fair thoroughbred horse racing tracks; and the state’s six casinos." Betting also would be permitted at a "Redskins football stadium in Prince George’s County, but only if it is rebuilt or significantly renovated." Bettors would be able to place bets "online or through smartphone apps." License holders would "keep 75% to 80% of the profits" from betting. State Sen. Craig Zucker, the bill's lead sponsor, said that sports betting might bring the state about $20M "each year for schools." The Maryland Jockey Club, which owns the Pimlico and Laurel tracks, "issued a statement in favor of being included in the legislation." Redskins Owner Dan Snyder would only be able to apply for a sports betting license by reaching an "agreement to rebuild" FedExField in Landover or by building a "new stadium as part of a mixed-use development." The location would be "limited to a 1.5-mile radius" around FedExField. To keep the license, the Redskins would need to "show progress on submitting applications, receiving zoning approvals and spending at least" $500M on construction (BALTIMORE SUN, 3/5).
