Maryland Senate greenlights sports betting bill

The Maryland Senate voted 47-0 Tuesday for proposed legislation to allow wagers on professional and college sports at the state's six casinos, horse racing tracks and potentially at either a renovated Redskins stadium, or a new stadium built nearby.

If the General Assembly approves the measure, which now goes to the House, voters would have the final say in a November referendum, Wtop reports.

Redskins owner Dan Snyder met with Maryland lawmakers in January to discuss allowing sports betting at a new stadium.

The Redskins currently play in Landover, Maryland, in the suburbs of the nation’s capital. Talks have been ongoing with Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia on a new stadium to replace FedEx Field when its lease expires in 2027.

Sports betting could raise about $20 million a year for education in the state, according to state analysts. Democrats who control the legislature have been considering revenue measures to help pay for a far-reaching education proposal to improve schools that is expected to cost billions of dollars over the next decade.

In addition to the state’s casinos, wagering would be allowed at horse racing tracks, including Pimlico Race Course, home to the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore, Laurel Park and the Maryland State Fair.

Bets could be placed in a sports wagering lounge, on a self-service kiosk or machine in a facility with a license or through online sports wagering by someone physically located in the state.