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MarylandHB 15872026 Regular SessionHouse

Gaming - Operation of Electronic Instant Bingo Machines and Report by State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency

Sponsored By: Edith J. Patterson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

GamingAwards, Medals, and Prizes -see also- Gaming&Gambl; LotteryBingoCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Equipment -see also- Charging; Med. Equip.; MV Equip; etc.Gaming and GamblingInformation TechnologyLottery and Gaming Control Agency, StateReportsRules and RegulationsTechnology -see also- AeroT; BioT; EnergyT; InfoT; MedT; etc

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

New rules for electronic bingo devices

Starting July 1, 2026, a handheld device that only shows bingo cards can let a player use up to 100 cards at once. The device cannot make random numbers or connect to other machines. Electronic instant bingo machines do not have to print a paper ticket unless the player asks. The law also clarifies that authorized instant bingo machines under §12-308 are not illegal under the older ban. The State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission must issue rules to carry out these changes starting July 1, 2026.

Machine cap for bingo operators

Beginning July 1, 2026, eligible entities that offered electronic instant bingo may not run more machines than they had on February 28, 2008. The prior allowance to operate up to twice that number is removed. This applies to businesses licensed on July 1, 2007 and to qualified organizations running games on their own premises for machines active in late 2007.

Independent gaming studies with stakeholder input

Starting July 1, 2026, the Agency must hire an independent third‑party vendor to prepare the required gaming reports. The vendor must include representatives of the instant bingo industry, satellite simulcast facilities, gaming labor unions, and the Agency in its work.

Study on commercial bingo expansion

The State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency must report to the Governor and General Assembly by December 1, 2026 on possible expansion of electronic instant bingo at commercial facilities. The report reviews current State revenues, past expansion impacts, lost revenue to nearby areas, and revenue from adding machines. It also recommends ways to maximize State revenue while balancing operator interests. The Agency must hire an independent third‑party vendor to prepare the report.

Study on satellite simulcast gaming

The Agency must report by December 1, 2026 on adding machines at satellite simulcast facilities that are not at video lottery or horse racing sites. The study reviews current State revenues, the effects of sports wagering and other gaming, lost revenue to nearby areas, and revenue by machine type and number. It also estimates impacts on video lottery facility revenue and offers policy options. An independent vendor prepares the study.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Edith J. Patterson

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 294 • No: 18

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 122 • No: 12 • Other: 6

House vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 126 • No: 6 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 669

    5/26/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (122-12)

    4/13/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/13/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (46-0)

    4/13/2026Senate

  6. Motion Rules Suspend Two Readings Same Day Const/Rule 24 (Senator Guzzone) Adopted

    4/13/2026Senate

  7. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/13/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments {383529/1 Adopted

    4/13/2026Senate

  9. Favorable with Amendments Report by Budget and Taxation

    4/13/2026Senate

  10. Rereferred to Budget and Taxation

    4/13/2026Senate

  11. Referred Rules

    4/10/2026Senate

  12. Third Reading Passed (126-6)

    4/9/2026House

  13. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/9/2026House

  14. Favorable with Amendments {263020/1 Adopted

    4/9/2026House

  15. Favorable with Amendments Report by Ways and Means

    4/9/2026House

  16. Hearing 3/17 at 2:15 p.m.

    3/17/2026House

  17. Hearing canceled

    3/17/2026House

  18. Hearing 3/17 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/11/2026House

  19. Rereferred to Ways and Means

    3/10/2026House

  20. First Reading House Rules and Executive Nominations

    2/15/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    4/9/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/15/2026

    PDF

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