Maryland Governor Supports Sports Betting Ballot InitiativeGov. Larry Hogan Told CBS That The Measure Is Critical To Continue To Successfully Fund Public Schools |
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Maryland is one of five states with gambling-related issues on the ballot in two weeks. On Nov. 3, the state will decide whether to legalize sports betting and its governor supports and expects the measure to pass.
According to a report from the local CBS affiliate, Republican Gov. Larry Hogan believes that the bill is an important part of the state budget as tax revenue from sports betting will be used to help fund the state’s education system.
“Question 2 provides a critical revenue source for public education without raising taxes on families and businesses,” said Hogan in a statement. “This initiative builds on the very successful ‘Hogan Lockbox,’ which puts casino revenues in a lockbox dedicated to education. We are already funding our K-12 schools at record levels, and this is another way to ensure that is the case for years to come.”
Hogan had previously told NBC Sports that he expects the measure to pass. He isn’t the only one that wants the ballot initiative to get the support necessary to become law. Last month, DraftKings used $250,000 to help fund an advocacy group that is urging voters to support the issue.
Lately, Maryland has been a gambling hotbed. While other markets are struggling to stay afloat and casino markets are seeing massive drops in gaming revenue, Maryland casinos actually posted a year-over-year increase in September.
In May, Hogan allowed SB 4 to become law through inaction. The bill put sports betting on the ballot. If passed by the voters, both in-person and online sports betting will be permitted. Casinos, racetracks and even professional sports franchises would be eligible to apply for a sports betting license.
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