Press Releases
PlayMaryland.com: State’s sports betting market could generate more than $3 billion in bets annually

Maryland’s sports betting market will be capable of attracting more than $200 million in gaming revenue on more than $3 billion in bets annually, which could then generate as much as $35 million in tax revenue for the state once the market matures, according to estimates of PlayMaryland, which tracks the state’s regulated online gaming and sports betting market.
“Maryland will be an attractive market for operators in large part because regulators have embraced an open market,” said Eric Ramsey, analyst for the PlayUSA.com network, which includes PlayMaryland.com. “The best predictor of a successful market has been whether it is designed to foster competition among numerous operators, which Maryland has done. A competitive market is more appealing to bettors, which in turn makes the industry a reliable revenue producer for the state.”
When Gov. Larry Hogan signs the bill to officially legalize sports betting in Maryland, which is expected, the state will join 26 other U.S. states and Washington D.C., that have regulated sports betting in some form. Twenty-two of those jurisdictions have launched.
At maturity, which could come as soon as the market’s third year, Maryland operators could take in as much $3.1 billion in bets annually, which would then produce between $125 million and $225 million in taxable revenue each year, according to PlayMaryland projections. With Maryland’s tax structure, which is 15% of an operator’s taxable revenue, that could mean as much as $35 million in taxes for the state.
“We have seen just how attractive sports betting has been in Virginia, which has a similar tax rate as Maryland, so we know this structure won’t scare away any potential operators,” said Jessica Welman, lead analyst at PlayMaryland.com. “There are questions unique to Maryland about whether local operators will be able to compete with the DraftKings and FanDuels of the world, which will surely be coming. Or if the state’s inclusion efforts will affect the early growth of the state’s industry. But the bottom line is that sports betting should be a reliable revenue generator for the state.”
As a market, Maryland does have some advantages. The most notable is that only Washington D.C. has a higher median income among legal sports betting jurisdictions. And the fan bases of the Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles, plus nine Division I athletic programs, including Maryland and Navy, will all help drive interest.
But it also has some disadvantages relative to other markets its size. By population, Maryland (6 million) most closely compares among established sports betting markets with Colorado (5.8 million), currently the eighth largest sports betting market in the U.S. Since launching in May, Colorado has taken in $1.8 billion in bets — including $611.5 million through the first two months of 2021 — which has produced $109.4 million in gross gaming revenue.
Maryland is unique in several ways though. For one, it will be the first market to launch while being completely surrounded by jurisdictions that have already legalized sports betting in some form. And Maryland is without a significant sports tourism industry. Those two factors will make the market almost entirely locally dependent.
“Maryland won’t have much opportunity to draw bets from neighboring states, which makes it a test case for the future of sports betting as more and more states legalize sports betting and make each state locally dependent,” Ramsey said. “But Maryland has enough local advantages to make it a strong bet to be a successful market.”
For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Maryland, visit PlayMaryland.com/news.
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Arizona Department of Gaming and Arizona Lottery Announce Proclamation Recognizing September 2025 as Responsible Gaming Education Month

State agencies join forces to raise awareness, promote prevention, and provide tools for safe and responsible play.
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) and the Arizona Lottery are proud to announce a joint effort in support of a new Proclamation recognizing September 2025 as Responsible Gaming Education Month in Arizona.
Responsible gaming is about ensuring that individuals who choose to play have the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to make informed decisions and enjoy gaming as a form of entertainment. While problem gambling initiatives focus on helping those already experiencing harm from gambling, responsible gaming emphasizes prevention by encouraging healthy play behaviors before they reach a critical point.
Throughout September, and continuing in the months ahead, the ADG and Arizona Lottery will work together to strengthen education and awareness initiatives. The goal is to equip players with strategies and resources that help them keep gaming fun and safe, while helping reduce the risks associated with problem gambling.
“For over 30 years, the Arizona Department of Gaming has safeguarded the integrity of gaming through strong consumer protections, enforcement against illegal operators, and support services for those impacted by problem gambling,” said Jackie Johnson, Arizona Department of Gaming Agency Director. “During Responsible Gaming Education Month, we remind everyone that part of playing responsibly is being informed—always double-check before you place your bet to ensure you are using a legal, regulated operator at gaming.az.gov/checkyourbet.”
The Arizona Lottery also remains steadfast in its commitment to responsible play and has a Level 2 certification with the World Lottery Association for responsible gaming. Lottery games benefit the people of Arizona by generating critical revenue that funds education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and economic development. At the same time, the Lottery prioritizes the well-being of its players. Each ticket includes clear odds of winning, vending machines display game odds, and the 1-800-NEXT-STEP helpline is featured across Lottery products and advertising.
“We are proud to deliver entertainment that benefits communities across our state, while recognizing our responsibility to promote safe play,” said Alec Thomson, Arizona Lottery Executive Director. “Through transparency and awareness, we want every player to have the tools they need to make informed decisions and enjoy the Lottery responsibly.”
As Arizona observes Responsible Gaming Education Month, ADG and the Arizona Lottery encourage all players to stay informed, know their limits, and seek help if needed. Together, we can ensure that gaming remains a source of entertainment that strengthens, rather than harms, Arizona communities.
For more information and resources, visit gaming.az.gov/ResponsibleGaming or ArizonaLottery.com/ResponsibleGaming. If you or someone you know may be struggling with problem gambling, call or text 1-800-NEXT-STEP for confidential support available 24/7.
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Woodbine partners with 1/ST for Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Qualifier

Woodbine Entertainment has announced a partnership with 1/ST that will see the bet365 Dance Smartly Stakes (G2) become a qualifying race for the Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational Stakes (G2).
The winner of this year’s $200,000 bet365 Dance Smartly Stakes at Woodbine Racetrack will receive an automatic invitation to the 2026 $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida.
The Dance Smartly, to be held on Saturday, October 4 at Woodbine, will be contested at 1 1/16 miles on the bet365 Inner Turf Course and is part of a stacked card headlined by the returning $750,000 Canadian International (G1).
“We’re pleased to partner with the team at 1/ST Racing to add this unique bonus to the Dance Smartly,” said Tim Lawson, Vice-President of Thoroughbred Racing for Woodbine. “Pegasus World Cup Day has become an outstanding showcase of our sport and it’s exciting that the opportunity to be part of it will be connected to a prominent race on one of our biggest days of the season.”
The 2026 Pegasus World Cup will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of racing’s leading luxury, lifestyle and sporting event. The Pegasus World Cup debuted in 2017 as part of 1/ST’s mission to excite, energize and modernize the sport of racing for a new generation of fans and to provide lucrative opportunities for Thoroughbred owners and trainers. The event annually attracts the sport’s biggest names and is viewed globally.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Woodbine in linking the Dance Smartly to Pegasus World Cup Day,” said Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST. “This collaboration strengthens the global profile of both events, while providing horsemen and fans with a world-class pathway from Toronto to South Florida.”
The 2026 Pegasus World Cup will be held in January.
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Plaza Hotel & Casino Partners with Aristocrat Gaming™ debuts Downtown’s First Buffalo & Mo’ Friends™ Slot Area Ribbon cutting event and launch of player promotion: Thursday, Sept. 4, 11 a.m

On Thursday, Sept. 4 at 11 a.m., the Plaza Hotel & Casino will hold a ribbon cutting to celebrate the debut of a new dedicated area for fans of the wildly popular Buffalo™ and Mo’ Mummy™ slot game franchises and other player-favorite Aristocrat Gaming titles. With 63 games, the Buffalo & Mo’ Friends slot area at the Plaza is the only one in downtown Las Vegas.
Located between the casino cage and the Plaza Rewards Players Club, the Buffalo & Mo’ Friends area at the Plaza features numerous fan-favorite Aristocrat Gaming titles, including: Buffalo Ultimate Stampede™, Buffalo Ascension™, Buffalo Power Pays™, Buffalo Triple Power™, Coin Trio Buffalo™, Buffalo and Friends™, Buffalo Diamond Extreme™, Mo’ Mummy, Mo’ Mo’ Mo’ Mummy™, Spooky Link™, Ultimate Fast Cash™, House of the Dragon™, Phoenix Link™, Jackpot Carnival™, Firecracker Fortunes™, Dragon Link™, Lucky Looters™ and more. The eye-catching wraps, bright lights, and distinct game sounds, Buffalo & Mo’ Friends welcomes players to a dedicated space of entertainment and excitement with their favorite games and ones they have yet to experience.
“Our goal on the casino floor is to offer the newest and most popular games to our guests, and our players are big fans of the various Buffalo and Mo’ Mummy games. So, we are thrilled to partner with Aristocrat Gaming on this dedicated game area that sets the Plaza apart from the rest of downtown Las Vegas,” said Jonathan Jossel, CEO of the Plaza Hotel & Casino.
“We pride ourselves in creating entertaining games that invite players to step into a world of fun with favorite characters, themes and gameplay features,” said Kurt Gissane, Chief Revenue Officer for Aristocrat Gaming. “The creation of the Buffalo & Mo’ Friends gaming area has truly been a collaborative effort with the Plaza team, wanting to give their players Mo’ and the new Buffalo & Mo’ Friends area certainly delivers. We look forward to seeing player excitement when they see all their favorite Aristocrat games in one vibrant area.”
To celebrate the debut of Buffalo & Mo’ Friends on Thursday, Sept. 4, the Plaza will offer Plaza Rewards players a variety of Buffalo-branded swag items and the chance of larger prizes based on the number of points accumulated daily. The Buffalo-themed promotion will last until Oct. 4 or while supplies last. Full rules available at the Plaza Rewards Players Club.
Trademark HOUSE OF THE DRAGONTM owned by Home Box Office, Inc. Used with Permission. Copyright © Home Box Office, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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