SB 557 Maryland Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Gaming - Definition of "Own" - Alterations

SB 557 amends Maryland's gaming laws to redefine "own" for video lottery facilities and sports wagering licenses. It excludes from ownership definitions any non-voting interest of 25% or less in an applicant or licensee’s business, provided the interest doesn’t confer voting rights and is held directly by a person or in trust without trustee control. This change directly affects businesses seeking or holding video lottery or sports wagering licenses by relaxing ownership restrictions for minor, non-controlling investors. The bill modifies specific sections of Maryland’s Annotated Code (9-1A-01(s), 9-1A-05, 9-1A-08, and 9-1E-03) to implement this policy adjustment.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Governor

Introduced Feb 4, 2026 Last action Mar 25, 2026

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What changed between versions

First - Gaming - Definition of "Own" - Alterations → Third - Gaming - Definition of "Own" - Alterations · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to clarify the definition of 'Own' in gaming regulations, changing the threshold from 25% to 15% for interests that do not confer voting rights, and adding new requirements for written notice and criminal background checks before transferring interests. The document also shows the bill was adopted by the Senate with favorable amendments and approved by the Governor.

Scope change

The scope of ownership restrictions was narrowed by lowering the threshold percentage for certain non-voting interests from 25% to 15%, making it easier for individuals to hold smaller ownership stakes in gaming businesses without triggering disqualification.

DEFINITION

Changed the ownership threshold from 25% to 15% for interests that do not confer voting rights in gaming businesses

REQUIREMENT

Added requirement for written notice and certification to the Commission before transferring ownership interests

Added requirement for state and national criminal history records check including fingerprints for ownership transfers

TECHNICAL

Changed document title from 'A BILL ENTITLED' to 'CHAPTER ______' and added committee report and adoption status information

TIMELINE

Added signature lines for Governor, President of Senate, and Speaker of House of Delegates indicating final approval

Floor votes · Senate Mar 3, 2026

How they voted

47–0

Passed · 2 other

Total votes 49

Mar 3, 2026

D Democratic36

34 Yea 2

94% Yea

R Republican13

13 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 20, 2026

Committee

Referred Ways and Means

lower

Mar 19, 2026

Upper · Passed

Third Reading Passed

upper

Mar 18, 2026

Upper · Passed

Motion Special Order until Later Today (Senator King) Adopted

upper

Mar 18, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

upper

Mar 18, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Budget and Taxation

upper

Mar 3, 2026

Senate · Passed

Senate Vote: pass (47-0-2)

senate

Feb 4, 2026

Committee

First Reading Budget and Taxation

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors