As Baker Takes the Helm, Maryland’s Gaming Industry Faces a Digital Crossroads
With Jeremy Baker stepping into executive leadership at the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, the state’s gaming ecosystem is at a critical inflection point. On paper, the numbers look stellar: Maryland returned a record $1.637 billion to state coffers for FY2026, anchored by a massive 48.8% surge in sports wagering contributions.
However, beneath the headline figures lies a widening split that brick-and-mortar operators are watching with intense anxiety. While digital sports betting continues to break records, physical casino foot traffic and traditional revenue channels remain flat to down across key properties. The real battle in Annapolis isn't just about total tax yield—it’s about who controls the digital migration of Maryland gambling as the 2027 legislative session approaches.
