New record set in state gaming revenue
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency recently shared a report showing that the state saw an impressive $1.637 billion in total contributions to state programs and services from its lottery, casinos, sports wagering, and fantasy sports during Fiscal Year 2026. This marked a $48 million increase compared to the prior fiscal year. The previous fiscal year had seen a contribution of $1.589 billion, which was the all-time high before FY2026. The Southern Maryland Chronicle reported that this new total surpassed the old record, signaling continued success for the state's gaming industry.
The $1.637 billion contribution was divided into three primary sectors. Casino operations accounted for $822.2 million, the lottery brought in $681.6 million in profit, and sports wagering together with fantasy sports added $133.3 million. The new record was not only due to the performance of these sectors, but also their combined effort, which exceeded the previous high set in FY2023 by a significant margin.
Allocation of the collected funds
Of the $1.637 billion collected, a significant $699.8 million was directed straight into education programs. These funds are being used to support a wide range of educational initiatives, including the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund. This allocation represents a major financial commitment to the state's educational priorities and reflects the importance of education in the state budget.
Casino operators played a crucial role in this success story. With a total of $1.931 billion in gaming revenue, these operations generated $822.2 million in state contributions. The lion’s share, $599.1 million, was directed toward the Education Trust Fund. This figure means that the combined contributions from casinos to public education now exceed $7 billion since the first casino opened in Maryland in 2010, showcasing the long-term impact of this revenue source.
The lottery also had strong performance during FY2026. It sold $2.676 billion in tickets, making it the third-highest revenue year in the lottery’s 53-year history. Out of these sales, $681.6 million was returned to the state as profit. This revenue helped support various programs, including the General Fund, with the majority of the funds directly benefiting public education and other key initiatives.
Support for diverse state programs
The state's gaming industry contributed far more than just to education. Additional funds were directed to a number of other state programs and funds. Horse racing received $94.7 million, while local communities near casinos benefited from $103.4 million in support. The Small, Minority and Women-owned Business Fund was also a recipient, with $20.3 million allocated to support initiatives in this area.
Problem gambling programs were given special attention as well. A total of $4.4 million from casino fees was dedicated to these programs, and expired sports wagering prizes contributed just under $1 million to the Problem Gambling Fund. This combined support helps provide essential resources for individuals dealing with gambling addiction. Residents can access free, confidential counseling by calling 1-800-GAMBLER or visiting mdgamblinghelp.org for more assistance.
“We aim for a strong FY2027 and beyond,” he said. This proactive outlook reflects the agency's commitment to building on the success of FY2026 while ensuring long-term sustainability for the state's gaming operations and the benefits they provide to Maryland residents.