MD SB885

Authorizes the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission to issue internet gaming licenses to video lottery operators, qualified sports wagering licensees, and Maryland-based companies meeting specific criteria (10+ years headquartered in state, 250+ employees), with initial license fees of $500,000-$1,000,000 and 5-year terms

Requires social equity provisions including at least 5% ownership by social equity applicants for most licenses, with competitive licensing rounds prioritizing applicants with 33% social equity ownership and reduced fees for majority minority-owned applicants

Establishes revenue distribution allocating 40% of gaming proceeds to licensees (60% for non-live dealer games, 80% for live dealer games), with remaining proceeds distributed to education funding (Blueprint for Maryland's Future Fund), local jurisdictions, horse racing purses, problem gambling programs, and minority business accounts

Creates the Video Lottery Facility Employee Displacement Fund with up to $10,000,000 in the first year to support workers displaced by internet gaming through grants, job training, and supplemental unemployment payments

Requires voter approval through a November 2026 referendum asking whether to expand commercial gaming to authorize internet gaming and online bingo for the primary purpose of raising revenue for education