Online sports betting became legal in Maryland in November, 2022. However, betting has a long and complicated history in Maryland, dating back to colonial times when horse racing was a popular pastime among the wealthy. In fact, the state’s first horse racing track, the Maryland Jockey Club, was established in 1743. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, horse racing continued to thrive in Maryland, with several prominent tracks attracting large crowds and high-stakes betting. However, the state’s gambling industry suffered a major setback in 1911, when the Maryland General Assembly passed a law banning all forms of betting on horse races. This ban remained in place for several decades, until it was finally lifted in 1948, when the state passed a new law allowing for limited pari-mutuel betting on horse races. Over the years, the industry has expanded to include off-track betting, as well as other forms of gambling such as casinos and slot machines. Despite this expansion, the gambling industry in Maryland has remained a contentious issue, with some residents and lawmakers expressing concerns about the negative effects of gambling on individuals and communities. However, the industry continues to thrive, and betting remains a popular pastime for many Marylanders.