Maryland’s gaming industry delivered a significant boost to the State budget in fiscal 2025, contributing nearly $1.6 billion to public programs. Of that total, more than $696 million went directly to education through the Education Trust Fund and other dedicated accounts.

Education First

Education was again the biggest beneficiary. Of the total, $696.2 million went to support public schools through the Education Trust Fund and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund.

• Casinos directed $606.2 million to the Education Trust Fund, which supports early childhood programs, K–12 schools, and school construction.
• Sports wagering and fantasy sports generated nearly $90 million, with most of the revenue going to the Blueprint.

Since the first casino opened in 2010, more than $6.4 billion in casino revenue has gone to Maryland education.

Other Contributions

• Lottery profits totaled $667.2 million, with most going to the State’s General Fund to support a range of programs, including education.
• Casinos overall contributed $831.3 million, their third-best year since legalization.
• Sports wagering and fantasy sports generated $88.9 million, a big jump from $60.3 million in fiscal 2024.

Local Impact

Casino host communities received $105.1 million in local aid in fiscal 2025. These dollars support infrastructure upgrades, public safety, and neighborhood improvements in the jurisdictions that shoulder the direct impacts of gaming activity.

Local impact grants also help fund workforce training programs, community services, and economic development initiatives, ensuring that casino revenues deliver visible benefits in the communities where they operate.

Other Allocations

In addition to education and local aid, gaming revenues supported several statewide initiatives in fiscal 2025. Maryland’s horse racing industry received $95.2 million, split between racetrack facility renewal and purse dedication accounts. Additionally, $20.4 million went to the Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Business Fund, which helps expand opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

Casino operators also contributed $4.4 million to responsible gaming programs through per-machine and per-table assessments, funding prevention and treatment resources for problem gambling.

Supplemental, Not Substitution

In 2018, Maryland voters approved an amendment to the State Constitution to safeguard State video lottery terminal revenues for education purposes.

As described in the bill and the ballot question, supplemental funding must total at least $125 million in fiscal year 2020, $250 million in fiscal year 2021, and $375 million in fiscal year 2022. One hundred percent of the gaming revenues dedicated to public education must be supplemental funding each year thereafter.

Visit the Maryland Lottery and Gaming website for more information.