Maryland casino revenue experienced a decrease for the fourth consecutive month in August, with total gaming win declining by 6% year-over-year.
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency revealed that the six casinos in Maryland saw a decline in gross gaming revenue (GGR) in August 2026 to $160 million from slot machines and table games. This figure represents a decrease of nearly $10.3 million compared to the previous year.
August marked the fourth consecutive month of weakening gaming win. With May, June, and July also experiencing lower casino revenue compared to the same months in 2025.
In May, revenue decreased by 3.7% to $169.9 million, June was down by 2.4% to $156.8 million, and July dropped by 4.7% to $157.9 million.
By the end of August 2026, casino revenue in Maryland totaled around $1.28 billion, showing a 2.5% decline of roughly $33.5 million from the previous year.
This decrease in revenue is not limited to specific months, as gaming revenue in January and February was also lower.
Probable Causes
A 2.5% year-over-year decline in revenue raises concerns about the reasons behind players reducing their play.
Public sentiment towards the economy is negative, with signs indicating that consumers are becoming more cautious.
A survey by Pew Research in July revealed that only 24% of Americans rated the current economic conditions as excellent or good, while 35% considered them poor. Less than a quarter of the public expected economic improvement in the next 12 months.
Changing consumer habits in gambling, with the rise of online prediction markets, are also impacting traditional gambling activities.
Although Maryland has online sports betting, it lacks iGaming options.
Major Players Down
MGM National Harbor and Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland dominate Maryland’s casino industry. By August, MGM’s GGR stood at $535.9 million, representing a 3.4% decline, while Live! reported GGR of $466 million, a 3% decrease.
The declines at these two major properties are significant as they contribute the majority of the state’s gaming tax revenue.
Two other casinos, Ocean Downs and Rocky Gap, saw positive results. Ocean Downs reported $67.5 million in GGR, showing a 3.8% improvement, while Rocky Gap, the smallest player in the market, saw a 2.1% growth reaching $31.2 million.
The Sphere at MGM National Harbor is expected to attract more players and revenue from neighboring states once it opens, which is anticipated around 2030.
The market’s performance in the upcoming months will indicate whether the decline in 2026 is a temporary setback or a sign of a prolonged slowdown.