The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) is an independent agency of the Maryland government. Its responsibilities include operating the Maryland Lottery and regulating casinos, sports wagering, and other related gaming programs within the state.
1972: Constitutional Amendment Approved
In 1972, citizens of Maryland approved a constitutional amendment to begin a government-run lottery.
January 2, 1973: Maryland Lottery Begins
On January 2, 1973, the Maryland Lottery opened its doors for the first time with 94 employees to handle operations, 3,800 sales agents to sell tickets and 51 banks to distribute tickets to agents and handle deposits.
May 15, 1973: Twin Win Game Launched
On May 15, 1973, the first game, Twin Win, went on sale to the public.
May 24, 1973: First Twin Win Drawing
On May 24, 1973, the first drawing for the Twin Win game was held.
February 10, 1976: Scratch-offs Introduced
On February 10, 1976, scratch-off tickets, which would later become the Lottery's best-selling game, were made available to the public.
July 1976: Pick 3 Introduced
In July 1976, the Pick 3 game was introduced by the Maryland Lottery.
April 1983: Pick 4 Launched
In April 1983, the Maryland Lottery introduced the Pick 4 game.
January 1993: Keno Introduced
In January 1993, Keno was introduced, initially played only at Lottery retailers equipped with monitors.
September 1995: Bonus Match 5 Introduced
In September 1995, Maryland introduced the Bonus Match 5 game.
1996: Maryland helped launch The Big Game
In 1996, Maryland helped launch The Big Game, which would later become Mega Millions in 2002.
1999: Keno Expanded to Keno Bonus
In 1999, the Keno game expanded to Keno Bonus.
2002: Bonus Match 5 Returned
In 2002, the Bonus Match 5 returned. The Big Game became Mega Millions.
November 2005: Maryland Lottery Signs Deal with Scientific Games
In November 2005, the Maryland Lottery signed an $81 million deal with Scientific Games.
August 2006: Racetrax Launched
In August 2006, Racetrax, a Tabcorp International product and thoroughbred horse racing game, was launched as a result of the deal with Scientific Games.
2007: Bill Passed for Video Lottery Terminals
In 2007, the Maryland government passed a bill allowing 15,000 video lottery terminals in five locations throughout Maryland.
November 2008: Commission Assumed Responsibility for Casino Gaming
In November 2008, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (MLGCC) assumed responsibility for regulating casino gaming in Maryland.
August 2009: Racetrax Bonus Introduced
In August 2009, Racetrax was expanded to Racetrax Bonus.
January 2010: Maryland Joins Powerball
In January 2010, Maryland joined Powerball as part of a cross-sell expansion.
2010: Maryland's First Casino Opened
In 2010, Maryland's first casino opened after voters passed the referendum the previous year.
March 2012: Maryland Player Wins Share of Mega Millions Jackpot
In March 2012, a Maryland player won a one-third share of a $656 million jackpot.
June 2012: Video Lottery Terminals Generated Revenue
As of June 2012, video lottery terminals at the three casinos had generated over $297 million in revenue, which was distributed to various programs.
January 26, 2016: Maryland Joined Cash4Life
On January 26, 2016, Maryland joined the multi-state Cash4Life game.
May 2021: Commission Assumed Responsibility for Sports Wagering
In May 2021, with the enactment of the state's sports wagering law, the MLGCC assumed responsibility for regulating sports wagering in Maryland.
January 2022: End of 5 Card Cash Game Announced
In January 2022, the Maryland Lottery announced that the 5 Card Cash game would end on February 6, 2022.
February 6, 2022: 5 Card Cash Game Ends
On February 6, 2022, the 5 Card Cash game ended and was replaced with the Pick 5 game.
December 18, 2022: Mechanical Drawing Machines Used
Until December 18, 2022, Maryland Lottery drawings were conducted using mechanical drawing machines that mix and select numbered balls.
December 19, 2022: Digital Drawing System Used
As of December 19, 2022, Maryland Lottery drawings are conducted using a digital drawing system.
May 6, 2024: Cash Pop Introduced
On May 6, 2024, the Maryland Lottery introduced Cash Pop, with 4 drawings each day.
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