History of Maryland Lottery in Timeline

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) is an independent agency of the Maryland government. It oversees the Maryland Lottery, regulates casinos, sports wagering programs, and other related gaming activities 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 officially started operations with 94 employees, 3,800 sales agents, and 51 banks to facilitate ticket distribution and deposits.

May 15, 1973: Twin Win Game Launch

On May 15, 1973, the Maryland Lottery introduced its first game, Twin Win, to the public.

May 24, 1973: First Twin Win Drawing

On May 24, 1973, the Maryland Lottery held the first drawing for its inaugural game, Twin Win.

February 10, 1976: Introduction of Scratch-offs

On February 10, 1976, the Maryland Lottery made scratch-off tickets available, which later became their best-selling game.

July 1976: Pick 3 Introduction

In July 1976, the Maryland Lottery introduced the Pick 3 game.

April 1983: Pick 4 Launch

In April 1983, the Maryland Lottery launched the Pick 4 game.

January 1993: Keno Introduction

In January 1993, the Maryland Lottery introduced the Keno game, initially played only at retailers with monitors.

September 1995: Bonus Match 5 Introduced

In September 1995, the Maryland Lottery introduced the Bonus Match 5 game.

1996: Launch of The Big Game

In 1996, Maryland helped launch The Big Game, which later became Mega Millions in 2002.

1998: Bonus Match 5 Ended

In 1998, the Maryland Lottery ended the Bonus Match 5 game. It returned in 2002.

1999: Keno Expanded to Keno Bonus

In 1999, the Maryland Lottery expanded Keno to Keno Bonus.

2002: Mega Millions Name Change and Bonus Match 5 Returns

In 2002, The Big Game was renamed Mega Millions, and the Maryland Lottery brought back the Bonus Match 5 game after it had ended in 1998.

November 2005: Deal with Scientific Games

In November 2005, the Maryland Lottery signed an $81 million deal with Scientific Games, leading to the creation of Racetrax.

August 2006: Racetrax Launch and Multi-Match Replaces Maryland Lotto

In August 2006, the Maryland Lottery introduced Racetrax, a horse racing game by Tabcorp International. Maryland Lotto was replaced by Multi-Match in 2006.

2007: Bill for Video Lottery Terminals Passed

In 2007, the Maryland government passed a bill allowing 15,000 video lottery terminals in five locations throughout Maryland.

November 2008: Commission Regulates Casino Gaming

In November 2008, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission assumed responsibility for regulating casino gaming in Maryland.

August 2009: Racetrax Becomes Racetrax Bonus and Keno Super Bonus

In August 2009, the Maryland Lottery's Racetrax game became Racetrax Bonus. Keno also expanded to Keno Super Bonus in 2009.

January 2010: Maryland Joins Powerball

In January 2010, Maryland joined Powerball as part of a cross-sell expansion.

2010: First Casino Opened

In 2010, Maryland's first casino opened after voters passed a 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 Mega Millions jackpot.

June 2012: Video Lottery Terminal Revenue

As of June 2012, video lottery terminals at the three casinos had generated over $297 million in revenue.

January 26, 2016: Maryland Joins Cash4Life

On January 26, 2016, Maryland joined the multi-state Cash4Life lottery game.

May 2021: Commission Regulates Sports Wagering

In May 2021, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission assumed responsibility for regulating sports wagering in Maryland, following the enactment of the state's sports wagering law.