Maryland’s Sweepstakes Casino Ban Gains Momentum in Senate
Maryland’s push to outlaw sweepstakes casinos is picking up steam. Senate Bill 860 (SB 860) cleared the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee with a unanimous 13-0 vote, signaling strong bipartisan backing. The measure, one of two twin bills aimed at closing what some call a gambling loophole, now heads toward a full Senate vote.
Targeting the Dual-Currency Loophole
SB 860 takes a hard line against sweepstakes casinos, banning the “conducting, organizing, or promoting” of these sites. It zeroes in on their dual-currency model
The bill casts a wide net, covering slots, video poker, table games, lotteries, keno, bingo, and even sports betting if they offer monetary rewards through this setup.
The crackdown doesn’t stop at operators. It ropes in game providers, payment processors, geolocation firms, and media affiliates, anyone linked to the sweepstakes chain. Penalties pack a punch: fines from $10,000 to $100,000, plus up to three years in prison.
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, already on the case with over 10 cease-and-desist orders, would gain sharper teeth, able to deny or revoke licenses for profiting off these games.
Bipartisan Support and a Twin Bill
That 13-0 committee vote shows both parties are on board, a rare lockstep in Annapolis. The agency’s vocal support bolsters the effort, framing sweepstakes as a dodge around legit gambling rules.
Meanwhile, a mirror bill, HB 1140, is working through the House Ways and Means Committee. A hearing’s been slated, though updates on its progress are still pending. If both chambers align, Maryland could slam the door on sweepstakes statewide.
The bills tackle a gray area that’s irked regulators. Unlike licensed casinos or sportsbooks, these platforms skirt oversight with their “free-to-play, win real money” pitch. SB 860’s backers want that ended, arguing it’s less a game and more a gamble in disguise.
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