Maryland Warns Bettors to Use Legal Sites as Football Season Kicks Off
Maryland Lottery and Gaming officials are issuing a public advisory, urging residents to use only state-authorized sports betting platforms as the football season gets underway. The message is a proactive effort to educate consumers and steer them toward a regulated market that offers safety, security, and benefits to the state.
The Risks of Unregulated Platforms
The core of the state’s warning centers on the dangers of using illegal gambling sites. These platforms operate without any regulatory oversight, leaving consumers vulnerable to a range of potential harms.
“It’s important to differentiate between legal and illegal online gaming,” said Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director John Martin. “A key part of [playing responsibly] is protecting yourself by using platforms that are legal and safe.”
According to the agency, the risks of using unregulated sites include:
- No Consumer Protection: If a player has a dispute with an illegal operator over winnings or account issues, there is no regulatory body to turn to for help.
- Data and Financial Security: Licensed operators in Maryland are required to follow strict “know-your-customer” protocols and employ robust security measures to protect user data and funds. Illegal sites often lack these safeguards, exposing users to identity theft, financial scams, and data breaches.
- Lack of Responsible Gaming Resources: Legal operators are mandated to provide access and information about problem gambling resources, such as the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline. Illegal sites have no such obligation.
“Illegal operators don’t have resources to assist with problem gambling, there’s no way to be sure that they will pay your prize if you win, and there is no customer protection if you have a dispute with them,” Martin added.
Regulators Take Action Against Illegal Operators
The state’s warning is not just a public service announcement; it is backed by enforcement action. Maryland Lottery and Gaming has been actively targeting illegal operators, particularly sweepstakes casinos that it deems to be in violation of state law.
As of early 2025, the agency had issued cease-and-desist letters to 11 such platforms, including High 5 Casino, Stake.US, and McLuck, demanding they stop serving Maryland customers. Officials are also developing strategies to block non-compliant sites, a more aggressive approach already taken by some other states.
A Thriving and Regulated Market
The push to educate consumers comes as Maryland’s legal sports betting market continues to experience rapid growth. Since its online launch in November 2022, the industry has become a significant source of state revenue.
In fiscal year 2025, tax revenue from sports wagering saw a 47% increase, and the state’s all-time tax collections from the industry have surpassed $100 million. In total, all forms of legal gambling, including the lottery and casinos, contributed nearly $1.6 billion to state programs in fiscal 2025.
This revenue stream is set to grow further, as a recent tax rate hike on sports betting from 15% to 20% is projected to add another $32 million annually to state coffers.
A Commitment to Responsible Gaming
A key component of Maryland’s legal framework is its commitment to responsible gaming. The state offers a robust network of support for those who may be struggling with problem gambling. This includes the 24-hour 1-800-GAMBLER helpline, free treatment and support services through the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, and a Voluntary Exclusion Program that allows individuals to self-ban from all casinos and sportsbooks.
As wagering activity surges with the start of the football season, Maryland officials are stressing that the choice of where to bet has significant consequences, not just for the state’s budget, but for the safety and security of every player.
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