Baltimore Challenges Online Gambling Firms in Court

Companies Named in the Lawsuit

Baltimore filed the lawsuit Wednesday with help from the law firm Dicello Levitt. The city says several online casino companies allowed Maryland residents to play. The companies listed in the complaint include:

• B2 Services

• Blazesoft Ltd.

• High 5 Entertainment

• Stake.us

• VGW Holdings

• Yellow Social Interactive Limited

Most operate outside the United States — yet their casinos reached users in Baltimore. City lawyers say the companies used a dual-currency system in their casinos. Players could buy virtual coins to play different casino-style games.

Court Decisions in Other States

Several court cases in other states may affect Baltimore’s lawsuit. Judges have begun looking more closely at sweepstakes casino models. In Washington state, a jury ruled against High 5 Games in 2025. Jurors said some casino game mechanics counted as illegal gambling.

The court ordered about $24,9 million in damages for consumers in that case. The ruling — though separate — may support Baltimore’s legal arguments. Another case appeared in San Jose, California. Courts there reviewed whether technology companies share responsibility for casino services.

Apple, Google, and Meta faced questions about casino games distributed through their systems. The decision suggested distributors might also face legal risk.

Concerns About Consumer Protection

Baltimore officials also raised concerns about consumer safety. They say the casinos broke the city’s Consumer Protection Ordinance. The lawsuit claims some ads targeted younger users online. Promotions used bright graphics and video game-style rewards.

Investigators say these designs may attract teenagers and young adults. Mayor Brandon M. Scott commented on the issue during public remarks. He said illegal gambling operators should not profit from city residents.

What Baltimore Wants From the Court

Baltimore is asking the court for several actions in the case. First, city officials want civil penalties against the companies involved. They also seek restitution for players who used the casinos.

The lawsuit asks the court to block the casinos from operating in Maryland. City lawyers also want to recover profits tied to the alleged illegal activity.

Debate Over Online Casinos in Maryland

The lawsuit comes as Maryland debates the future of online casinos. Lawmakers are reviewing whether to allow regulated internet gambling. Two proposals — Senate Bill 761 and Senate Bill 885 — outline possible plans.

Senate Bill 761 would place a referendum on the November 2026 ballot. Voters would decide if online casinos should become legal statewide.

However, some experts warn about economic risks. Online casinos may reduce spending at physical casinos. For now, both bills remain stalled in the state legislature. Baltimore’s lawsuit — however — adds new pressure to the debate.