Maryland House Passes Sweepstakes Ban Bill, Advances Another

HB 295 Moves Forward After Long Delay

The Maryland House passed House Bill 295 with a strong 105-24 vote. The measure now heads to the Senate for further review.

The bill targets what lawmakers call “interactive games” — a term covering certain online and mobile casino-style products. These games often use multiple virtual currencies, which users may exchange for prizes or cash rewards.

Under the proposal, operators and promoters could face serious penalties — including fines between $10,000 and $100,000. Violators may also face up to three years in prison.

However, the bill draws a clear line — it excludes games that only offer non-cash prizes. Free-to-play games without rewards also remain outside its scope.

Lawmakers Debate Scope and Impact

Debate around the bill focused on how far the rules should go. Some lawmakers raised concerns about players who use free games or receive small rewards.

Del. Jheanelle K. Wilkins, who leads the Ways and Means Committee, said the bill targets paid systems with rewards. She described sweepstakes casinos as unlicensed online casinos — operating outside current state controls.

Regulators appear to support that view. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency told lawmakers these casinos may already break existing laws. Yet enforcement remains difficult under current rules.

Industry voices pushed back — arguing they follow existing laws and prefer clear regulation instead of a ban.

Timeline Shows Slow but Steady Progress

The path to passage took several weeks and key steps:

• February 5 — First hearing before committee

• March 18 — Committee advances the bill

• March 20 — Full House approves the measure

HB 1226 Faces Deadline Pressure

House Bill 1226 takes a different approach — focusing on enforcement tools rather than direct bans. The measure would allow regulators to block payments and restrict access to illegal casinos. It also allows cease-and-desist orders and legal action against operators and service providers.

However, timing creates urgency. Maryland’s crossover deadline falls on March 23 — meaning the bill must pass quickly to move forward.

What Comes Next in the Senate

The Senate may soon review both measures — along with a related bill already introduced earlier this year. That earlier proposal has seen little movement since January. Lawmakers now face a familiar question — whether to ban these casinos or regulate them.

Maryland debated a similar issue last year. The Senate approved a ban then, but the House did not act. This time may be different. If either bill passes the Senate, Maryland could join several other states that recently moved to ban sweepstakes casinos.