TLDR Maryland House passed HB 295 to ban sweepstakes casinos, voting 105-24 to send it to the Senate The bill makes operating online “interactive games” that simulate casino-style gaming a criminal offense Violators face fines between $10,000 and $100,000 and up to three years in prison A second bill, HB 1226, faced a tight March 23 crossover deadline to also reach the Senate Maryland could join Indiana and six other states that have passed sweepstakes casino bans in the past year
The Maryland House of Delegates has passed a bill that would ban sweepstakes casinos in the state. House Bill 295 passed with a 105-24 vote on March 20 and now heads to the Senate.
The bill targets what it calls “interactive games.” These are defined as online or mobile games that use multiple currency systems and let players exchange currency for prizes, cash, or cash equivalents.
The definition also covers games that simulate casino-style gaming, lottery games, or sports wagering. Games that only award noncash prizes are excluded from the ban.
Under HB 295, anyone who operates, conducts, or promotes these online interactive games would face criminal charges. Fines range from $10,000 to $100,000, and offenders could spend up to three years in prison.
The bill first had a hearing on February 5 before the Ways and Means Committee. After that, it sat without action for more than a month.
Maryland Lottery Agency Backs the Ban
During testimony, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency spoke in favor of the bill. Agency representatives said sweepstakes platforms are conducting illegal gambling and that the agency lacks the tools to go after them.
Industry representatives pushed back. They said their platforms follow all current laws and argued that regulation would be a better path than an outright ban.