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Twin proposals to ban sweepstakes casino games in Maryland and call a referendum on real-money iGaming have both met the same fate, stalling out as the Assembly concluded its business for 2025. Both proposals attracted considerable industry attention but ultimately languished in committees with little momentum to push them forward.
For the iGaming amendment proposal, pushback from Maryland gaming licensees and concerns about broad licensing requirements became more than proponents could overcome for 2025. On the sweepstakes issue, challenges in targeting websites offering the games also proved onerous for sponsors.
Legislative hearings identify issues for iGaming proponents
The end of the 2025 legislative session for supporters of regulated online casino play in Maryland was a mere formality. Amendment proposals failed to meet a crossover deadline earlier in the session, leaving little hope for any further discussion on the matter.
However, supporters did glean crucial feedback from legislative hearings on HB17 and SB340. Opposition testimony focused on iGaming’s potential impact on revenue at physical casinos in Maryland.
Opponents also raised concerns about the proposal’s allowance for the licensing of gaming companies that do not operate land-based facilities in Maryland. On the subject of a potential sweepstakes ban, there were also issues in the bill’s language.
Sweepstakes restrictions criticized as government overreach
A hearing on HB1140, which was a companion to SB0860, revealed obstacles for restricting sweepstakes games in Maryland. While SB0860 got unanimous approval in the Maryland Senate, the House of Delegates Ways and Means Committee took no action on it.
Opposition testimony pointed to potential unintended consequences of the bills as composed. Speakers suggested that under the bill’s language, sweepstakes promotions offered by fast-food restaurants and other non-gaming businesses might also become illegal.
The 2026 session will give sponsors of these bills more opportunities to raise these issues and with more knowledge about how to craft legislation and pitch their proposals. For the time being, the status quo remains regarding the legal status of online casino play in the commonwealth.
