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Two bills were proposed that would ban sweepstakes casinos in Maryland
The legislative session for this year concluded this week without action taken
Unlike real money online casinos, sweepstakes models offer a dual currency system that allows individuals to make purchases once the free play component is exhaused
As some states have imposed laws over the last year prohibiting sweepstakes casinos, Maryland will not be among them.
The state wrapped up its 2026 legislative session without approving two bills targeting sweepstakes-style gaming.
Unlike a real money online casino, sweepstakes - or social casinos - is an online platform that allows users to play casino-style games, including slots, bingo, table games, and even live casino games, using virtual currency instead of real money. These types of online casinos rely on additional real money purchases once the free play component is exhausted. In contrast, real money online casinos require a small deposit that can be increased through wins. Free play and cash bonuses are typically offered as well.
While HB 295 and HB 1226 both cleared the House of Delegates, they failed to move any further.
HB 295 summary included "Prohibiting a person from operating, conducting, or promoting interactive games; requiring gaming license applicants and license holders to report to the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission annually any business relationship with certain persons known to support, operate, conduct, or promote certain interactive games; requiring the Commission to deny certain license applications and revoke certain licenses under certain circumstances; etc."
HB 1226 summary included "Prohibiting certain persons from knowingly operating, offering, conducting, engaging in, or promoting illegal online gambling in the State; prohibiting certain persons from knowingly supporting, directly or indirectly, the operation, conduct, or promotion of illegal online gambling in the State; authorizing the Attorney General and certain prosecuting attorneys to take certain actions, issue certain notices, and seek certain relief in order to enforce the Act; etc."
Managing Director Sean Ostrow of the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance celebrated the failed efforts.
“We are pleased with this result in Maryland and want to thank the Maryland lawmakers who took the time to thoroughly consider this issue.
“Over multiple hearings and dozens of meetings, SGLA addressed false allegations by casino interests by demonstrating that the Social Plus industry already offers strong consumer protections and contributes to Maryland’s economy, while pushing back against efforts to misrepresent long-standing lawful activity as gambling,” he said.
“We are eager to work with lawmakers and regulators in 2027 to codify SGLA’s best practices for the broader social games industry, which can generate significant tax revenue while keeping consumers safe online.”
To date, just seven states outwardly prohibit the sweepstakes online casino model. These include:
- California (ban effective Jan 1, 2026)
- Connecticut
- Montana
- New Jersey
- New York
- Nevada
- Washington
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
