Maryland lawmakers leave sweepstakes ban bill unpassed
Maryland lawmakers ended their legislative session without passing House Bill 295, which sought to prohibit certain interactive games targeting sweepstakes, according to reports. The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance welcomed the outcome and said it wanted to work with lawmakers and regulators on practices for the sector in 2027. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency has sent 80 cease-and-desist letters to websites it considers illegal, with 25% of recipients complying.
Operators face no ban under the bill this session, while the state agency continues enforcement against websites it deems illegal.