Maryland Won’t Ban Sweepstakes – Yet, SGLA Celebrates

Maryland legislative session is over, and this is a reason to unwind if you are in the social casino lobby.

After a House Bill was introduced at the beginning of the legislative season, the end of the session without the bill making it through is certainly a reason to be relieved for organizations such as the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance, a trade group representing the interests of sector stakeholders. 

Sweepstakes Have a Close Brush with Maryland’s Lawmakers

House Bill 295, introduced earlier this year and getting another hearing in March, sought to prohibit what it described as illegal “interactive games,” aiming at sweepstakes, and arguing that these games simulated casino-style gaming that “award non-cash prizes.” 

Sweepstakes operators had responded by pushing back and arguing that if House Bill 295 ever became a law, it would simply hurt a sector that has been well established and whose merits have been well-documented.

The SGLA, for its part, has hailed lawmakers for not acting rashly – like other states – on the matter, but taking the time to consider the implications of such a bill:

“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. 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.” 

The organizaiton noted that it was all for achieving a status quo in which the sector was better regulated, allowing the state to benefit. 

Further Action May Be Needed, SGLA Agrees

Consumer protection allegations, however, were rebuffed as a claim by the SGLA, arguing that it was powerful casino lobbies that tried to portray the sweepstakes sector as 

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency has been actively pursuing action against websites that it has deemed illegal, with 80 cease-and-desist letters sent out recently, and 25% of recipients complying.