Maryland lawmakers are reviewing legislation that would tighten regulations on the state’s sports betting industry. The proposal, filed as House Bill 518 (HB 518), was recently discussed in a legislative hearing and is now under committee consideration.
HB 518 includes a ban on certain prop bets, specifically targeting college player prop wagers. Under the bill, sportsbooks would no longer be permitted to offer betting markets tied to individual college athletes.
The measure would also require bettors to set deposit and time limits in advance before placing wagers. It would prohibit the use of credit cards to fund sports betting accounts and establish stricter rules governing how and when players can modify their preset limits.
Additional provisions include expanded self-exclusion options and mandatory data-sharing requirements intended to support responsible gambling research and oversight.
These changes have been proposed to prioritize player safety while preserving game integrity.
College player prop bets present heightened integrity concerns compared to other wagering markets. Because these bets focus on the performance of individual college athletes, they are more vulnerable to outside influence or manipulation.
Recently, several investigations across the country have examined unusual betting activity tied to college player props, raising questions about athlete harassment and the potential for improper conduct. For example, there was a recent college basketball scandal involving dozens of players.
The proposed requirement that bettors set deposit and time limits in advance is aimed at increasing the use of responsible gaming tools. While many sportsbooks already offer voluntary limits, research and industry data suggest that a relatively small percentage of users proactively enable them.
By requiring limits upfront, the bill seeks to make structured controls a default part of the wagering process rather than an optional feature.
HB 518 would also prohibit the use of credit cards to fund betting accounts. Restricting credit card deposits may reduce the risk of players wagering money they do not immediately have available, which can contribute to financial strain.
Finally, the bill’s expanded self-exclusion measures and data-sharing requirements are intended to strengthen oversight and responsible gambling initiatives. Self-exclusion programs allow individuals to voluntarily block themselves from betting platforms, making them valuable tools to prioritize player safety.
Enhanced reporting standards could provide regulators and researchers with more detailed information to monitor trends and identify potential risks within the market, which can help prevent problem gambling.
HB 518 will now move through the committee review process, where lawmakers may hold additional discussions, consider amendments, and vote on whether to advance the bill. If approved by the committee, it would proceed to the full House of Delegates for debate and a floor vote.
If the House passes the measure, it would then move to the Maryland Senate for consideration, where a similar committee and floor process would take place. Should both chambers approve the bill, it would be sent to the governor for signature or veto. If enacted, regulators would then put the new rules into place.
