Maryland’s Senate Budget and Tax Committee has prefiled SB112 that would prohibit the operation and promotion of “interactive games” in Maryland.
Interactive games are defined as “online or mobile games that use multiple currency systems for prizes or cash and simulate casino games, lottery games, or sports wagering, with an exception for games that only award non-cash prizes.”
The first reading took place on January 14, which was the start of the Old Line State’s legislative session. HB295, which is the companion bill, had its first reading with the Ways and Means Committee.
This is not the first time that sweepstakes casinos have been put under the microscope by Maryland legislators. In 2025, attempted a similar prohibition of sweepstakes casinos, but neither bill advanced.
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency also issued second cease-and-desist orders to Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots, both of which are run by Virtual Gaming Worlds. Initial letters were sent out in March.
With the new pieces of legislation, the measure would prohibit a person from both promoting and operating interactive games within state lines. Violators would be guilty of a misdemeanor. Offenders could face up to three years of imprisonment along with a fine ranging between $10,000 and $100,000.
Additionally, the state gaming agency would have the right to deny a license application or revoke an active license.
Maryland is one of several states that have introduced legislation related to banning dual-currency sweepstakes casinos.
Indiana state representative Ethan Manning introduced House Bill 1052 that seeks to define and penalize certain dual-currency gaming platforms that resemble traditional casino gambling. If passed, operators could face a $100,000 fine per violation.
Maine presents an even more intriguing case as Gov. Janet Mills announced LD 1164 would become law, legalizing online casinos. It authorizes Maine’s tribal governments to operate online gambling. Potential launch dates have yet to be announced.
Sweepstakes casinos are the ones facing an uphill battle. Last year, the Maine Gambling Control Unit issued a warning to sweepstakes casinos, classifying sweep sites as unlicensed illegal platforms. Pine Tree State lawmakers spent time this week deliberating over SP 825 that would ban what the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance refers to as Social Plus games.
Mississippi, Virginia, and Florida have introduced bills that could result in state bans on sweepstakes casinos.
Now that the calendar has flipped to 2026, dual currency sweepstakes casinos are considered illegal in California. This is the result of Gov. Gavin Newsom signing AB831 into law last fall. It received unanimous support from the Senate (36-0) and the State Assembly (63-0).
New Jersey, Michigan, New York, Montana, Connecticut, Nevada, and several other states have already outlawed dual currency sweepstakes platforms.
Time will tell if Maryland legislators approve similar legislation that will kick out sweepstakes casino operators.
