Maryland reveals gambling platforms issued stop-operations orders to
Maryland Cracks Down on Regulated Platforms
Maryland's gaming watchdog, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, has taken a firm stance against illegal operators, serving cease-and-desist notices to numerous companies alleged to be offering their services without proper authorization.
Maryland Publishes List of Prohibited Websites
In an attempt to inform consumers and minimize the risk of engaging with unauthorized platforms, Maryland has released a list of websites that have received these notices. The list includes more than a dozen sites such as:
- Bet US
- BetAnySports
- BetNow.eu
- Esport Newco (Blitz-Win Cash; Pool Blitz-Win Cash; Pool Blitz-Win; Bingo-Win Cash; Match3-Win Cash)
- Everygame
- Fortune Coins
- Golden Hearts
- High Entertainment (High 5 Casino)
- McLuck
- Rebet
- SlotsandCasino
- Stake.us
- VGW (Chumba Casino; Luckyland Slots)
- Zula
It is essential to note that this list is not exhaustive, as many platforms operating without the necessary licenses still remain under the radar. Consumers are advised to be vigilant and double-check the legitimacy of platforms before engaging in any activities.
Crisis Ahead for Sweepstakes in Maryland
While the state is making progress in controlling real money sites lacking local licensure, the fight isn't limited to these platforms. Maryland has also been vocal about its disapproval of the sweepstakes casino sector.
The most recent move against sweepstakes was towards VGW, the company behind Luckyland Slots and Chumba Casinos, which was ordered to wind down its operations by March 22. By March 28, the company was expected to submit a report detailing its compliance with the order and its activities in the state.
Additionally, a new law is in the pipeline that could potentially make it illegal for sweepstakes to operate in Maryland. This legislation targets platforms simulating casino-style gambling or sports betting with a dual-currency system.
As of mid-May, this proposed bill has yet to become law. The future of sweepstakes in Maryland remains uncertain, with lawmakers continuing to debate the issue while the industry expresses concerns regarding the potential criminalization of a commonly used marketing tool.
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The legal landscape for sweepstakes in Maryland is complex. Currently, sweepstakes are allowed as long as they are structured to eliminate chance or consideration, comply with disclosure requirements, and avoid deceptive practices. However, a legislative effort to ban online sweepstakes casinos is ongoing, with the proposed law targeting platforms simulating casino-style gambling or sports betting. If passed, operating these types of sweepstakes would become a misdemeanor, carrying potential prison sentences and substantial fines. The legal status of sweepstakes remains uncertain as the debate continues, and similar proposals in other states have either failed or stalled in the legislative process.
- The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency's crackdown on unauthorized operators extends to sweepstakes casino platforms, such as those operated by VGW (Chumba Casino and Luckyland Slots).
- Maryland's proposed legislation aims to make it illegal for platforms simulating casino-style gambling or sports betting, creating an uncertain future for sweepstakes in the state.
- Despite the ongoing debate, it is crucial for sweepstakes companies to comply with orders, like the one given to VGW to wind down its operations, to avoid legal repercussions.
