The Short Answer
Maryland's House of Delegates has passed House Bill 295, a measure that would ban sweepstakes casinos statewide. The bill cleared the House on March 20, 2026, with a 105-24 vote and now awaits action in the Senate. A companion enforcement measure, HB 1226, passed the House 134-2 on March 23, 2026. Until both bills clear the Senate and receive the governor's signature, the ban is not yet law, but platform availability in Maryland is already declining.
What HB 295 Does
HB 295 creates a new criminal prohibition on what the bill defines as "interactive games." Under this definition, an interactive game is any online or mobile game that:
- Uses multiple currency systems that allow players to exchange currency for prizes, awards, cash, or cash equivalents
- Simulates casino-style gaming (including slot machines, video poker, and table games), lottery games, or sports wagering
The bill explicitly excludes games that solely award noncash prizes.
Penalties: Operating, conducting, or promoting interactive games in Maryland would be a misdemeanor carrying fines between $10,000 and $100,000, plus up to three years of imprisonment.
HB 295 also requires gaming license applicants and current holders to report any business relationships with entities known to support, operate, or promote interactive games.
Timeline of HB 295
HB 1226: The Enforcement Companion Bill
HB 1226, the Maryland Illegal Online Gambling Enforcement Act, is a separate enforcement measure designed to give regulators sharper tools. The bill:
- Prohibits operators, promoters, and service providers from supporting illegal online activity
- Empowers regulators to issue cease-and-desist orders
- Allows blocking of payments and access to offending platforms
- Authorizes criminal and civil penalties against violators
The House passed HB 1226 with a 134-2 vote on March 23, 2026.
What Happens Next
Both HB 295 and HB 1226 now move to the Maryland Senate. The Senate has a companion bill, SB 112, which had its first hearing on January 28 but has not advanced further. A separate Senate bill, SB 652, also targets illegal online activity. Senators have previously debated whether prohibition or regulation is the right approach for Maryland.
Context: The Senate passed a similar ban bill in 2025, but it stalled in the House. If the Senate passes either HB 295 or HB 1226 this session, Maryland would join Indiana (which passed a similar ban earlier in March 2026) and at least six other states that enacted sweepstakes casino bans in 2025.
Current Platform Availability in Maryland
As of March 2026, several sweepstakes platforms have already restricted access to Maryland users. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency issued cease-and-desist orders to Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots in 2025.
Note: "Check current terms" means availability may have changed due to the legislative environment. Always verify directly with the platform before attempting to register.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sweepstakes casinos currently legal in Maryland?
The legal status is actively changing. The House of Delegates has passed two bills that would ban sweepstakes casinos. Until those bills pass the Senate and receive the governor's signature, some platforms remain accessible, but availability is declining as operators voluntarily restrict Maryland users or comply with cease-and-desist orders.
What does HB 295 mean for current players?
If signed into law, operating sweepstakes casinos in Maryland would become a misdemeanor. The bill targets operators and promoters, not individual players. However, players should expect platforms to further restrict access as the legislation progresses.
When could the ban take effect?
Both HB 295 and HB 1226 are now before the Maryland Senate. If passed and signed by the governor, the effective date would depend on the final legislation. The Maryland General Assembly session typically ends in April.
What alternatives exist for Maryland residents?
Maryland has six licensed brick-and-mortar gaming venues and regulated online sports wagering. The state does not currently offer legal iGaming. Players looking for entertainment options can visit any of the state's licensed venues.
Sources
- HB 295 full text (PDF) - Maryland General Assembly
- HB 1226 on LegiScan
- SB 652 full text (PDF) - Maryland General Assembly
- Maryland SB112/HB295 Coverage - Gambling Insider
- Maryland House Passes Sweepstakes Ban - Gambling Insider, March 23, 2026
- Maryland Legislators Weighing Interactive Games Ban - Deadspin