Bills to outlaw sweepstakes gaming in both Maryland and Mississippi are gathering pace.
The race is on to become the first state to implement a sweeps-specific ban in response to the industry’s massive growth over the last few years.
Maryland’s SB 860
Senate Bill 860 passed through the Maryland Senate last week with a unanimous vote of 47-0.
It’s now under review by the House Ways and Means Committee where it’s scheduled to be heard on March 20th.
Its companion bill, HB1140, has been filed in the Maryland House. However, that has faced several delays and is yet to receive its first committee hearing. If both bills successfully pass their respective chambers, they will need to be reconciled before being sent to Governor Wes Moore for approval.
Both bills define an ‘online sweepstakes game’ as follows:
- “Is available on the internet or accessible via a mobile phone, computer terminal, or similar device.
- Utilizes a dual-currency payment system, allowing the player to exchange currency for any prize, award, cash, or cash equivalents, or for a chance to win such prizes or cash.
- Simulates:
- Casino-style gaming, such as slot machines, video poker, and table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker.
- Lottery games, including draw games, instant win games, keno, and bingo.
- Sports wagering.”
Penalties for violation are up to 3 years in jail and fines of up to $100,000.
Mississippi’s SB 2510
Meanwhile, in the Magnolia State, Senate Bill 2510 passed with a vote of 83-19 in the House of Representatives. It’s now back with the Senate, which must decide whether to approve, amend, or reject it before a 21st March deadline.
Complicating matters is the fact that Representative Casey Eure, chair of the House Gaming Committee, added language that would also legalize sports betting in the state. The Senate already rejected a different bill with similar sports betting intent earlier this month, so it’s unclear whether SB 2510 will pass through successfully.
It’s also a harsher proposal than the one in Maryland. Maryland’s bill would classify a sweepstakes offense as a misdemeanor, while Mississippi’s bill would deem it a felony, creating the potential for similar fines but up to 10 years in prison.
A Growing Trend
These developments reflect a growing push to limit sweepstakes casinos at the state level. We’ve seen a flurry of activity this month in Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Florida too.
Some sweeps platforms already choose not to operate in Maryland and Mississippi, but passage in either state would see an exodus of sites. None would be willing to risk the penalties.
There’s no doubt about it – the market for operators looks to be shrinking in 2025.
Author: Alex Windsor
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