Maryland Sweeps Casino Ban Dies as Session Ends Casino By lines April 18, 2026 The Maryland sweepstakes casino ban died April 13 when the 2026 legislative session closed without Senate action. Both House Bill 295 and House Bill 1226 stalled in the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee before adjournment. Why the Maryland Sweeps Ban Collapsed in 2026 The Maryland House passed HB 295 on March 20 by a 105-24 vote. HB 1226 followed on March 23 with a 134-2 House vote. Neither bill cleared the Maryland Senate before the April 13 adjournment deadline. HB 295 targeted dual-currency sweepstakes operators with criminal penalties. HB 1226 gave the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency authority to issue cease-and-desist orders. HB 1226 also proposed civil penalties for affiliates and payment processors supporting sweepstakes platforms. Governor Wes Moore backed HB 295 publicly. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency sponsored HB 295 through the House Ways and Means Committee. Maryland inverted last year’s pattern when the Senate passed a ban and the House blocked it. Maryland residents retain access to all major sweepstakes casinos until the 2027 legislative session. Operators including Stake.us, McLuck, and Pulsz continue serving Maryland players under current law. Related Casino Reviews Louisiana House Passes HB883 Sweeps Ban 98-0 Tennessee Sweeps Casino Ban Moves to House Floor Vote Minnesota Sweeps Casino Ban Revived as Late Bill Source: SBC Americas, April 17, 2026.
