Maryland Sweepstakes Casino Ban Dies in State Senate Casino By lines April 24, 2026 Maryland sweepstakes casino ban bills failed to clear the state Senate before the legislative session ended on April 13, 2026. Two House-passed bills died in the Senate Committee on Budget and Taxation. Sweepstakes operators can keep serving Maryland players until at least the 2027 session. How HB 295 and HB 1226 Stalled in the Senate HB 295 passed the Maryland House of Delegates 105-24 on March 20, 2026. HB 1226, titled the Maryland Illegal Online Gambling Enforcement Act, cleared the House 134-2 on March 23, 2026. Both bills targeted dual-currency sweepstakes casino platforms. HB 1226 would have outlawed operating, promoting, and affiliating with sweepstakes casinos in Maryland. HB 295 prohibited interactive games using multiple currency systems that simulate casino-style play. The Senate Committee on Budget and Taxation never scheduled a hearing for either measure. The Maryland General Assembly adjourned sine die on April 13, 2026, without Senate floor action. Sponsors are expected to refile the legislation in the 2027 session. Sweepstakes operators such as McLuck and High 5 Casino remain active for Maryland residents during the interim period. Related Casino Reviews Baltimore Sues Six Sweeps Casinos Over Illegal Play Minnesota Sweepstakes Ban One Vote From Senate Floor Maine Becomes Second State to Ban Sweepstakes Casinos Source: SBC Americas, April 17, 2026.
