Maryland, Mississippi Move Forward with Laws to Ban Sweepstakes Gaming
Both Maryland and Mississippi advance legislative efforts to ban sweepstakes gaming. Here's what you need to know about the current developments and implications.
Maryland's Senate Progress
- Senate unanimously approved SB 860 with a 47-0 vote
- Bill moves to House Ways and Means Committee (hearing scheduled March 20)
- Proposed penalties: $10,000-$100,000 fines and up to 3 years imprisonment
- Companion bill HB 1140 introduced in House
Key Provisions of Maryland's Ban
- Prohibits online sweepstakes gaming and casinos
- Allows State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission to deny licenses
- Targets dual-currency payment systems
- Bans simulated casino games, lottery games, and sports betting
Two NBA players battle for ball
Mississippi's Complex Situation
- House approved Senate bill SB 2510 to ban sweepstakes gaming
- Added online sports betting language to the bill
- Bill passed House with amendments (83-19 vote)
- Senate approval unlikely due to added sports betting provisions
Challenges in Mississippi
- Senate shows resistance to online sports betting
- Concerns about revenue impact on physical casinos
- Original sweepstakes ban complicated by sports betting addition
- SB 2381 passed House 107-3 with similar amendments
Both states aim to regulate unregulated gaming activities, but Mississippi's path faces more obstacles due to the added sports betting provisions, while Maryland's straightforward approach shows more promise for implementation.