Maryland’s Crackdown on Illegal Online Platforms

Maryland’s Initiative Against Unlawful Online Platforms

• Maryland releases a list of regulated platforms and banned websites
• The list of websites that have been issued cease-and-desist orders includes roughly 15 companies
• The state warns that there are additional platforms operating illegally in Maryland that are not included on the list

The state of Maryland has been proactively addressing unlawful operators by issuing cease-and-desist orders to companies suspected of offering their services without the required licenses.

Maryland Releases List of Websites Banned in the State

Recently, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency has unveiled a list of websites that have been served with cease-and-desist notices for allegedly violating regulations. These rules effectively prevent the platforms from offering their services within the state.

Maryland has identified approximately 15 websites, clarifying that this is not an exhaustive list of all illegal platforms in the state. Instead, it highlights only those that have specifically received cease-and-desist orders.

• Bet US
• BetAnySports
• BetNow.eu
• Esport Newco (Blitz-Win Cash; Pool Blitz-Win Cash; Pool Blitz-Win; Bingo-Win Cash; Match3-Win Cash)
• Everygame
• Fortune Coins
• Golden Hearts
• High Entertainment (High 5 Casino)
• McLuck
• Rebet
• SlotsandCasino
• Stake.us
• VGW (Chumba Casino; Luckyland Slots)
• Zula

To assist consumers in avoiding unauthorized platforms, Maryland has also decided to publish two additional lists:

• Licensed Online Sports Wagering Operators in the state
• Registered Online Fantasy Competition Operators

Sweepstakes Under Scrutiny Again in Maryland

This action is part of the state’s efforts to limit the availability of certain types of content and websites. In addition to targeting real money sites lacking proper licensing, Maryland has been actively opposing the sweepstakes casino sector.

In a recent development, Maryland has targeted VGW, the company behind Luckyland Slots and Chumba Casinos, demanding it cease operations by March 22. The state requires VGW to submit a written report by March 28, detailing whether it has complied and outlining its activities within the state.

Beyond addressing real money websites, sweepstakes have also faced criticism. Maryland is contemplating, and seems to be approaching, legislation that would ban sweepstakes from operating within the state.