Betting Companies Want Change to Rules in Maryland

Maryland Betting Operators Want Lawmakers to Change Betting Rules

By Lisa Spencer Senior Editor Updated: 24 June 2023

Lisa Spencer Senior Editor

As a Senior Editor at Betting.US, Lisa Spencer is a valuable member of our expert team. With a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Lisa is adept in gambling theory and analyzing odds. She contributes by writing online sportsbook reviews and finding competitive markets to help our readers make an informed choice.

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Rules in Place to Protect Bettors

Rules regarding misleading offers and promotions were put into place by the state in a bid to provide greater protection and safety for bettors. However, operators have asked the state to adjust some rules, according to reports, relating to the submission of details about a promotion prior to it going live.

A report in the Baltimore Sun stated that operators had asked to state to:

…lift a regulation that requires them to submit a description of any promotional offer, along with its terms and conditions, to gambling regulators for inspection at least two days before putting it into effect.

Operators in the state have apparently asked instead to provide details of their promotions to the state within five days of its launch rather than prior to its launch. This means that there would be no time or opportunity for the offer to be reviewed and assessed before it was launched.

However, operators said that under current rules where two days advance notice must be given, they cannot offer promos focusing on fans in certain areas right away. Furthermore, operators have told state regulators that the ability to offer the right promotions is a vital part of them being able to attract and retain players.

A More Competitive Market Causing Difficulties for Operators

As in other sports betting states, competition among sports betting operators in Maryland is fierce, with 10 companies currently offering betting opportunities. This is why so many operators launch special promotions and deals when launching, or on a periodic basis, as it enables them to bring more customers on board.

State records have shown that operators have to boost their ability to attract new bettors by offering no sweat or discounted bets, as these are the types of promotions that tend to be most popular among bettors. However, the fine print attached to these promotions is what has to be checked, according to state officials.

Regulators have to ensure that promotions and offers from sports betting providers do not put customers at risk or mislead them. The rules and the checking of promotions are designed to safeguard bettors. This has become particularly important given the rise in gambling addiction that has come with the widespread availability of online gambling and sports betting across the country.

Maryland regulators have already written to operators in the past warning them about the language used in adverts and promotions. For instance, they deemed the term ‘risk-free’ as being a predatory term that was misleading for consumers and, therefore, must not be used by operators when advertising or launching a promotion.