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Maryland regulators describe offshore 'illegal' online gaming as persistent challenge; cease-and-desist letters ineffective so far
Summary
Agency officials told the House Ways and Means Committee that offshore operators offering casino-style games and sports wagering to Maryland residents continue to evade state enforcement; the agency has issued 11 cease-and-desist letters, received six responses and none have agreed to block access.
John Martin, director of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, told the House Ways and Means Committee on Jan. 15 that illegal online gaming operators—primarily offshore sites offering casino-style games and sports wagering—remain an unresolved enforcement problem for the state.
“There's dozens, if not 100, of these entities across the country,” Martin said. “It's almost like, and I apologize for using the term, but the whack a mole concept is something that we use in the industry.” He said the agency had sent 11 cease-and-desist letters and that six recipients had responded to assert their businesses were compliant; none had agreed to block Maryland access.
Lawmakers pressed…
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