Committee approves amendments to online gambling enforcement bill, sends measure forward

Delegate Patterson presented House Bill 12 26, the Maryland Illegal Online Gambling Enforcement Act, which would make it unlawful to knowingly operate, offer, conduct, engage in or promote illegal online gambling in the state and to support those actions directly or indirectly.

"The bill prohibits a person from knowingly operating, offering, conducting, engaging in, or promoting illegal online gambling in the state or supporting these actions either directly or indirectly," Delegate Patterson said, explaining that the amendments add sponsors and the knowing element to the bill's criminal prohibitions.

During discussion, Delegate Hornberger asked how HB 12 26 differs from HB 295. A committee member replied that the bill explicitly targets entities that support illegal online gambling—including financial entities, payment processors and hosting platforms—and creates specified cease-and-desist procedures prior to criminal action. Hornberger also noted a desire to route any settlements or awards to the Problem Gaming Fund; a committee participant said that provision is not reflected in the current bill text.

The committee approved the amendments and then moved the bill favorable with amendments. Chair Wilkins recorded that Delegates Hornberger, Long and Griffith opposed the final motion; the chair stated "The ayes have it" and the bill advances.

Next steps: House Bill 12 26 advances from the Ways and Means Committee to the next stage with amendment language including the knowing element and provisions to pursue supporting entities; settlement application to the Problem Gaming Fund was discussed but not included in the bill as presented.