Bill would require independent evaluators for sports-wagering ads, targets influencer promotion

Delegate Amerrick Ebersole told the Ways and Means Committee that House Bill 16-12 would bring transparency and accountability to Maryland’s growing sports-wagering market by requiring operators who advertise in the state to use licensed independent evaluators to review and rate wagering content and third‑party influencers.

"This legislation continues by requiring sports wagering operators that advertise in Maryland to utilize licensed independent evaluators to review and rate sports wagering content, experts, influencers, and content partners," Ebersole said, arguing the change is needed because digital marketing and influencer promotion can create situations that are "highly unethical." She said the bill would require a minimum of three evaluators to ensure competition and independent oversight and that the evaluators be approved by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Commission.

Ebersole described an example in which platforms alter offers and influencers push changing lines, creating conflicts of interest that current rules do not address. Committee members did not press further, and Chair Janelle Wilkins closed the hearing on the bill to proceed to the next item. The committee paused for a break before voting on the day’s slate of bills.