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Maryland Shuts Down Unlicensed Sports Betting Platforms

4/8/2025

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Summary

Maryland Shuts Down Unlicensed Markets

Maryland's Lottery and Gaming Control Commission has taken a bold stand by shutting down unlicensed sports prediction markets run by Kalshi, Robinhood Derivatives, and Crypto.com. These platforms, skirting state laws and consumer protections, have been evading taxes that legitimate operators pay. With this action, Maryland joins five other states in safeguarding consumers and ensuring fair play in the gaming industry.

Summary

Keenan Advocates Bettor Health

Massachusetts lawmakers, spearheaded by Senator John Keenan, are championing the "Bettor Health Act" to tackle the rapid growth of sports betting and its risks. The proposed legislation seeks to ban prop bets, limit advertising, and boost funding for addiction treatment, as officials raise alarms about a looming public health crisis reminiscent of the opioid epidemic.

History

Historical Context

Maryland's recent crackdown on unlicensed sports prediction markets aligns with a broader trend in U.S. gambling regulation. Following the Supreme Court's 2018 decision to overturn PASPA, states have increasingly sought to regulate sports betting to protect consumers and ensure fair competition. This mirrors historical efforts, such as the 1961 Federal Wire Act, aimed at curbing illegal gambling and organized crime's influence in sports.

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Maryland Shuts Down Unlicensed Markets

Maryland's Lottery and Gaming Control Commission has taken a bold stand by shutting down unlicensed sports prediction markets run by Kalshi, Robinhood Derivatives, and Crypto.com. These platforms, skirting state laws and consumer protections, have been evading taxes that legitimate operators pay. With this action, Maryland joins five other states in safeguarding consumers and ensuring fair play in the gaming industry.

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