SB 708 changes Maryland’s sports wagering law to require, rather than merely allow, certain sports wagering licensees and operators that advertise in the State to hire an independent evaluator. The evaluator must be licensed under existing State Government Article provisions and is tasked with evaluating and rating the licensee’s sports wagering content, sports wagering experts, sports wagering influencers, and content partners. The bill is aimed at adding an external review layer to advertising and promotional content tied to sports betting.
The bill also includes a contingency: the new requirement only takes effect if the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission has issued licenses to at least three independent evaluators under the relevant statute. If that condition is met, the bill takes effect July 1, 2025. The measure amends § 9–1E–17(d) of the State Government Article and is framed as a targeted regulatory change within Maryland’s sports wagering framework.
Impact
SB 708 amends Maryland’s State Government Article to make independent evaluation of sports wagering advertising and related content mandatory for covered licensees and operators that advertise in the State. It expands the compliance obligations of sports wagering businesses by requiring contracts with licensed independent evaluators, potentially affecting advertising practices, influencer relationships, and content partnerships. The bill does not create a new licensing system, but it relies on the existing independent evaluator licensing structure and conditions implementation on the availability of at least three licensed evaluators.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad legislative support. It passed the Senate unanimously on third reading and later passed the House with a substantial majority, suggesting general agreement that additional oversight of sports wagering advertising is appropriate. The committee report was favorable with amendments, indicating support for the bill’s purpose while refining its language or implementation details.
Contention
There is little visible contention in the available record, but the main policy issue is whether the State should require, rather than merely permit, sports wagering operators to use independent evaluators. Supporters likely view the requirement as a consumer-protection and integrity measure for betting-related advertising, while any concerns would center on added compliance costs, administrative burden, and the practical availability of enough licensed evaluators to meet the bill’s contingency. The contingency itself suggests lawmakers were attentive to implementation capacity.