Sports Wagering - Independent Evaluation of Sports Wagering
Summary
SB 970 changes Maryland’s sports wagering law by making it mandatory, rather than optional, for certain sports wagering licensees and operators that advertise in the State to hire an independent evaluator. The evaluator must be licensed under existing law and is used to assess and rate sports wagering content, sports wagering experts, sports wagering influencers, and content partners. In practical terms, the bill is aimed at increasing third-party review of advertising and promotional material connected to sports betting.
The bill also includes a contingency clause: it does not take effect unless 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 Act takes effect on July 1, 2026. The bill amends Section 9-1E-17(d) of the State Government Article, which governs sports wagering regulation in Maryland.
Impact
SB 970 amends the State Government Article to impose a new compliance obligation on sports wagering licensees and operators that advertise in Maryland. Instead of merely allowing them to contract with an independent evaluator, the bill requires such contracts, thereby strengthening oversight of sports wagering advertising content and related promotional participants. The practical effect is to expand regulatory scrutiny over sportsbook marketing practices and create a new operational requirement for affected licensees and operators, contingent on the availability of at least three licensed independent evaluators.
Sentiment
The available legislative history suggests the bill was broadly supported and noncontroversial. It received a favorable committee report and passed third reading in the Senate unanimously, 41-0, indicating strong agreement on the need for additional oversight of sports wagering advertising. No committee transcript excerpts were provided, so there is no record here of significant debate or opposition.
Contention
There is little visible contention in the available record. The main policy choice in the bill is to convert an existing permissive provision into a mandatory one, which could raise compliance and cost concerns for sports wagering operators and licensees. However, the unanimous Senate vote and favorable committee action suggest those concerns did not generate substantial opposition in the legislative process. The contingency on the licensing of at least three independent evaluators also appears designed to address implementation concerns by ensuring a sufficient market of qualified evaluators before the mandate takes effect.