WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 456

Fantasy Competitions - Alterations and Voluntary Exclusion Requirements

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Rosapepe

Maryland bill requires fantasy sports operators to establish voluntary self-exclusion programs for participants to limit their own gambling activity.

Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 456

Legislative bill overview

SB 456 requires fantasy sports competition operators in Maryland to implement voluntary exclusion programs allowing participants to self-exclude from play, and establishes alterations or modifications to existing fantasy competition regulations. The bill creates consumer protection mechanisms similar to those used in gambling operations to help prevent problem gambling behaviors related to daily fantasy sports.

Why is this important

Fantasy sports competitions have grown into a multi-billion dollar industry with millions of participants, yet operators face minimal consumer protection requirements compared to traditional gambling. Without voluntary exclusion tools, individuals struggling with compulsive betting lack a straightforward mechanism to restrict their own participation, potentially leading to significant financial and personal harm.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry compliance costs: Fantasy sports operators may argue that mandatory exclusion systems impose expensive infrastructure and monitoring requirements that could reduce market competitiveness or increase consumer fees
  • Definitional scope: Unclear how "fantasy competitions" are defined—whether all skill-based contests are covered or only daily fantasy sports, which could create inconsistent regulatory application
  • Effectiveness debate: Questions exist about whether voluntary exclusion programs actually reduce problem gambling or simply create liability protection for operators while people who self-exclude still find workarounds

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.