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Bill

HB 46

Sports Wagering - Gambling Prevention Technology Pilot Program - Establishment

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pam Queen

Maryland establishes sports wagering gambling prevention technology pilot program to test harm-reduction tools and identify problematic betting behavior.

Hearing canceled
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 46

Legislative bill overview

HB 46 establishes a pilot program in Maryland to test gambling prevention technologies in the sports wagering sector. The bill directs state authorities to evaluate and implement tools designed to identify problem gambling behaviors and prevent harmful wagering patterns. This represents Maryland's attempt to balance sports betting expansion with consumer protection measures.

Why is this important

As states legalize sports gambling, problem gambling rates have increased, creating public health and social costs. A pilot program allows Maryland to test evidence-based prevention technologies before full-scale implementation, potentially reducing gambling addiction while preserving a regulated industry. The findings could influence how other states approach responsible gambling infrastructure.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding: Unclear who bears expenses for technology development, implementation, and oversight—operators, the state, or shared responsibility
  • Effectiveness and standards: No established metrics for what constitutes "successful" prevention technology or how outcomes will be measured
  • Industry cooperation: Whether operators will genuinely comply with restrictions or find workarounds; potential tension between profit incentives and prevention goals
  • Privacy concerns: Data collection on player behavior raises questions about personal information security and usage limitations
  • Scope limitations: As a pilot program, unclear if successful technologies will become mandatory statewide or remain voluntary

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

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