HB 1226 Maryland House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Maryland Illegal Online Gambling Enforcement Act

HB 1226 prohibits unlicensed online gambling operations in Maryland, targeting operators, payment processors, and website hosts that facilitate such activities. It requires these entities to block access for Maryland residents within 10 days of a cease-and-desist order from the Attorney General or local prosecutors. Violations are treated as unfair trade practices under Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act, potentially resulting in fines or imprisonment. The bill explicitly excludes licensed online sports wagering operators from these restrictions.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Feb 11, 2026 Last action Mar 25, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

First - Maryland Illegal Online Gambling Enforcement Act → Third - Maryland Illegal Online Gambling Enforcement Act · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to add sponsors Conaway and Woods, include a committee report and House adoption status, and reorganize the bill's structure to add it to the State Government article while also modifying the Commercial Law section. The substantive policy changes include adding 'knowingly' to prohibited activities and renumbering sections in the definitions.

Scope change

The bill now applies to persons who knowingly operate or support illegal online gambling, adding an intent requirement to the prohibited conduct.

SCOPE

Added the word 'knowingly' to prohibited activities in Section 9-1F-03, requiring proof of intent rather than just participation.

DEFINITION

Reorganized the bill structure, moving the subtitle creation from Commercial Law to State Government article.

PROCEDURAL

Added committee report showing favorable action with amendments and House adoption status.

Added additional sponsors (Delegates Conaway and Woods) to the bill.

Floor votes · House of Delegates Mar 10, 2026

How they voted

136–1

Passed · 5 other

Total votes 142

Mar 10, 2026

D Democratic103

100 Yea 3

97% Yea

R Republican39

36 Yea 1 Nay 2

92% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 23, 2026

Committee

Referred Budget and Taxation

upper

Mar 23, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Mar 21, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

lower

Mar 21, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary

lower

Mar 10, 2026

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (136-1-5)

house of delegates

Feb 11, 2026

Committee

First Reading Judiciary and Ways and Means

lower

3 primary · 0 co-sponsors