Despite Maryland lawmakers legalizing sports activities betting in 2021, the state’s largest metropolis is submitting a lawsuit towards the state’s two most distinguished sports activities betting operators.
The metropolis of Baltimore announced a lawsuit towards DraftKings and FanDuel final week for “predatory” practices that metropolis officers allege encourage drawback playing.
According to the lawsuit, this contains utilizing promotions to entice gamblers and utilizing “deceptive and unfair practices by targeting and exploiting vulnerable gamblers in violation of Baltimore’s Consumer Protection Ordinance.”
“These companies are engaging in shady practices, and the people of our city are literally paying the price,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott mentioned. “DraftKings and FanDuel have specifically targeted our most vulnerable residents – including those struggling with gambling disorders – and have caused significant harm as a result. This lawsuit is a critical step to hold them accountable and protect all Baltimoreans.”
Betting Continues to Grow in Maryland
The lawsuit comes as latest numbers point out the trade continues to develop. According to numbers from the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, retail and on-line sportsbooks dealt with $457.7 million price of bets, netting a revenue of practically $60 million. Consequently, the state acquired $6.4 million in tax income.
Through the primary eight months of the 2025 fiscal yr, which started in July 2024, sports activities wagering contributed $61.2 million to state coffers. That’s up from $37.1 million for a similar interval in fiscal yr 2024. The $61.2 million in state contributions by eight months of fiscal yr 2025 has surpassed the full-year whole of $60.3 million for fiscal yr 2024.
Baltimore officers allege that DraftKings and FanDuel are profiting from a few of the metropolis’s most weak in contributing to these numbers. That contains leveraging information analytics and providing bonus bets to potential clients.
“Their predatory practices have caused significant harm to our community, and we are taking action to hold them accountable,” Baltimore City Solicitor Ebony Thompson mentioned.
Company Denies Claims
DraftKings hasn’t responded to the go well with. FanDuel officers mentioned that the corporate operates inside state regulation.
“FanDuel does not comment on specific allegations in pending litigation,” the corporate advised the New York Times on Friday. “We are confident the company operates in accordance with all laws, including those established and enforced by the state of Maryland’s Lottery and Gaming Control Commission.”
Some within the state really feel that bettors ought to train particular person duty, keep inside their limits, and resolve for themselves when it’s time to cease betting.
“You have a choice, so sooner or later, we have to decide what’s more important, individual choice or government regulation,” Maryland resident Kenny Lloyd advised CBS News.
Maryland lawmakers don’t look able to cease at sports activities betting. For the previous couple of years, lawmakers debated the legalization of on-line casinos, however the newest effort died within the state legislature.
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