Maryland’s HB 922/SB 708: A Game-Changer for Sports Betting Transparency
Sports Fans Deserve Better – And Maryland is Leading the Way
Sports betting is here to stay, but that doesn’t mean fans should be left to navigate a minefield of misleading ads, murky betting advice, and predatory promotions. Since passing our Sports Bettors’ Bill of Rights in Maryland, the state has led the nation in terms of consumer protections for sports bettors. But there’s still a missing piece—independent oversight of sports betting content.
That’s why we are standing strong in support of HB 922/SB 708, a bill that ensures sports betting content is fair, accurate, and responsible. This legislation, championed by Delegate Ebersole and Senator Zucker (a 2021 MVP Award Winner), will require all sports betting licensees to have an independent evaluation process for sports wagering content—something fans desperately need.
The Problem: Unchecked Sports Betting Content
Since the legalization of sports betting, we’ve seen an explosion of content across media, social networks, and advertising channels. Some of it is great—helping fans engage with the games they love in new and exciting ways. But far too much of it is misleading, biased, or downright harmful.
Misinformation Runs Rampant – Many promotional offers and betting tips fail to disclose the real risks involved.
Blurring the Lines – Editorial content and paid promotions are often indistinguishable, leaving fans unsure of what’s unbiased.
Predatory Marketing – Irresponsible ads target vulnerable populations, including minors and problem gamblers.
Misleading tactics will continue unchecked without independent oversight, putting fans at unnecessary risk.
The Solution: HB 922/Sb 708
This bill fixes these problems by establishing an independent evaluation process for sports betting content. This would provide:
Consumer Protections – Ensuring that sports betting content is fact-based, transparent, and does not exploit at-risk individuals.
Market Integrity – Holding content creators accountable for misleading or predatory advertising practices.
Public Trust – Giving fans confidence that the industry isn’t just regulated financially but also monitored for ethical and responsible communication.
Moreover, this proposal directly strengthens two core principles of the Sports Bettors’ Bill of Rights:
The Right to Integrity & Transparency
The Right to the Protection of the Vulnerable
Maryland Can Lead the Nation in Responsible Sports Betting
Maryland already leads the way in responsible gaming policy, and HB 922/SB 708 would set a national precedent for how states should regulate sports betting content. By passing this bill, Maryland would ensure its sports fans aren’t misled or manipulated by unchecked sports wagering content.
At Sports Fans Coalition, we fight to ensure sports remain fair, accessible, and in the best interest of fans. Delegate Ebersole’s and Senator Zucker’s proposal is exactly the kind of forward-thinking policy we need to protect sports bettors and clean up the industry.
Maryland’s lawmakers have a chance to put fans first. Let’s make sure they take it.
Read our testimony submitted to the House Ways and Means Committee.