Sweepstakes casinos are not banned by statute in Maryland, but most major brands have left. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency sent cease-and-desist letters in January 2025, and McLuck, Hello Millions, Pulsz, WOW Vegas, Stake.us, and High 5 Casino no longer accept Maryland players. Bills to ban the model died in the Senate in April 2026. Maryland has regulated real-money sports betting but no online casino. This guide explains the legal position, age requirements, and tax implications for Maryland residents.
Legal status in Maryland
Sweepstakes casinos in Maryland operate under the standard federal sweepstakes promotional framework (18 U.S.C. § 1302) plus Maryland's state-level sweepstakes statutes administered by the Office of the Attorney General. Status: Restricted, most major brands have left.
Maryland has no statute banning sweepstakes casinos, but the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency sent cease-and-desist letters to operators in January 2025. McLuck, Hello Millions, Jackpota, Spree, and Mega Bonanza left on February 21, 2025, Pulsz followed in June 2025, and WOW Vegas, Modo, and Sidepot also left. HB 295 and HB 1226 would have banned the model outright; both passed the House but died in the Senate when the session ended on April 13, 2026.
For specific legal questions about gambling or sweepstakes in Maryland, consult the Office of the Attorney General (https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/) or a licensed attorney. SpinVerdict does not provide legal advice.
Minimum age requirements
The minimum age for sweepstakes casinos in Maryland is 21+ at most major brands; a few smaller sites accept 18+.
Operators apply their own age policies on top of the state minimum. Stake.us, Chumba Casino, Pulsz, McLuck, and High 5 Casino now require players to be 21 or older in every state they serve. Verify the specific operator's age requirement for Maryland on their terms-of-service before signing up.
Which sweepstakes casinos still accept Maryland players?
Most major brands no longer accept Maryland players: McLuck, Hello Millions, Pulsz, WOW Vegas, Stake.us, and High 5 Casino all exclude the state.
A few sites still list Maryland as eligible, but availability can change without notice. Check the operator's current terms before signing up, and don't rely on outdated affiliate-site lists.
Taxes on sweepstakes winnings in Maryland
Sweepstakes prize winnings are taxable as "other income" under US federal law (IRS Publication 525). Operators typically issue Form 1099-MISC if your cumulative redemptions from that operator hit $2,000 or more in a calendar year (the threshold was $600 for payments made before 2026). You're responsible for reporting prize income on your federal return regardless of whether a 1099 is issued.
Maryland imposes state income tax on top of federal. Your sweepstakes prize income is typically treated as ordinary income at the state level. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Responsible play resources in Maryland
The federal 1-800-GAMBLER 24/7 helpline (operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling) is available to anyone in the US, including Maryland residents. State-specific helpline for Maryland: 1-800-GAMBLER.
Self-exclusion in the sweepstakes model is per-operator, there is no nationwide equivalent of the UK's GamStop. NCPG maintains a state-by-state directory of state-level self-exclusion programs and resources at ncpgambling.org/programs-resources/state-resources.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Maryland sweepstakes FAQ
Q: Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Maryland? A: Maryland has not banned them by statute, but the state regulator sent cease-and-desist letters in January 2025 and most major brands have left.
Q: What's the minimum age in Maryland? A: 21+ at most major brands; a few smaller sites accept 18+. Check the operator's terms before signing up.
Q: Can I redeem Sweeps Coins for cash in Maryland? A: Yes, redemption rails vary by operator (ACH, Skrill, crypto at Stake.us, mailed check at VGW brands). Minimum redemption threshold typically 50 SC = $50.
Q: Do I owe taxes on sweepstakes winnings in Maryland? A: Federal income tax applies in all cases. Maryland also imposes state income tax on sweepstakes income.