HB0989 Maryland Sports Betting Study Bill

NEW MARYLAND SPORTS BETTING STUDY BILL

Preempting the possibility of Federal PASPA repeal.

The U.S. State of Maryland is positioning itself for the remote possibility of legalized sports betting on a Federal level with the introduction of HB0989 to the Maryland General Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee.

The bill, sponsored by representative Jason Buckel, seeks to establish a task force to study the implementation of sports betting in the state, monitor Federal Law, study sports betting in other states and make recommendations regarding the implementation of sports betting in the State.

The bill emphasizes that any developments would take place contingent upon a repeal of the federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) or on a determination by a federal court or the United States Department of Justice that the Act does not prohibit the State from allowing wagering on sporting events.

In light of the last statement, Maryland will be keenly following any developments in New Jersey’s ongoing sports betting court appeal