As March Madness sweeps the nation, the Maryland Attorney General’s Office is alerting consumers to potential scams and illegal betting practices. Officials are urging Marylanders to be cautious of fraudulent online gambling platforms, misleading promotions, and aggressive marketing tactics that could lead to financial loss or identity theft. The warning aims to help consumers make informed decisions and engage only with legal sports wagering operators.
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Illegal online gaming platforms operate without oversight, increasing the risks of fraud and compromised personal information. To stay protected, officials advise residents to avoid clicking on pop-up gambling ads, unsolicited emails, and social media messages that may direct them to fraudulent sites. Marylanders are encouraged to use only legal sports betting platforms regulated by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA), which provides a list of approved operators. The state currently permits sports betting at 12 retail locations and through 11 licensed online platforms. Consumers can verify the legitimacy of a sportsbook by visiting the MLGCA website or calling the agency directly.
Maryland regulators have also restricted the use of terms like “risk-free” or “guaranteed” in sports betting promotions. Consumers should be cautious of operators using such language, as no wager is truly without financial risk. Additionally, the Attorney General’s Office advises bettors to carefully review terms and conditions before participating in promotions or attempting to cash out winnings. Checking consumer reviews with the Better Business Bureau and reporting any suspicious activities to the Consumer Protection Division or the FBI can further help protect against scams.
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For those struggling with gambling addiction, Maryland offers resources, including a confidential helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, available 24/7. The helpline is staffed by trained professionals from the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling. Additional support and information can be found at mdgamblinghelp.org. Consumers who believe they have been scammed or wish to report suspicious betting activities can contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 410-528-8662 or visit marylandattorneygeneral.gov.
Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the Maryland Attorney General’s Office.
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