Maryland Illegal Online Gambling Enforcement Act

SB 652 prohibits unlicensed online gambling operations in Maryland, targeting operators, financial transaction providers (like payment processors), and platform hosts that facilitate illegal gambling. It defines "illegal" as activity not authorized by law and excludes licensed online sports wagering under existing law. The bill empowers the Attorney General and local prosecutors to issue cease-and-desist orders requiring operators to block access from Maryland within 10 days, with penalties including fines or imprisonment for noncompliance. Violations are treated as unfair trade practices under Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act, creating new enforcement tools against illegal online gambling.