Maryland Officials Warn Betting On Elections Is Illegal

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month. While the State Board of Elections takes no position on gambling or iGaming, it is important to inform the public regarding wagering on the outcome of Maryland elections.

Gambling on elections is illegal in Maryland. A person may not make a bet or wager on election results. Unlike sports betting, which is regulated and permitted through licensed operators, betting on elections is not authorized and falls outside the scope of legal gambling activities.

Maryland law is designed to protect the integrity and public trust of the electoral processes. Engaging in election-related wagering within the State could expose individuals to legal penalties.

Despite this prohibition, some platforms, known as prediction markets, operate in a limited, regulated capacity at the federal level. These platforms are structured differently from traditional gambling sites and are framed as “forecasting” rather than betting. These platforms allow users to trade contracts based on the outcomes of events, including elections.

It is important for Maryland residents to understand that even though such platforms are accessible online, participation may still conflict with state law. Users should exercise caution and stay informed about both state and federal regulations before engaging with any prediction market involving elections. At best, engaging in these election prediction markets goes against the spirit and intent of the prohibition and at worst, it is wagering on electoral outcomes and carries criminal and civil penalties.

Again, the integrity of elections must be preserved. Financial incentives should not influence or appear to influence election results. Artificial online markets don’t determine electoral outcomes; only voters using their voice can determine electoral outcomes.

Please remember to rely on your state and local government election officials as your trusted sources for election information.  Visit SBE’s website, follow SBE on social media, or contact your local elections office for accurate election information. Report any suspicious information to SBE’s disinformation portal.