Bill > HB371

This bill authorizes the Director of the State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency to issue licenses to individuals or businesses to operate as "courier services," which are defined as entities that deliver lottery tickets to purchasers through their online accounts. This new provision, outlined in Section 9-111.1, allows licensed couriers to establish online systems for purchasing lottery tickets and to contract with licensed lottery sales agents to fulfill these orders. Importantly, agreements between licensed couriers and sales agents will be disclosed to the Agency but will not be subject to public disclosure under the Public Information Act. Licensed couriers will be permitted to charge customers a service fee as a percentage of the deposited amount, provided the fee is clearly displayed, affirmatively accepted by the customer before completion, and no other fees are charged for using the service; however, they cannot charge a percentage of lottery winnings. The bill also mandates that licensed couriers maintain a website with problem gambling information, safeguard customer data, verify customer identity and location within the state, securely store purchased tickets and prize winnings, provide electronic copies of tickets, require in-person prize claims for winnings over $600, offer customers the option to obtain the original ticket, and notify customers of winning tickets within 24 hours of a drawing. The Director is empowered to adopt regulations to implement these provisions, including setting limits on terminals and establishing qualification standards for couriers and their employees. This Act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0371?ys=2026RS