Top election official asks state prosecutor to investigate prediction markets

Maryland's top election official is asking the state prosecutor to investigate the legality of prediction market platforms, which let users "trade" on outcomes of sports and politics, but which critics say amount to betting on elections, which is illegal in Maryland.

By: Bryan P. Sears

Outlets: Maryland Matters

Published: July 23, 2026

Words: 936

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 6 days ago

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Maryland’s top election official is asking the state prosecutor to investigate the legality of prediction market platforms.

The letter comes weeks after Elections Administrator Jared DeMarinis issued a strong warning about wagering on the outcome of elections in the state, which is illegal. The potential for a criminal investigation could make Maryland unique among states that have attempted to regulate the new industry.

DeMarinis, in a one-page letter to the Office of the State …

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