BALTIMORE, MD—With March Madness gripping the nation, Maryland’s Attorney General’s Office issued a consumer alert this week, urging basketball fans to steer clear of illegal betting scams and aggressive marketing schemes during the NCAA tournament season.
The guidance, released as betting activity surges, highlights the risks of unregulated online gambling platforms, including fraud and identity theft. Attorney General Anthony Brown’s office emphasized the importance of using only state-licensed operators to ensure a safe and legal wagering experience.
“Illegal sites prey on the excitement of events like March Madness,” the office said in a statement. “We want Marylanders to enjoy the games without falling victim to scams.”
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) oversees legal sports betting in the state, which includes 12 retail locations and 11 licensed websites or mobile apps. Consumers can verify licensed operators at www.mdgaming.com. The Attorney General’s Office cautioned against pop-up ads, unsolicited messages, and social media promotions, which may lead to fraudulent sites masquerading as legitimate platforms.
To protect themselves, Marylanders are advised to ignore offers promising “risk-free” bets or “guaranteed” wins—terms banned by MLGCA for licensed operators. “There’s no such thing as free money in gambling,” the release noted. Consumers should also scrutinize fine print on promotions and withdrawal conditions, and check reviews with the Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
The office urged moderation, warning that gambling often leads to financial losses. For those struggling with gambling addiction, the state offers a free, confidential helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, staffed 24/7 by counselors from the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling. More resources are available at www.mdgamblinghelp.org.
Suspected scams can be reported to the Consumer Protection Division at 410-528-8662 or the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. The Attorney General’s Office encouraged residents to call MLGCA at 410-230-8800 to confirm the legitimacy of any betting platform.
“Stay safe and enjoy the tournament,” the statement concluded, underscoring the balance between entertainment and consumer protection as Marylanders wager on college basketball’s biggest stage.
Photo via Pixabay
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