Institutions of Higher Education - Online Gambling - Prohibition
Impact
The bill requires immediate action from higher education institutions, mandating them to establish the geofence by August 1, 2024. Additionally, campuses will need to provide information on gambling addiction help to individuals who attempt to access online gambling sites while on campus. This requirement reflects a growing concern regarding gambling issues among students and aims to foster a safer educational environment. Furthermore, institutions will be responsible for publishing a written policy online that aligns with the provisions of this bill, emphasizing the seriousness of the prohibition.
Summary
House Bill 1087, titled 'Institutions of Higher Education – Online Gambling – Prohibition', aims to prohibit online gambling on the campuses of higher education institutions in Maryland. The bill mandates each institution to create a geofence around their property to prevent access to online gambling platforms. This geofence will restrict individuals within the campus from participating in online gambling activities, which includes using apps for placing bets or wagers. The bill seeks to ensure that students and campus visitors cannot engage in online gambling while physically present on campus grounds.
Contention
While the bill may be seen as a necessary measure to protect students from the potential risks associated with gambling, there could be debates regarding the effectiveness of geofencing technology and its ability to fully restrict access. Critics may argue that such restrictions could infringe on personal freedoms and the rights of students to engage in legal activities outside of campus. Additionally, there may be discussions concerning how these measures will be enforced and what accountability measures will be in place for institutions that fail to comply with the law.