The city of Baltimore, Maryland, is suing both DraftKings and FanDuel, as it claims they’re taking advantage of gambling addicts. The suit alleges that the Flutter Entertainment duo has intricate methods of targeting those who might easily fall into these apps.
Baltimore says that Flutter Entertainment’s apps use a combination of “misleading promotions”, as well as “sophisticated analytics” that seek out those who might “suffer from a gambling disorder”.
The lawsuit mentions that those involved have heard “harrowing accounts” of how both DraftKings and FanDuel appear to be targeting them. The Program Director of Baltimore’s University of Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, Mary Drexler, said that she’s noticed a “disturbing trend”.
“We are starting to see more calls from college-age males and their parents.
“As the industry booms, problem gambling is growing too, especially among 18 to 24-year-old men who grew up loving sports — and their phones — and can’t restrain their mobile sports betting impulses.”
In a press release, Mayor Brandon Scott called out the companies and their “shady practices”:
“These companies are engaging in shady practices, and the people of our city are literally paying the price.
“This lawsuit is a critical step to hold them accountable and protect all Baltimoreans.”
Maryland and Baltimore wrestle with gambling
Maryland has allowed legal sports gambling since 2021, and in February 2025, it hit nearly half a billion dollars. It’s expected to grow even further as different sports events, like March Madness, draw in exceptionally large audiences. Reports indicate that the US is expected to spend $3.1 billion on that tournament alone.
The suit also cites a study from 2022 that found that “8.6% of Maryland adults had experienced disordered gambling in their lifetime.”
Maryland is also currently taking action against sweepstakes casinos, which have a lot less regulation. These online casinos operate differently, allowing them to skirt laws.
