Can I collect geolocation data from participants in Maryland? What are the requirements?

Based on the Maryland Data Privacy regulation ^[3.1], you may collect geolocation data from participants in Maryland, but you must ensure that all of the sports wagers are initiated, received, and completed within the state and that only intermediate routing of a sports wager occurs outside the state [MDCR 36.10.16.03]. Additionally, you must comply with the Maryland Data Privacy regulation ^[3.1] and employ reasonable security practices and procedures, designate an agency privacy official, and comply with direction from the State Chief Privacy Officer to protect and secure personally identifiable information [MDCR 01.01.01.2021.10].

Furthermore, according to the Maryland Data Privacy regulation ^[2.1], a sports wagering platform shall utilize a geolocation system to reasonably detect the physical location of an individual attempting to access the sports wagering platform and place a sports wager, and monitor and block attempts to place an online sports wager when an individual is not within the State. The geolocation system required by this regulation shall ensure that a bettor is located within the State when placing a sports wager and can dynamically monitor the bettor’s location, and block unauthorized attempts to place a sports wager when an individual is not within the State.

Therefore, you may collect geolocation data from participants in Maryland, but you must ensure that you comply with both the geolocation requirements and the Maryland Data Privacy regulation.

Source(s):

• [2.1] Geolocation Systems.
• [3.1] Maryland Data Privacy

Jurisdiction

Maryland

• Privacy