In a surprising turn of events, it has been discovered that the website address printed on many Maryland license plates now leads to an unexpected place.
Instead of taking you to the intended website, the URL printed on the War of 1812 license plates now redirects to a gambling site based in the Philippines.
These license plates, designed by the War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, proudly display the URL www.starspangled200.org. Initially, this website belonged to Star-Spangled 200 Inc., a nonprofit affiliated with the commission. The organization raised funds for special projects and events related to the bicentennial of the War of 1812.
However, residents of Maryland recently discovered that when they visit the website printed on their license plates, they are redirected to a gambling website based in the Philippines. It is certainly an unexpected and puzzling situation.
According to the MVA, approximately 798,000 active Maryland license plates bear this URL. That’s quite a large number!
