Maryland’s Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling program director, Mary Drexler, has expressed concerns about the rapid growth of online and mobile gambling.
The state’s legislators discussed problem gambling in a recent meeting, particularly focusing on the impact of legalising online casinos.
This meeting included Maryland’s Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee and has come in lieu of the introduction of mobile sports betting platforms in Maryland. An action that has raised concerns about an increase in problem gambling cases.
Problem gambling surge
Drexler has noted a rise in calls, texts and chats to the program’s helpline, especially from younger adults and minority males seeking help for gambling-related issues.
Despite this, some lawmakers have advocated for online casino legalisation, commissioning a study to explore its feasibility and potential revenue.
Although the legislation was introduced in the 2023 session and no significant progress was made, lawmakers still agreed to commission a study into the feasibility of iCasinos in the Old Line State.
Legislative issues
Concerns about revenue cannibalisation from brick-and-mortar casinos and its impact on the problem gambling fund arose.
Senator Clarence Lam suggested that funding shortages could be addressed by allocating a portion of tax revenue from online casinos to the problem gambling fund.
The extent of problem gambling in Maryland
A report revealed that 8.6 percent of Maryland’s adults suffered from a gambling disorder in 2020, double that of the national average, making the gap in support services even more severe.
If this online gaming introduction were to go ahead, there would remain a need for enhanced treatment options, awareness and collaboration to address the problem effectively.
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