Maryland, like many other states, is facing a significant challenge when it comes to problem gambling. Despite efforts to provide support and treatment services, the state has fallen short of expectations and national standards. Rising addiction rates and insufficient funding have caused the problem to spiral out of control, necessitating urgent action.
According to a recent legislative report, approximately 405,000 Maryland residents, which accounts for 8.6 percent of all adults in the state, suffered from a gambling disorder as of 2020. This is significantly higher than the national mean of 4 percent to 5 percent, showing how ineffective Maryland’s safe gambling efforts have been.
The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling serves as the region’s primary provider of gambling disorder support. They operate a 24-hour helpline, a voluntary exclusion list and various treatment and prevention programs. While these services are essential, they are not enough to meet the needs of the growing number of individuals struggling with gambling addiction. There is a notable gap between the number of affected individuals and the available support options, indicating the need for additional resources and expansion of treatment options.
Maryland’s spending on safe gambling initiatives is on par with most other U.S. states. However, industry experts argue that the current level of spending falls short of what is necessary to effectively combat problem gambling.
The majority of gambling proceeds in Maryland currently go towards the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which aims to supplement school funding. As a result, the state’s problem gambling fund must rely on alternative revenue streams, such as expired prizes. This limited funding poses a significant challenge in providing adequate support to those in need.
There are six casinos in the state, the last one to open was MGM National Harbor in 2016. Sports betting was legalized in May of 2021 and has definitely created new challenges for the state’s existing infrastructure. The influx of new operators and promotions has exposed a record number of people to potential harm. Recent controversies surrounding college team sponsorships have intensified regulatory scrutiny. The legislative report emphasizes the need for urgent action to address these concerns and protect individuals from the harmful effects of online sports betting.
While sports betting is a concern, the state’s plan to introduce iGaming could severely impact Maryland’s already struggling safe gambling initiatives. The implementation of this new legislation is expected by 2025, opening the doors for operators to market their services. Mobile gambling, in particular, poses a significant risk, especially among young people, as it is harder to detect. Updated monitoring and prevention solutions will be crucial to mitigate the potential harm associated with iGaming.
Given that Maryland has a higher prevalence of gambling problems compared to the national average, gambling experts said it is imperative for the state to take proactive steps in addressing this issue. This includes expanding treatment options, increasing public awareness, and collaborating with stakeholders to develop a more comprehensive approach to gambling addiction. By doing so, Maryland can provide a lifeline to those in need and ensure a healthier and more supportive environment for its residents.
