Maryland can do more to support problem gambling, according to a recent report.
The General Assembly’s Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability produced a study called, The Evaluation of the Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, which took a look at legal sports betting — both online and at retail locations — as well as the lottery.
The report found Maryland has “not come close” to spending the allocated money in its Problem Gambling Fund. It also found the usage of the state’s gambling hotline increased by 51% from 2020-2022, but the no-cost treatment program accessed by the public fell by 11%.
According to the Maryland Gaming Commission, more than $2.2 million has been provided by sportsbook operators to the Problem Gambling Fund since 2021.
While it’s hard to account for the number of people who have a gambling problem but aren’t seeking help, the Old Line State needs to do more before it should expand to online casinos, the study reported.
The study used data from a 2020 gambling prevalence survey and discovered Maryland’s disorder prevalence of 8.6% was higher compared to other states’ lifetime prevalence range.
Awareness of opportunities rises
Maryland spending more money on helping problem gambling than most states was one of the key positive takeaways from the report. However, it's noted Maryland is “still below the National Council on Problem Gambling recommended level of funding.”
The research also found that “awareness of opportunities” for help has increased throughout the Old Line State as knowledge of Gamblers Anonymous rose from 44% in 2020 to 60% in 2022.
What can Maryland do better?
The study came with many ways that Maryland can improve its handling of problem gambling, including having the Department of Health share studies and research with the General Assembly promptly.
Other recommendations include revising the Voluntary Exclusion Program application process and considering diversifying revenue sources into the Problem Gambling Fund.
The report also asked the Center to provide a better search option for no-cost providers and called for the Behavioral Health Administration to consider providing the Center with health providers that accept Medicaid.
Finally, the study recommended that the administrative services organization update the BHA regularly “on treatment service claims for problem gambling to facilitate BHA oversight of capacity and spending for treatment services.”
Betting in the Old Line State
Sports betting in Maryland was legalized in 2021, and retail locations began taking wagers in December of that year.
Online sports betting sites went into effect in November 2022, and now there are 10 mobile and 10 brick-and-mortar sportsbooks operating in the Old Line State.
Maryland reported a handle of $254.5 million in June, the latest recorded month, and overall wagering for the 2023 fiscal year is approaching $3 billion. Operators claimed $18.9 million in taxable revenue last month and have gone over $168 million in the last 12 months.
