A majority of Maryland voters are against legalizing online casino gambling, according to a survey by Lake Research Partners for the National Association Against iGaming.
Key Takeaways
- A new poll shows 71% of Maryland voters are opposed to online casinos.
- iGaming opponents say the poll provides enough proof to not expand gambling in the state.
- Lawmakers rejected iGaming bill HB17 earlier this year.
The poll, conducted between Sept. 15 and Sept. 18, found that 71% of 650 registered voters oppose iGaming once informed of its potential risks, with 64% expressing strong opposition.
While half of those surveyed had never heard of iGaming, opposition increased sharply when they learned it meant 24-hour access to online slots and other casino games. The main concerns cited surrounded gambling addiction, underage access, and community harm.
Jason Gumer, a board member of the National Association Against iGaming, said the findings should make lawmakers pause before expanding gambling legislation, according to the Black Chronicle.
Earlier this year, lawmakers considered House Bill 17, which would have legalized online casino gaming under state regulation and imposed a 15% tax on revenue. The bill failed, but with the next legislative session coming up, new proposals could revive the debate.
Kalshi case tests boundaries of gambling law
While public sentiment turns against new forms of online gambling, Maryland regulators and courts are wrestling with where to draw the legal line. The state recently agreed not to enforce gambling laws against prediction market Kalshi while a federal appeal is pending.
Kalshi, which allows users to trade on the outcomes of real-world events, sought an injunction to continue operating its sports event contracts in Maryland. After a district court denied that request, the company appealed to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
The state’s temporary pause on enforcement effectively keeps Kalshi active until the court rules, expected later this year.
The case hinges on whether Kalshi’s sports event contracts fall under the scope of commodities law or sports betting regulation. A decision in the Fourth Circuit could have national implications on how prediction markets are classified and whether state gambling restrictions can apply to them.
bet365 adds Maryland to its portfolio
Despite these tensions, sports betting company bet365 recently launched its online sportsbook in Maryland, making it the 15th U.S. state to accept the company. The platform now joins a crowded field of operators competing for Maryland’s sports betting audience.
“Following our recent launch in Kansas, we are thrilled to head east and deliver the bet365 experience to sports fans across Maryland. With our industry-leading product, user-friendly interface, and a reputation built over two decades, we’re excited to provide Marylanders with a trusted and dynamic platform for their sports betting entertainment,” a spokesperson for bet365 said.
The launch reflects the broader trend of gambling expansion across the United States, even as states like Maryland face internal divisions over how far to go.
