Recent Poll Shows Strong Opposition To Maryland Online Casinos

Potential iGaming expansion in Maryland has strong opposition from the public, according to a recent poll from Lake Research Partners.

Their survey, which was conducted last month and used 650 registered voters in the state, says that 71% of residents oppose adding Maryland online casinos.

This survey was commissioned by the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG), so it should be taken with a grain of salt. In recent years, Maryland lawmakers have had discussions about adding legal online casinos in the state.

However, opposition has been vocal, led by The Cordish Companies, which is one of the leading companies behind NAAiG. The group also includes Churchill Downs, Jack Entertainment, Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc., and more.

Study Shows Growing Opposition as Voters Learn More

The Lake Research Partners survey was conducted September 15-18, using 650 registered voters in Maryland. Live phone interviews and text-to-online methods were used in gathering the data. That margin of error for the sample is listed at +/-3.8%.

Their overall finding for the study was that the majority of Maryland residents are opposed to online gambling expansion as they learn more about what it entails.

Some key stats taken from the poll include:

• 49% of subjects had never heard of iGaming and what it entails, while 15% initially had no opinion. Only 13% initially had a favorable opinion, while 23% were unfavorable.
• Initially, 52% said they would oppose iGaming expansion in Maryland, with 26% unsure.

From there, those polled were given a “fuller definition” of what iGaming was. Lake Research Partners says specially that it told polled residents that “it is internet gambling and would allow 24-hour gambling access to slot machines and casino table games from wherever you are on your phone or mobile devices.” Following that information, opposition increased.

• 60% then opposed legalization with only 12% unsure.
• That number jumped to 71% opposed when pollsters heard more on iGaming’s “risks and real-world consequences.”

At no point in the survey did support for legalization top 25%.

Study Drove Home Negative Aspects of Maryland Online Casinos

The Lake Research Partners detailed some of their talking points in the survey, which focus heavily on negative aspects of online gambling. A lot of their attention was driven at underage gambling and problem gambling, reasonable concerns the public would have.

The survey portrayed online casino expansion in a very negative light, stating:

• Online casino companies have been unable to stop teenagers and children from accessing iGambling on their and their parents’ phones.
• Baltimore is currently suing corporate sports betting operators, DraftKings and FanDuel, for deceptive and unfair targeting of vulnerable gamblers, linking the actions to that of the opioid crisis.
• Legalizing iGambling has led to addiction, costing states money to handle the addiction. It also accuses online casinos of tearing families apart.

Increased Tax Revenue Funds Problem Gambling, Education

While some of these arguments carry weight, legalized states with online casinos have established responsible gambling protocols to aid in addiction concerns.

States have also benefited from vast amounts of tax revenue from iGaming. The revenue goes to a lot of different funds that help the state, including education and problem gambling resources.

In 2024, Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania generated the following in tax revenue through online casinos:

• Michigan: $620.1 million
• New Jersey: $357.1 million
• Pennsylvania: $948.0 million

Taxes generated through online casinos far exceed that of online sports betting. Since Maryland launched online sports betting in December 2021, it has only generated $212 million in funds back to the state as of last month. That’s through nearly four years of operation.

Public to Ultimately Have Say on Maryland Online Casinos

This study does carry some weight when it comes to the future outlook of Maryland online casinos.

Legislation has discussed the topic in recent years, but it has received a lot of opposition. Not just from groups like the NAAiG, but also from the state Senate.

Along with problem gambling concerns, worries of cannibalism of the brick-and-mortar casino industry is also a factor.

However, Maryland casino revenue recently dropped 5% in September, a concern for the industry as economic stress is hitting many communities. Should these retail locations continues to see decline, it’s less tax revenue coming into the state. That could put more pressure on lawmakers to consider online expansion.

Regardless of what happens, for online casinos to be legalized in the state, it would require it passing a public vote. Those with concerns over adding the industry would ultimately have their say. So, if 71% of a sample size are opposed, the state will have work to do to earn their support. That includes adding in strong responsible gambling protocols and protections against underage participation.