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A study commissioned by the National Association Against iGaming found that 52% of Marylanders oppose iGaming, while just 22% support it.
“Opposition to the legalization of iGaming — or online gambling — in Maryland is thoroughly and consistently high, and cuts across all demographic breakdowns,” the study said. “iGaming starts out as net unfavorable and solidifies into strong opposition once it is defined. Opposition to iGaming only increases as voters learn more about it.”
The survey measured support of online gambling in three different ways and tracked respondents’ reasons for opposing online casinos. It was conducted from Sept. 15—18.
More than half of voters reject legal online casino gambling
When respondents were asked whether they supported Maryland online casinos, 52% said no, 22% said yes, and 26% said they didn’t know.
Respondents who supported or opposed online casinos were divided into two groups: “not so strongly” and “strongly”. While the number opposing online casinos was more than double those who supported them, the share who strongly opposed was more than three times higher than those who strongly supported.
Opposition rises sharply when online casino risks explained
Opposition increased further when the survey defined iGaming: “internet gambling that would allow 24-hour access to slot machines and casino table games from anywhere on a phone or mobile device.”
With the definition included, opposition rose to 60%, support fell to 20%, and 20% said they did not know.
When the question was asked again with “risks and real-world consequences” included, results shifted even more: 71% opposed, 16% supported, and 13% were unsure.
“After voters learn more about what iGambling really means, including its risks and real-world consequences, opposition to its legalization increases even further,” the study said. “At this point, more than 7-in-10 voters oppose legalization, including nearly two-thirds who oppose it strongly.”
Child safety and addiction risks drive iGaming opposition
The study also explored concerns among those opposed to online gambling, presenting five statements about potential harms:
- Child access
- Targeting vulnerable gamblers
- Gambling addiction
- Suicide rates
- Family deterioration
Respondents expressed the most concern about children accessing online gambling, followed by gambling addiction, targeting of vulnerable users, suicide rates, and family deterioration.
“The top message against legalizing iGambling emphasizes the fact that online casino companies have been unable to stop teenagers and children from accessing iGambling on their and their parents’ phones,” the study said.
“Other messages — including those featuring increased suicide rates, decimation of families, increased addiction rates, and iGambling corporations using the same deceptive targeting practices as drug/ opioid corporations — also generate intense concerns about legalization.”
