Maryland Voters Strongly Oppose Online Casino Expansion

Maryland voters are pressing back greatly against a push to broaden iGaming in their state, according to a new study.


A current poll reveals 71 % of Marylanders oppose online gambling establishment growth, raising severe concerns about the political expediency of passing a real cash online gambling establishment law in the future.


Why Maryland Voters Are Against Online Casino Expansion


The Lake Research Partners poll, commissioned by the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG), determined the opinions of 650 registered Maryland voters from September 15-18, 2025.


After citizens were provided a description of iGaming - "24-hour access to gambling establishment games on mobile phones" - opposition surged. Only 17 % of respondents saw online gambling establishments positively, while almost half said they had never become aware of the concept.


Critics fret that permitting a genuine cash online gambling establishment industry would harm households, expose minors to betting, and canonicalize profits at brick-and-mortar gambling .


In reality, a 2024 report prepared for the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission forecast that legal iGaming might drive a 10 % decline in land-based casino profits.


Despite the survey, legislators promoting iGaming growth face installing resistance from constituents and interest groups alike.


Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary and Senator Ron Watson have actually sponsored costs in the past 2 sessions, but both efforts stalled - typically satisfying strong testifier opposition, particularly from unions and gambling establishment operators. Atterbeary's 2024 bill passed your house however passed away in the Senate.


Lawmakers now find themselves in a bind: push the problem forward and run the risk of citizen backlash, or shelve the step in the middle of growing public resistance.


Possible Directions for Online Casinos in Maryland


Given the strong polling, proponents might move techniques. One choice is to frame iGaming as a controlled complement to physical gambling establishments, rather than a replacement. They might press more modest costs that restrict market size or include strong customer defenses. Alternatively, fans might double down on public education projects created to soften uncertainty.


Another possibility is postponing any vote till after the general public becomes more familiar with digital gaming. Any iGaming legalization would likely need a public referendum in November 2026 - implying the very same voters who oppose it now would have the last say.


If growth does be successful, convenience-oriented operators might target hybrid models that tie real cash online casino access to existing land gambling establishments. Some may adopt geofencing, rigorous age verification, and self-exclusion functions to relieve public issues.