Maryland Problem Gambling Rate Jumps to 5.7%
A new study by The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling found that the prevalence of disordered gambling among adult residents has increased. The 2024 Maryland Gambling Prevalence Survey showed that 5.7% of adults met the criteria for disordered gambling, a rise from 4% in 2022. The research, conducted by the University of Maryland School of Medicine, gathered data from May to July 2024.
Shifts in Participation and Online Behavior
The study confirmed widespread gambling activity, with nearly 90% of adult Marylanders reporting they have gambled at some point. The state Lottery remains the most popular form of gambling (89.8% lifetime participation), followed by casinos at 72.8%.
Online sports betting showed the most significant change in behavior:
- 16.8% of adults participated in sports betting within the last year, up from 13.6% in 2022.
- 11.5% engaged in online sports betting in the past 12 months, a major jump from only 3% in 2022.
- Among those who bet online, 14.8% reported doing so daily.
- Men showed a higher rate of online sports betting participation (16.5%) compared to women (7.1%).
Of those who bet on sports in the last year, 14.6% met the criteria for disordered gambling.
Disordered Gambling Rates by Demographic
The study found a distinct gender gap, with men (8.9%) showing higher rates of disordered gambling than women (3.3%). Furthermore, specific racial, ethnic, and age groups showed elevated risk. The rate was highest among Black/African American residents (10.4%) compared to White (3.6%) and Asian (1.9%) residents.
Problem gambling was also higher among Hispanic residents (8.8%) compared to non-Hispanic residents (5.5%). The highest rates of disordered gambling were observed in the 56–64 age group (7.7%), followed closely by the 18–24 age group (6.9%). Other highly affected groups include the 25–34 age group at 6.3% and the 35–44 age group at 6.0%.
Awareness and Help-Seeking
While the prevalence of problem gambling increased, there was a positive trend in help-seeking behavior. Thirteen percent of residents with a history of disordered gambling reported seeking help, a notable rise from 7.5% in the 2022 study.
Additionally, nearly half of all respondents (49.8%) were aware of the free problem gambling hotline. Two-thirds of respondents (66.3%) reported seeing information about responsible gaming or problem gambling resources across various media, including television and online ads.
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