A new survey from the University of Maryland shows a significant rise in problem gambling since the state legalized online sports betting. The findings are fueling renewed debate over the social impact of expanded wagering access.
The survey was conducted by the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. They found that rates of “disordered gambling,” which is defined as persistent, harmful gambling behavior that causes significant distress or impairment, increased 42% after the state legalized mobile sports betting.
The survey polled more than 3,600 Maryland adults between May and July 2024, marking the first broad dataset since mobile sports betting launched in 2022.
Among respondents who bet on sports in the past year, about 15% met the criteria for disordered gambling. Overall participation in sports betting also grew, with 17% of adults reporting they placed a bet in the past year, with 12% using online platforms, up sharply from just 3% in 2022.
The data also revealed demographic disparities, with higher rates of disordered gambling among men compared to women (8.2% vs. 3.6%). There was also a higher prevalence among Black and Hispanic adults compared to white and non-Hispanic respondents.
Medical experts have warned that gambling activates the brain in ways similar to substance addiction, making it difficult for individuals to stop even when facing serious personal or financial consequences. Dr. Christopher Welsh, Medical Director at the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, said compulsive gambling can lead to physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.
“It’s very similar to other addictions, so looking at compulsive gambling, you can’t stop even if you are having issues like losing money,” Welsh said. “People don’t actually think about it, but you can have withdrawal from gambling the same way you can from alcohol.”
With that in mind, it’s important for operators and regulators to collaborate to ensure that the existing responsible gaming tools are easily accessible for all players.
The sharp rise in disordered gambling highlighted in the survey could intensify pressure on Maryland regulators and sportsbooks to strengthen responsible gaming protections.
Current platforms offer tools such as deposit limits, self-exclusion programs, time restrictions, and in-app spending alerts, which are helpful for users. However, the new data suggests that greater awareness and wider use of these features may be necessary to curb harm as mobile betting participation grows.
To that end, the findings could prompt additional public education campaigns aimed at early intervention and risk awareness, particularly among higher-risk groups identified in the survey.
Lawmakers may consider tighter advertising standards and expanded funding for treatment programs. There could also be enhanced data-sharing between sportsbooks and state agencies to ensure responsible gaming tools are accessible across Maryland’s expanding sports betting market.
