A new statewide survey suggests that most Maryland residents oppose legalizing online casino gambling. The survey was conducted from September 15-18, 2025, polling 650 registered Maryland voters. It was commissioned by the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG) and conducted by Lake Research Partners. The findings highlight ongoing public concern about the social and economic effects of expanding gambling access in the state.
Here is a closer look at the survey results, which reflect strong opposition to online casinos in Maryland:
While this is a small sample of just over 600 voters, it provides a glimpse into public sentiment about iGaming in Maryland.
This opposition to online casinos comes after a recent report that problem gambling is increasing in Maryland since sports betting was legalized.
When you combine this survey with a rise in problem gambling within the state, it appears unlikely that there will be any movement towards iGaming legalization in Maryland in the foreseeable future.
The results suggest that legalizing online casino gambling in Maryland could face an uphill battle. Public awareness of iGaming remains relatively low, yet opposition strengthens as residents learn more about its implications. This trend indicates that any future legislative efforts to expand gambling into the online space may encounter significant resistance unless proponents can effectively address concerns about addiction, youth access, and social costs.
For policymakers, the findings highlight a need for careful consideration of both economic benefits and potential social harms. As discussions around gambling expansion continue, Maryland’s leaders will likely weigh public sentiment heavily before advancing any new iGaming proposals.
For Maryland players, the state’s hesitation to legalize online casino gambling leaves few regulated options. Without state oversight, residents who choose to gamble online often turn to offshore or unlicensed websites, which operate outside U.S. laws. These platforms may appear legitimate, but often lack key consumer protections, such as secure payment processing, fair play standards, and responsible gambling measures.
Players using offshore sites face significant risks, including loss of funds, exposure to scams, limited recourse in disputes, and unverified game integrity. Unlike state-regulated gambling platforms, offshore operators are not required to verify user age or promote safe gambling practices. As a result, Marylanders seeking online casino experiences may be vulnerable to problems that regulated markets are designed to prevent.
