MD Rejects Online Casinos
Published: 17 October 2025
Online casinos appear to have little chance in Maryland, according to new survey results showing strong public resistance to the idea.
This week, the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG) released findings from a poll asking residents whether they would support the legalization of online casinos and iGaming.
The response was overwhelmingly negative — 71% of those surveyed said they opposed legalizing such platforms. Although NAAiG has long campaigned against online gambling, the methodology behind the survey was deemed credible.
Monarch Casino & Resort Executive Vice President and General Counsel Jason Gumer cited the figures as proof that the public clearly “understands what online gambling truly is” and does not support it.
According to NAAiG, 52% of respondents initially said they were against legalization. However, when told that people would be able to access casino-style games online at any hour, opposition increased significantly. The phrasing of the question appears to have influenced the outcome, as it emphasized the risks of constant availability.
While opponents argue that expanded online gambling could worsen addiction issues, supporters claim regulated markets actually protect players and generate tax revenue that can fund treatment programs. They also note that the overall rate of problem gambling has remained relatively stable, even as access to legal gaming has expanded nationwide.
Advocates say that without legal and regulated options, Maryland residents will continue turning to offshore gambling sites, where consumers face higher risks of fraud, data breaches, and financial loss.