Maryland the latest state to see rise in Problem Gambling
Published:
Nov 11, 2025
,
12:42 p.m.
ET
Since the expansion of mobile sports betting in late 2022, the state of Maryland is witnessing a sharp uptick in gambling-related problems.
A newly released survey by the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling (conducted May-July 2024) reveals that participation in sports wagering, particularly via mobile apps, is rising, and so are the signs of gambling-disorder among bettors.
New data around Problem Gambling behaviors in Maryland
The 2024 statewide gambling prevalence survey shows a notable shift:
Lifetime gambling remains almost universal: 89.8% of Maryland adults reported ever gambling.
Sports gambling continues to grow: 16.8% of adults said they bet on sports in the past year, up from 13.6% in 2022.
Online/mobile sports gambling saw a dramatic jump: 11.5% of adults reported such activity in the past year, compared to 3% in 2022.
Disordered gambling cases increased from 4.0% in 2022 to 5.7% in 2024.
Among sports bettors, 14.6% met criteria for disordered gambling: roughly 1 in 7.
However, only 13% of those identified with disordered gambling reported ever seeking help.
8.9% of males versus 3.3% of females met criteria for disordered gambling; Black/African American adults reported a rate of 10.4% compared to 3.6% for White adults.
The mobile-betting environment is accelerating the path from casual play to problem behavior, and younger bettors are entering the cycle faster than previous generations.
History of sports betting in Maryland
Maryland’s sports betting story is relatively recent but fast-moving. The state legalized sports wagering in May of 2021, when Governor Larry Hogan signed House Bill 940 into law. By December, 2021, in-person retail sports betting began at licensed casinos. Mobile/online sports betting became operational November 23, 2022.
With the rise of mobile apps, the wagering market exploded, and with it, opportunity and risk. As of September 2025, when bet365 launched in Maryland, the count of legalized mobile sportsbooks in the state rose to 12. Marylanders are now placing billions of dollars in wagers annually.
Maryland is just one of many locations to see Gambling Addiction rising
Maryland’s experience mirrors those of other states that legalized sports betting earlier. A broad trend is apparent:
In Kansas, the portion of high-risk gamblers is now about five times higher than it was in 2017.
In New Jersey, helpline outreach increased 277% since 2018.
In New York, gambling-helpline calls climbed 26% in the first year of legalization.
Virginia: 973% increase in helpline calls since 2019
Increased access and aggressive marketing has coincided with rising indicators of harm. Maryland is now joining that list of states where the public-health impacts are becoming clear.
Gambling Addiction treatment covered by insurance in Maryland
For Maryland residents seeking help with gambling or sports-betting addiction, treatment options are available and increasingly accessible. Birches Health offers virtual, evidence-based counseling services tailored specifically for individuals in Maryland with gambling disorder and sports betting problems. Insurance plans are often accepted, and care is available online through video calls from the comfort of home.
If you or someone you care about in Maryland (or any state) is struggling with gambling-related problems, recovery is possible with the right support.
Take the first step toward recovery with Birches Health today:
Call 833-483-3838
Email help@bircheshealth.com
