Countless hours have been spent debating and voting down legislation to legalize iGaming in Maryland over the past two years. Now, a recent public opinion poll suggests the vertical may never see the light of day.
On Tuesday, a Washington DC-based national public opinion research firm shared survey findings that revealed 71% of Marylanders oppose online casino expansion. The poll by Lake Research Partners was commissioned by the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG).
Monarch Casino & Resort Executive Vice President & General Counsel Jason Gumer, who is also a NAAiG executive, lauded the survey. Gumer said the poll reveals:
Once Marylanders understand what iGambling really is, they strongly reject it.”
Around 22% of Marylanders initially responded in favor of legalizing online casino, with 52% opposed to the vertical and 26% unsure. Those opposed increased to 60% after Lake Research explained the essence of online casino to respondents, including that it meant 24-hour gambling access on mobile devices.
Those against jumped to 71% after Lake Research further explained what “iGambling really means, including its risks and real-world consequences.” However, it is worth again highlighting that the survey was funded by an anti-iGaming group.
Marylanders go to the polls November 2026 for a public vote on online casino, and given the survey’s result, proponents have plenty of work to do.
