The National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG) has released the results of a statewide survey in Maryland. According to the survey, 71 percent of Marylanders oppose online gambling to some extent.
The initial poll saw only 52% of participants oppose iGaming, but this figure increased as discussions continued about “continuous, 24/7 access to casino on smartphones”. This saw opposition rise to 60%, with 48% becoming “strongly opposed”. Further discussions took place, which then saw the number rise to 71% with 64% strongly opposed.
Gambling has seen a steady increase in the United States, as more states roll back restrictions on different styles of gambling. In 2018, the Supreme Court decided to allow sports gambling nationwide, depending on the state’s decision. More states have since started opening up to online gambling, but only 17 of them currently allow online gambling.
Despite this, other research has shown that most gambling in the United States takes place overseas through illicit operators or unregulated businesses. This figure was around 74%, because regardless of whether the state allows online gambling, it is almost always accessible. A good example of this is the online trend of filming someone using Stake to pay for something in the moment.
“Nearly half” of those surveyed in Maryland didn’t know what iGaming was.
A bizarre addition to the information provided is that “nearly half of Maryland voters (49%) said they had never heard of iGaming until it was defined for them.” Once it was explained to them that iGaming or iGaming simply means online gaming, their opinions changed.
Speaking in the press release, Jason Gumer, NAAiG Board Member and Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc., said:
“These results show that once Marylanders understand what iGambling really is, they strongly reject it.
“Policymakers should take note: Voters are deeply concerned about the risks to children, families and communities. »
Featured Image: National Association Against iGaming
The National Association Against iGaming article finds 71% oppose it in Maryland appeared first on ReadWrite.
