Survey: Majority of Maryland Residents Against iGaming in the State
Posted on: February 29, 2024, 04:24h.
The most recent update was made on February 29, 2024 at 05:00 hours.
A recent survey, sponsored by a coalition against internet gambling in Maryland, reveals insufficient backing to approve a ballot measure allowing iGaming in November.
The Baltimore Skyline and Inner Harbor. Recent surveys indicate that the majority of Maryland citizens are against the legalization of internet-based casino gambling, also known as iGaming. (Image: Baltimore Area Convention & Visitors Association)
The MRA advocates for retail businesses in Annapolis by engaging with legislators.
MRA contracted Public Policy Polling, a Raleigh-based public policy polling firm. PPP says it surveyed Marylanders to gauge their support for bringing casino gambling to their homes via the internet.
The survey revealed that the majority of participants are against the proposed legislation.
Poll Light on Details
The PPP poll, commissioned by the MRA, did not provide details on the number of Maryland residents surveyed about iGaming. Additionally, the release regarding the investigation did not mention if the respondents were likely voters, their political party, age, income, gender, or ethnicity.
However, according to Public Policy Polling, 64% of Maryland residents oppose internet gambling. The poll also revealed that only 23% expressed approval for online casinos while 13% were undecided.
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The survey inquired: “
“Officials in Maryland are currently reviewing a potential law regarding online gambling, which would permit round-the-clock access to slot machines and casino games on mobile devices. Are you in favor or against the expansion of gambling in Maryland to include internet options, also known as iGaming or iLottery, on electronic devices?”
According to PPP, the results have a potential error range of +/4.1%. Although there is limited information on the group being surveyed, MRA President Cailey Locklair stated that the findings show a significant opposition to online gambling.
In a statement, Locklair expressed that Maryland residents from all areas and political affiliations are opposed to iGaming and iLottery. These measures would not only harm the gaming and lottery sectors, but also the local economies that rely on them for stimulation.
According to Locklair, the casinos in Maryland are situated within a 20-mile radius of 11 Main Street communities in Maryland and eight Main Street neighborhoods in Baltimore City.
Locklair stated that a decline in the casino sector would directly harm the tourism economy in the area, affecting nearby restaurants, retailers, and hotels.
Path to Ballot
Legislators in Maryland’s House and Senate are currently reviewing proposed legislation for iGaming. However, none of the bills have been brought to the floor for a final vote.
To legalize iGaming, legislators must obtain consent from the general public of the state by conducting a state-wide vote to modify the Maryland Constitution and allow internet gambling.
In order for a proposed constitutional amendment in Maryland to be approved, it must receive at least 60% of the vote in both the House of Delegates (85 votes) and the Senate (29 votes). After passing through both chambers, the governor must also sign off on the measure.
Following that, the wording for the ballot referendum must be published in a minimum of two newspapers per county, preferably once a week for four consecutive weeks leading up to the election.
On Election Day, the referendum only requires a simple majority of voters to approve the amendment of the constitution.
