Most Marylanders Say No to iGaming Legalization, Survey Tells

Public opinion on online casino legalization in Maryland remains a major hurdle for supporters as new polling shows that most residents are not in favor of expanding gambling online.

Good to Know

• 71% of Maryland voters oppose online casino legalization, according to Lake Research Partners
• The poll was commissioned by the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG)
• Legislative attempts to legalize iGaming in Maryland have failed for two consecutive sessions

A new Lake Research Partners survey shows that 71% of Marylanders oppose online casino expansion, reinforcing a strong stance against iGaming heading into the 2026 legislative session. The findings come after two years of debate in the state legislature, including a 2024 House bill that passed the lower chamber but stalled in the Senate amid heavy resistance.

The National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG), which funded the poll, has been among the most active voices opposing legalization efforts. The group is led by The Cordish Companies, and includes other major names such as Churchill Downs Inc., Jack Entertainment, Gaming & Leisure Properties, and several local unions and municipalities.

What Marylanders Are Saying

Jason Gumer, NAAiG board member and executive vice president and general counsel at Monarch Casino & Resort, 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.”

The survey reached 650 registered voters between September 15 and 18, using phone and text-to-online methods. It carries a 3.8% margin of error and was adjusted for demographics such as gender, age, race, education, region, and partisanship.

Awareness Still Low, But Concern Growing

Interestingly, awareness of iGaming remains limited. When asked initially, 64% of respondents said they had no opinion on the issue — nearly half had never heard of it. However, once researchers explained that online casino access allows 24-hour mobile gambling, opposition surged to 71%.

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