Bill > HB700

This bill focuses on problem gambling studies and fund management in Maryland, with several key provisions. The Maryland Department of Health is required to conduct two separate prevalence studies: one measuring problem and pathological in-person gambling, and another studying problem and pathological mobile gambling. The initial in-person gambling study was previously set for completion by July 1, 2009, while the new mobile gambling study must be completed by July 1, 2030. The studies will be conducted by an independent researcher using current psychiatric diagnostic criteria, with replication studies to be conducted no less than every 5 years to allow for comparisons. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Secretary of Health submit an annual report to the General Assembly starting November 1, 2026, detailing how funds in the Problem Gambling Fund have been used for treatment and prevention programs. The bill also modifies the distribution of proceeds from fantasy competition and sports wagering, reducing operators' retained proceeds from 85% to 84% and adjusting the allocation of the remaining funds, with 93.75% going to the Blueprint for Maryland's Future Fund and 6.25% going to the Problem Gambling Fund. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0700?ys=2025RS