Bill > SB706

This bill addresses problem gambling in Maryland by expanding research, reporting, and funding mechanisms. The Maryland Department of Health will now be required to conduct two separate prevalence studies: one focusing on in-person problem gambling (which originally began in 2009) and a new study specifically examining mobile gambling, with the initial mobile gambling study to be completed by July 1, 2030. Starting in 2026, the Secretary of Health must submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing how funds from 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 mandating that 6.25% of these proceeds be directed to the Problem Gambling Fund, with the remaining 93.75% going to the Blueprint for Maryland's Future Fund, which supports education. These changes aim to enhance understanding of gambling addiction, improve support services, and create a more sustainable funding mechanism for addressing problem gambling. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0706?ys=2025RS