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SB 706

Gaming - Problem Gambling - Prevalence Study and Fund Revenue

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joanne Benson and 11 co-sponsors

Maryland mandates a problem gambling prevalence study and establishes gaming-revenue funded programs for prevention, treatment, and research addressing addiction.

Hearing 3/20 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 706

Legislative bill overview

SB 706 requires Maryland to conduct a comprehensive prevalence study on problem gambling and establishes a dedicated fund to support problem gambling prevention, treatment, and research initiatives. The bill directs revenue from gaming operations to finance these efforts, creating a sustainable funding mechanism for addressing gambling addiction.

Why is this important

Problem gambling affects individuals, families, and communities through financial hardship, mental health crises, and increased social service demands. By establishing both research capacity and dedicated funding, the state can better understand the scope of problem gambling in Maryland and provide evidence-based interventions rather than responding reactively to crisis situations.

Potential points of contention

  • Gaming industry burden: Directing gaming revenue to problem gambling services may be viewed by operators as a tax on their industry, potentially affecting profitability and competitiveness
  • Funding sufficiency: The bill's revenue allocation may prove inadequate for comprehensive statewide treatment and prevention programs, raising questions about whether dedicated funding is truly adequate
  • Study scope and methodology: Determining what constitutes a "prevalence study" and ensuring rigorous methodology could face disagreements between public health advocates and industry stakeholders

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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