The report, commissioned by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, found that Maryland has a relatively low prevalence of problem gambling. However, there are still some areas where improvements could be made.
The report’s key recommendation is creating a responsible statewide gambling program. This program would provide education and resources to help people struggling with gambling problems.
The report also recommends that the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency establish a self-exclusion program. This program would allow people concerned about their gambling to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling in the state.
In addition, the report recommends that the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency increase its monitoring of problem gambling. This would involve tracking the number of people seeking help for gambling problems and the amount of money lost to problem gambling.
The report also recommends that the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency work with other state agencies to address the underlying causes of problem gambling. This could involve treating gambling addiction and addressing poverty and other social problems that can contribute to gambling problems.
The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is considering the report’s recommendations. It is expected that the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency will take steps to implement some of the recommendations in the near future.
The report’s recommendations are a positive step towards addressing the problem of gambling addiction in Maryland. By implementing these recommendations, the state can help to ensure that gambling, including sports betting in MD, is a safe and responsible activity for all residents.
Here are some additional details about the report’s recommendations:
- Create a statewide responsible gambling program: This program would provide education and resources to help people struggling with gambling problems. The program could include gambling awareness campaigns, helplines, and counseling services.
- Establish a self-exclusion program: This program would allow people concerned about their gambling to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling in the state. To participate in the program, individuals must provide their name, address, and date of birth. Once enrolled in the program, they would be prohibited from entering any gambling establishments in the state.
- Increase monitoring of problem gambling: This would involve tracking the number of people seeking help for gambling problems and the amount of money lost to problem gambling. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency could collect this data from gambling establishments and treatment providers.
- Work with other state agencies to address the underlying causes of problem gambling: This could involve treating gambling addiction and addressing poverty and other social problems that can contribute to gambling problems. The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene could work with other state agencies, such as the Department of Social Services and Mental Health, to develop programs and services to address these issues.
The report’s recommendations are a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to addressing the problem of gambling addiction in Maryland. By implementing these recommendations, the state can help to ensure that gambling is a safe and responsible activity for all residents.
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