Mobile sports betting launched in Maryland on Wednesday, as seven mobile sportsbook operators went live in the state. With the launch comes a rush of excited bettors signing up for sports betting platforms and wagering on a host of sporting events, from the NFL to the NBA to the World Cup.'
The mobile launch also brings some worry to those in the responsible gambling community, as easier access to wagering could increase the number of people in the state with gambling problems.
“We're concerned that there may be an increased rate and severity of gambling problems in Maryland, at least in the short term,” said Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling.'
Monitoring mobile
The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling (the Center) is a program of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and funded by the Maryland Department of Health's Behavioral Health Administration. The Center offers resources for Marylanders with gambling problems, and it also works to promote smart gambling habits.'