Sports Betting

Sports betting is now here in Maryland

for adults 21 years and older.

What is sports betting?

A form of gambling where people wager on any aspect of a sporting event. This includes the general outcome of the event or competition, a team or individual competitor’s statistical performance, and even loosely related outcomes like the color of the Gatorade the winning team will dump over coach. Regardless of the amount wagered, the odds set, or the outcome, sports betting in the U.S. is becoming more popular. What was once only legal in the State of Nevada, sports betting is growing in prevalence; now legalized in 36 States including D.C. and Maryland.

Potential impact of sports betting on youth and young adults:

The risks for gambling addiction overall have grown 30% from 2018 to 2021, with the risk concentrated among young males 18 to 24 who are sports bettors. About 5% of all young people between 11 and 17 also meet at least one of the criteria for a gambling problem. Children and young people are the fastest-growing segment of gamblers. With the onset of mobile and online sports betting in Maryland, access and availability to sports books makes it easier for children and young adults to place wagers.

Tips to Help You Keep Sports Gambling SAFE

For the majority of adults, gambling on sports can be a fun and entertaining experience, but there are risks involved.
It is critical to know these risks and have a plan before you begin betting on sports.

KNOW THE GAME

Make sure you understand the odds and house edge. Over the long run the house always wins.

MAKE YOUR PLAN

Know how much you’re willing to lose and how long you want to play – set limits of time and money.

RISK

Know and respect your tolerance for risk.

MONEY

Never borrow money to gamble. Don’t gamble money you can’t afford to lose.

TEAM UP

Consider teaming up with a friend to help each other stick to your personal betting plan.

TIME

Set a timer on your phone to keep track of time spent betting.

BALANCE

Balance gambling with other activities.

ENTERTAINMENT

Treat gambling as a form of entertainment and not a way to make money.

TAKE A BREAK

When gambling is no longer fun, take a break.

EXPECT TO LOSE

Hope to win but expect to lose. Remember: you’re playing to have a good time – never chase your losses.

Get the

FACTS

about Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can compromise, disrupt or cause damage to one’s life.
It can result in financial ruin, legal problems, loss of career and family, or in extreme cases, even suicide.
Nationally between 1% and 3% of the general adult (18+) population, or over 5.1 million people, experience a gambling problem every year. In Maryland, based on the 2020 prevalence study, 3.1% were identified as problem gamblers.
Gambling problems are often hidden, and many people may not be aware of them.
One person’s gambling addiction may also lead to negative consequences for loved ones and concerned others.
Gambling problems often occur alongside other problems such as alcohol disorders, and substance abuse.

1-800-GAMBLER