Gambling addiction: Maryland trails only California and Nevada

Gambling addiction: Maryland trails only California and Nevada
By Kim Chi Ha

A hundred dollars worth of pennies dispensing from a slot machine — the adrenaline rush of taking a risk and winning. But as with every high, there comes a risk. And in Maryland, about 150,000 adults — one in 30 — have a gambling problem, according to a recent study by the University of Maryland Baltimore County.

Maryland's addiction rate trails only California and Nevada, beating six other states surveyed, reports the Washington Post. The study also predicted the rate would continue to rise before leveling off.

“It is a major part of the population, but it’s within the national range,” said Judith Shinogle, the project head in an interview with the Post. “If you think about Maryland’s proximity to New Jersey and New York City, this is not out of range.”

African Americans and Hispanics, ages 18 to 29, with lower income and less education than the general population were the most at risk group.

The state's foray into casinos only began last September, when the first slot machine casino opened. Currently only two of the anticipated five have opened, with the state expecting to legalize table games later this year.

Neighboring West Virginia, Delaware and Pennsylvania though, not included in the survey, already have 18 casinos with table games.