Danielle E. Gaines / Maryland Matters

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Maryland lawmakers may need to diversify revenue sources that pay for treatment and other services offered to people who struggle with gambling-related addictions, according to a set of recommendations presented Tuesday.

Sports betting in Maryland is quickly becoming the dominant form of gaming in the state but contributes no money to the state’s Problem Gaming Fund. The imbalance comes while a growing number of younger gamblers are seeking help, said Mary Drexler, program director for the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling.

“My biggest concern is with the online and mobile and the potential for iGaming in the next session,” Drexler said during a hearing before the Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee. “We’re moving so fast that we don’t see the full potential of sports betting, yet we are seeing an increase in calls, texts and chats that come into our helpline. We’re definitely seeing the demographic change to a younger adult population, especially now minority males.”

Legislative analysts note that the fund’s budget has always been able to cover free treatment services. Drexler said the center is unable to compete with gaming interests who constantly advertise.

“We want to do so much more with public awareness campaigns and keep them going throughout the year,” said Drexler. “We don’t have the funding that the sports...

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