New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) places his first two bets at the Borgata Casino during the first day of sports betting in New Jersey on June 14, 2018. Maryland voters will decide on November's ballot whether to authorize sports gambling in the state. Phot
Two weeks before election day, backers of legalized sports gambling in Maryland appear to be cruising toward an easy victory.
Their campaign to build public support for Question 2, the latest statewide gaming referendum, is flush with cash and well organized. It is outpolling opposition by almost two-to-one. And, as of Monday, it has the backing of the state’s popular governor.
While there will almost certainly be hundreds of thousands of votes against legalizing sports wagering, political insiders believe a majority will vote in favor of it.
“For the most part, people already understand that gaming is in Maryland, and when they see it, I think people will most likely be inclined to support it,” said Sen. Craig Zucker (D-Montgomery), who sponsored a sports gambling bill earlier this year. “Especially since the money will be going to education.”
