Play Responsibly is not just a slogan. Maryland Lottery and Gaming puts an emphasis on responsible play at all times, but the effort is elevated in March for Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
Throughout March, the Lottery will run a paid advertising campaign focused on responsible play and helping players tell the difference between truths and myths about the Lottery. The ads will be seen and heard on TV and radio stations, streaming services and social media.
“We hope that anyone who chooses to gamble will enjoy it in moderation and keep it fun, but it’s also a priority for us to make sure everyone knows how to get help for themselves or anyone in their life who is struggling with a gambling problem,” said Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director John Martin.
The Maryland Lottery has strengthened its commitment to promoting responsible play through participation in the Responsible Gambling Verification Program, a partnership of the National Council on Problem Gambling and the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries. The Lottery was recognized at the program’s top level in 2025.
Last year also saw a collaboration between the Lottery and the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling for an informational video series titled “Mindful Gambling.” The videos feature Center of Excellence staff and are focused on problem gambling among four vulnerable populations: youths, seniors, military personnel and rural residents. All four videos are available on the Responsible Play page of the Lottery’s website, along with tips on how to play responsibly and information on how to separate Lottery facts from myths.
For 15 years, Maryland Lottery and Gaming has operated the Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP), which is available for Lottery, casinos, sports wagering, fantasy competitions and electronic instant bingo locations in Anne Arundel and Calvert counties that Maryland Lottery and Gaming regulates. Voluntary exclusion is a self-help tool that can assist people looking to gain control over their gambling. Maryland Lottery and Gaming Responsible Gambling Director Jasmine Countess said the VEP is “an essential resource for people and their families who are seeking help.”
“Self-exclusion is not intended to be the only step someone takes, but it’s an important tool,” Countess said. “We also take multiple steps to emphasize responsible gambling in our operations. We educate our players, employees and Lottery retailers. Integrity and positive player experiences remain at the forefront of what we do as we continue to raise funds in support of Maryland’s good causes.”
The Center of Excellence coordinates responses to calls received by the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline number, which is available 24 hours a day. The Center’s staff includes peer counselors who have lived-experience with disordered gambling and can help direct Maryland residents to cost-free treatment.
The Center of Excellence offered the following insights for Problem Gambling Awareness Month:
“While many people can gamble recreationally without problems, some Marylanders struggle with gambling behaviors which can cause negative consequences for themselves and those they care about. With mobile sports betting now in place, there is greater accessibility and opportunity to bet on more than just your favorite team, but also on every play of the game right from your mobile device in your own living room. This ease of access may potentially increase the risk of developing a gambling problem. If you, or someone you know is struggling with problems caused by gambling, the Center can connect you to resources including no-cost counseling, a peer recovery support specialist with (first-hand problem gambling) lived experience, or support groups, all of which can help with your road to recovery.”
Maryland’s six casinos each have their own responsible gaming programs and offered the following statements of support for Problem Gambling Awareness Month:
Rocky Gap Casino
“At Rocky Gap Casino, Resort & Golf, we recognize that as the gaming industry becomes more dynamic and offers new forms of entertainment, we are directly responsible for staying engaged with our staff and guests to ensure responsible gaming. We are proud of our partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling and the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling. This collaboration enables us to provide our guests with a memorable and enjoyable experience while ensuring our team remains vigilant in recognizing and reporting the signs of problem gambling.”
Hollywood Casino Perryville
“Our commitment to promoting responsible gaming is personal — our team members live in the same communities as our patrons and, therefore, have a vested interest in offering sympathetic, discrete assistance to anyone who approaches asking for help, and they’re trained to identify outward signs of problem gambling.”
Horseshoe Casino Baltimore
“Responsible gaming has been a foundational commitment across all Caesars Entertainment properties — including Horseshoe Casino Baltimore — for more than 35 years. We remain an industry leader through robust initiatives and supportive policies that ensure individuals have access to meaningful resources when gambling becomes a challenge. Here in Maryland, Horseshoe Casino Baltimore is proud to collaborate with the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling and looks forward to deepening this important partnership.”
Ocean Downs Casino
“At Ocean Downs Casino, we are driven to provide a responsible and exciting gaming destination for our community. Problem gaming awareness is a top priority at Ocean Downs, where all our employees are trained to identify the signs of and empowered to discreetly aid individuals dealing with problem gaming. Our internal diligence, along with our numerous community support partners, keeps Ocean Downs a caring and healthy gambling option for the Eastern Shore.”
MGM National Harbor
“MGM National Harbor, in partnership with MGM Resorts and BetMGM, promotes responsible gaming through GameSense, a program designed to support guests, as well as individuals and families who may need assistance. All team members receive responsible gaming training, with more than 2,000 employees nationwide certified as GameSense Advisors who are empowered to help guests understand how games work, recognize potential risks, and connect them with responsible gaming resources. MGM National Harbor President and COO Melonie Johnson was recently certified as a GameSense Advisor. Her participation underscores the role that all team members have in prioritizing responsible gaming within the resort’s daily operations and guest experience. MGM National Harbor continues its collaboration with the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency and its support of the Maryland Council on Problem Gambling to promote Problem Gambling Awareness Month in March, while ensuring that responsible gaming continues to be a focus at all MGM Resorts properties year-round.”
Live! Casino
“At Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, responsible gaming is central to everything we do. We are committed to ensuring that our guests and team members have the awareness, education, and tools they need to recognize and address problem gambling. Our commitment extends well beyond our walls. Through our partnership with the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency and the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, we help to expand awareness and provide accessible resources to the communities we serve.”
