The General Assembly finds that: Problem gambling is a serious social problem; There is evidence that the availability of gambling increases the risk of becoming a problem gambler; and This State, with its extensive legalized gambling, has an obligation to provide a program of treatment for problem gamblers.

The Secretary shall make grants from or agreements for the use of State funds, including the funds provided under § 9–1A–33 of the State Government Article, and federal funds to help public agencies or nonprofit organizations operate the network of clinically appropriate services for problem gamblers who reside in the State to provide the following: Inpatient and residential services; Outpatient services; Intensive outpatient services; Continuing care services; Educational services; Services for victims of domestic violence; and Other preventive or rehabilitative services or treatment. Research and training that are designed to improve or extend these services are proper items of expense. The Secretary shall conduct a prevalence study and replication prevalence studies to measure the rate of problem and pathological gambling in the State. Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Secretary shall contract with an independent researcher to conduct the prevalence studies. The Secretary shall utilize the most current psychiatric or diagnostic criteria for problem and pathological gambling as the basis for the prevalence studies. The initial prevalence study shall be completed on or before July 1, 2009. Replication prevalence studies shall be conducted no less than every 5 years with measures taken to permit comparisons between the initial prevalence study and subsequent replication prevalence studies. Services under this subtitle shall be provided by public agencies or, under contract, by nonprofit organizations.