Sports-betting-in-Maryland

You might not immediately think of Maryland as a sports powerhouse like New York or Texas, but don’t let that fool you. Maryland has a rich sports culture, from the historic Baltimore Orioles to the Super Bowl-winning Ravens (and Colts before that), not to mention the passionate college basketball fan base led by the Maryland Terrapins. Marylanders have a deep connection to their teams, and that fandom is evolving into a growing betting community.

Maryland joined the sports betting scene in 2021, and with its long-standing love for sports, the market has been booming ever since. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about sports betting in Maryland — from where to place bets to the latest rules and regulations. This is must-read information so stick with us!

Is Sports Betting Legal In Maryland?

It’s legal! Voters first got betting legalized during the 2020 elections. The first retail sportsbook would launch in 2021 before the online betting market fully went live in 2022. All this made Maryland one of the more early states in the Northeast to get going with legalized betting. Now? Almost all of them are on the bandwagon.

As it stands, Maryland has licenses to 11 online betting apps. That’s a more than healthy dose for a state with a population barely in the six million range. But which among those apps stands out? In the next few sections, we’ll explore the top choices for Marylanders and help you find the best fit for your betting needs.

International Online Sportsbooks Available In Maryland

Although sports betting is legal in Maryland, certain types of wagers are still prohibited at state-regulated sportsbooks. While Maryland’s legal betting market provides a solid range of options, some popular bets can only be placed through international sportsbooks. For instance, political bets, wagers on entertainment events, and certain bets involving in-state college sports are off-limits at regulated sportsbooks in Maryland. If you’re interested in these types of bets, international sportsbooks are the way to go.

The international sportsbooks we promote offer a wider variety of betting opportunities, including political events, a full range of college sports without restrictions, and specialty markets that you won’t find at Maryland’s legal sportsbooks. By using these offshore platforms, you can access a broader array of betting options, giving you more control over your betting experience.

While betting with offshore sportsbooks may raise concerns, the sites we recommend have been thoroughly vetted for safety and reliability. Our team has personally used these platforms for years, ensuring they provide fast payouts, fair odds, and excellent customer service. We only promote trusted operators with established reputations, so you can place your bets with confidence, knowing that your funds and personal information are secure.

Legal Online Sportsbooks Available In Maryland

You can bank on the following sportsbooks to all work perfectly fine in Maryland:

Name of BookieAvailable?
DraftKings? Available
FanDuel? Available
BetMGM? Available
Caesars? Available
BetRivers? Available
Fanatics? Available
ESPN Bet? Available
WynnBet? Available
Last updated on: September 30, 2024

Maryland Online Sportsbook Comparison

Maryland-Sports-betting

We’re not going to pick the “best” Maryland sportsbook because we don’t necessarily agree there’s one that fits the bill. Instead, we think there are sportsbooks that are “best” based on certain features like bonuses, betting options, and more. So that’s how we’ve made the following recommendations:

Best sportsbook for bonuses: Promotional offers are always changing, but BetMGM consistently stands out in this category. For instance, they’re currently offering a $1,500 no-risk bet to new sign-ups. Whatever they wager off the bat, will be refunded in full — up to that $1,500 amount — if it loses. But if it wins? Players keep the cash. It’s a zero-downside promo, and one example of how BetMGM consistently rolls out the red carpet for bettors.

Best sportsbook for betting options: While most sportsbooks offer similar lines and odds, FanDuel goes above and beyond with its frequent “boosted odds” promotions. These boosts shift the odds in favor of the bettor, leading to better payouts and long-term value. With these boosts, FanDuel delivers more betting value than most competitors.

Best sportsbook for live betting: DraftKings takes the crown for live betting in Maryland. Thanks to its advanced AI-powered system, DraftKings updates live odds almost instantly, giving bettors a smooth, real-time experience. On top of that, DraftKings recently acquired Simplebet, a leader in micro-betting technology. That likely means the live betting experience is only going to get better on the platform.

Best sportsbook for rewards: We really, really like what Fanatics is doing with its rewards program. Yes, you get points on every bet made. Yes, those points can be flipped for free bonus bets. But those two features are common across the board. How Fanatics ends up tops in this category is by also offering sports gear from its store as reward perks. Having the ability to get real-life goodies really makes Fanatics Rewards extra worthwhile.

Best sportsbook for user experience: FanDuel is the number-one used betting app in the whole country. Thumbing around the app and it’s painfully easy to see why. The app offers a clean, intuitive interface that makes finding and placing bets a breeze. It’s fast, reliable, and rarely suffers from lag or errors. FanDuel delivers a hassle-free betting experience plenty and often.

Maryland Quick Facts

FactMaryland
Launch date:2021
Legal age:21 Years Old
Online sports betting? Yes
Number of licenses11
Remote registration? Yes
Retail sportsbooks? Yes
Retail casinos?No
Online casino sites?No
Online poker?No
Betting on college sports? Yes
Betting on esports? Yes
State population6 million
State regulatorThe State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency
Last verified? September 12
Last updated on: September 30, 2024

What You Can’t Bet on in Maryland?

Maryland is on the relaxed side of things with its sports betting offering. However, there are a few things completely off the table. Here’s what you won’t be able to wager on:

College player props: Like many states, Maryland does not allow betting on individual player props for college athletes. They banned this in 2024. You can still bet on college games and teams, but specific wagers on player performances are no-nos.

Online casino gaming: Maryland has in-person casinos, but online casino gaming (iGaming) is not yet legal. So if you’re looking to play slots, table games, or poker, you’ll need to visit a physical casino in the state.

Non-sports events: There will be zero wagering on the next U.S. president or who’s winning at WWE WrestleMania. Only real, competitive sports are available for wagering.

In Maryland and wanting to bet these things? You can if you go offshore. Offshore sportsbooks operate outside U.S. regulations, thus providing access to more betting options like these and payment methods too (crypto works at most offshore sites). It might be worth exploring the offshore world for a more free betting experience.

Who Can Legally Bet in Maryland?

Let’s now turn our attention to what Marylanders can do betting-wise. Here’s the hard rules to play by:

Legal age: To legally place a sports bet in Maryland, you must be 21 years old. This lines up with the majority of states across the U.S.

Mobile betting: Maryland fully supports mobile betting, allowing you to place bets from anywhere within the state using licensed apps. It comes in super clutch because who has the time (and gas money) to always drive to a sportsbook to bet? Yeah, forget about that in Maryland.

Retail sportsbooks: In addition to mobile betting, Maryland offers retail sportsbooks at casinos and racetracks. If you prefer the social atmosphere of betting in person, these retail locations provide a killer experience, especially during major sporting events.

Remote registration: Maryland makes signing up for a sportsbook account easy. You can complete the entire registration process online, straight from your phone or computer, without ever needing to step foot in a physical location. Best of all? This process takes a few minutes max.

Taxable winnings: Gambling earnings aren’t just yours to keep. No, you got to “share” with the government — both local and federal. Winnings count as income for the year and will be taxed accordingly.

Maryland Sportsbooks & Casinos

The state features six different casinos — all commercial, not tribal. However, we're only going to mention the four that have sportsbooks inside of them. Here they are:

MGM National Harbor: Located in Oxon Hill, this premier casino offers the BetMGM Sportsbook, where you can enjoy a high-end sports betting experience. Along with competitive odds across a range of sports, MGM National Harbor provides a luxurious atmosphere, making it a go-to spot for bettors in the state.

Live! Casino & Hotel: Another top choice for Maryland residents seeking sports betting action. The casino features a FanDuel Sportsbook, providing both in-person and online betting options. Live! offers a comprehensive selection of betting markets across a wide range of sports, with competitive odds and a dynamic betting environment right in the heart of Hanover.

Horseshoe Casino Baltimore: You'll find a Caesars Sportsbook in here. The casino provides an immersive experience with its sports lounge, where you can wager on your favorite sports and enjoy competitive odds. Located conveniently in downtown Baltimore, Horseshoe Casino offers a top-notch betting venue for sports enthusiasts.

Hollywood Casino Perryville: The casino, operating since 2010, offers an ESPN Bet book that provides in-person betting on a wide range of sports events. Hollywood Casino Perryville features a large gaming floor with over 1,500 slot machines, poker tables, and other casino games, making it a great destination for both sports and casino enthusiasts.

Sports Betting Timeline in Maryland

When the possibility to regulate sports betting opened up in 2018, many states had bills ready to go and began passing them right away. Maryland was not such a state. They have gone through a few years of intense debate around sports betting to make sure that they passed the best bill for bettors and residents of Maryland.

2018 and 2019 Sees Little Legalization Progress

The first attempt to legalize sports betting was going to be a ballot initiative. They pre-empted the Supreme Court's decision that would have opened up the possibility of regulating sports betting by introducing the bill months before they even knew the final verdict.

The bill died in the senate and voters in Maryland never got to weigh in on whether or not to legalize sports betting in the state.

MD HB 1132 was introduced in 2019, but once again failed to progress in any significant way. While the constitution of the state stipulates that a voter referendum would be needed to legalize sports betting, this bill would have circumvented that entirely by expanding the rights and privileges of the already-existing State Lottery.

The casino industry in the state did not like this, and the Attorney General warned of the shaky legal footing it was on. Ultimately, this bill did not pass.

2020-2021 People Vote to Legalize Sports Betting

After the legal blunders of 2019, advocates decided to return to their original strategy of a voter referendum. They were able to succeed in bringing the people a vote with MD SB 4, which was unanimously passed in March 2020. The state began charging at least $1.5 million per license, allowing a total of six for the state. They also had to pay a 20% tax rate.

The state was likely motivated by the pandemic, which was threatening to disrupt the revenue flow of governments around the world.

That November during the general elections, voters in Maryland overwhelming passed the bill into law. All that was left was to come up with the final details of the regulations for the industry. The regulations were accomplished with HB 940, which allowed for 30 retail sportsbooks distributed throughout the state.

Latest Maryland Legal Betting Updates

Sep 25, 2024 07:32 AM

Maryland’s legal sports betting set a record in December with almost $560 million in wagers, mostly from mobile apps, where 96.7% of the total bets were placed, according to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming, resulting in significant prize payouts.

A Brief Timeline of the Legality of Maryland Sports Betting

2023

December 21, 2023 – Xpoint is expanding its geographical coverage, currently holding licenses in 16 US states and Ontario, with additional licenses pending approval.

December 1, 2023 – A new report suggests Maryland could see an online casino market generating up to $1 billion per year in gross gaming revenue if fully legalized and regulated.

November 2, 2023 – Thomas Brandt, head of Maryland’s sports betting regulatory body, has indicated that a few sportsbook operators in the state may be considering leaving the Maryland market.

October 2, 2023 – Maryland’s 13th retail sportsbook has opened – the Greene Turtle in Towson, in partnership with BetPARX, now accepts in-person wagers.

How To Bet On Sports In Maryland

Maryland’s sportsbooks have no shortage of sports betting options at play. None! So we expect Marylanders to get their money’s worth while using these bookies. Here’s the betting markets you’ll be guaranteed to get:

How To Bet On Football In Maryland

Football is a way of life in Maryland, with the Ravens dominating Sundays and the Terps bringing the heat on Saturdays. Whether it’s the NFL, college football, or even postseason action, you’ll find a full slate of betting options — from classic point spreads and totals to player props and game specials. The fall and winter months are prime time for football, and Maryland bettors will have it all at their fingertips.

How To Bet On Basketball In Maryland

Basketball fever runs deep in Maryland, particularly when March Madness rolls around. The Maryland Terrapins’ basketball program draws in huge local interest, and sportsbooks roll out a buffet of betting options for both college and NBA games. We reccomend giving live betting a stab too. Basketball with its “game of runs” lends itself well to the in-play experience.

How To Bet On Baseball In Maryland

Baseball brings countless opportunities to bet in Maryland, thanks to the 162-game MLB season. It’s a monstrous number compared to 17 games for the NFL, and 82 for the NBA. With so many games comes hundreds of betting chances nearly every day for a six-month stretch. This is sweet for the most opportunistic of bettors.

How To Bet On Fighting In Maryland

Combat sports are something you can look forward to every weekend. That’s usually when UFC, Bellator, PFL, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships, and boxing will have fight cards. With dozens of fights on every card, bettors will have their options here too — from title fights to unknowns in the undercard.

Betting on Maryland Teams

Maryland-teams-betting

Maryland sports fans have plenty of teams to rally behind, and adding a bet or two into the mix only heightens the excitement of game day. Here’s what you need to know when betting on Maryland’s local favorites:

Betting on Maryland NFL Team

Football has long been the cornerstone of Baltimore sports culture. This is even before the Ravens too. Remember, the Colts franchise was previously here before its still controversial move up north. Nothings changed, and in fact, the local passion for football has only increased. This is why sportsbooks won’t shortchange bettors either its selection on Sunday. From Lamar Jackson props to in-play, it’s all there for the taking when the Ravens are on the field.

Betting on Maryland MLB Team

Baltimore Orioles fans have weathered the storm, and now, with a promising young roster, things are looking up. For bettors, the long MLB season means daily chances to get in on the action. Whether you’re tracking player props, wagering on home run totals, or backing the O’s for a playoff push, the Orioles are quickly becoming one of the most exciting teams to bet on. The underdog potential only sweetens the deal.

Betting on Maryland College Teams

When it comes to college sports in Maryland, the University of Maryland Terrapins are the undeniable favorite. From basketball’s high-stakes rivalries to football Saturdays, the Terps offer tons of excitement for fans and bettors alike. This is only heightened if the Terps are “going dancing” or playing in a big-time bowl game.

Maryland Betting Revenue Statistics

Remember at the start when we said the betting industry has been booming in the state? Well, we have the numbers to back it. Maryland recently released its August 2024 figures, which netted the state another $5 million in tax revenue. That number is not what's impressive though. It's that after August, the state has officially crossed $100 million in tax revenue since sports betting went live at the end of 2021.

All money made from sports betting goes for the state's Blueprint For Maryland's Future Fund, which is focused on education. So while some may say betting brings only ills to society, Maryland is proof that's not the case.

Here's to hoping the state smashes more records during the 2024 football season, which we're betting indeed happens. Help the kids learn, you gamblers — they're counting on you to lose by heartbreaking half-point spreads in football this year.

Other Types of Betting in Maryland

Maryland’s betting scene is far from one-dimensional. Sure, sports betting has become a hot commodity, but the state offers a wide range of gambling options that keep things lively beyond just placing a bet on the Ravens or Terrapins.

Take the casino experience, for example. Maryland boasts several top-tier casinos like MGM National Harbor, Live! Casino & Hotel, and Horseshoe Casino Baltimore. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill gambling spots. They offer everything from flashy slots and high-stakes poker to classic table games like blackjack and roulette. Pretty much the Vegas experience but locally in Maryland.

And then there’s horse racing, which has deep roots in Maryland’s culture. The legendary Preakness Stakes, held at Pimlico Race Course, is one of the crown jewels of horse racing in the U.S., drawing huge crowds and betting action every single year. But the excitement isn’t limited to just one day — Laurel Park offers live racing throughout the year, and bettors can place wagers both in person and online.

Of course, no conversation about Maryland gambling would be complete without mentioning the Maryland Lottery. It’s the classic, tried-and-true form of betting you’ll get at other states too.Whether you’re scratching off instant-win tickets or dreaming of hitting the massive Powerball jackpot, the Maryland Lottery offers plenty of ways to test your luck.

Sports Betting Rules in Each State

Heading out of Maryland and want to keep the bets rolling? No problem. We’ve put together easy-to-follow guides on sports betting laws for every state, ensuring you can stay informed and bet without worry. Click around below:

Responsible Gaming in Maryland

One last word of caution: please bet responsibly. You’re in Maryland, home to the Chesapeake Bay — but let’s keep your betting habits smooth sailing, not a storm. Make no mistake about it, betting can go from fun to hell in a hurry if you're not careful and in control.

To stay in control, start by setting a clear budget for yourself. Your betting budget should come from disposable income only — not needs like rent money. It’s crucial to stick to this limit, even when the temptation to chase losses appears — which can be all too easy. Maintaining discipline is key to ensuring betting stays fun and doesn't spiral into a problem.

If you’re noticing that gambling is becoming an issue — perhaps you’re overspending or feeling stressed about betting — Maryland has resources available to help. Don’t hesitate to seek support if you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of gambling:

Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling (https://www.mdproblemgambling.com/)
They offer confidential assistance for those affected by gambling addiction. Call 1-800-GAMBLER for help or visit their website for more information.

Gamblers Anonymous Maryland (http://www.gamblersanonymous.org)
A peer-led organization with meetings throughout the state, offering support to those dealing with gambling problems.

National resources are also out there:

Gambling Addiction Support Network (https://www.gamblingaddictionsupport.org/)

A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.centerforresponsiblegaming.org/)

The Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.

24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.gamblinghelponline.org/24-7-helpline)

A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems."