Online Gambling in Maryland: Legal MD Gambling Guide

Some types of online gambling in Maryland are now live. DFS and sports betting fans from MD can find both on desktop and mobile. We’ve examined all legal operators and used criteria like licensing, bonus competitiveness, and payment methods to pick the best ones. Explore our selection of the top platforms and discover their unique features like fast withdrawals, live streaming, and daily contests.

Jessica Whitehouse, Editor at online-gambling.com

• Twitter
• Email

Jessica Whitehouse is among the professional online-gambling.com editors in charge of ensuring that our readers get the best and most reliable news and details from the online gambling world. Her focus is on blackjack and roulette reviews, lottery, and more.

More About Jessica Whitehouse

Best Maryland Online Gambling Sites & Products

The US online gaming world and its state-based laws can confuse new players. To clarify things, we’ve reviewed all gambling products in Maryland and their legal status. As a result, we can confirm that sports betting and DFS sites are allowed in the Old Line state. Unfortunately, online casinos are still prohibited, but you can play at land-based establishments.

Furthermore, we have outlines what other gambling products are allowed or forbidden for local players. In addition, we have suggested several trusted operators approved by the MD Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, which is the official regulator of the sector. Before exploring the top sites, remember that the legal age for betting online is 21 years.

Sportsbooks

In November 2020, residents of the Old Line State voted to approve sports betting. After the successful passing of the bill, the first in-store sportsbooks opened in 2021, while online and mobile sports wagering launched in November 2022 ^[1]. Currently, several Maryland gambling sites own licenses. However, according to our experts, the operators that offer the most diverse markets and favorable odds are:

You can place a wager on your preferred team or player from several licensed gambling platforms in Maryland. We have hand-picked the operators above because they offer excellent bonus offers and benefits like detailed live stats. However, there are more best sports betting sites in MD, so feel free to explore your options.

Daily Fantasy Sports

In 2012, Maryland became one of the first states to approve Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). However, it wasn’t until 2017, when new regulations were introduced, that the market became more transparent and fair to customers. Nowadays, there aren’t many operators, but the ones listed below stand out because of their lineups and quick withdrawals.

Licensed DFS sites in Maryland accept players aged 18 or above. You can attend competitions for beginners or experienced players and sort them by type (daily, weekly, or seasonal tournaments) or sport. However, professional athletes can’t participate in competitions from their category, as this is considered a game of skill.

Online Casinos

Unfortunately, there are no online casinos in Maryland. Unlike land-based gambling, which was allowed in 2008, casino sites are still illegal. Therefore, local players have two options – go to privately owned venues or travel to the neighboring state of Pennsylvania, where this form of online gambling is permitted.

If you’re not in the mood for a road trip, you can still enjoy plenty of slots, roulette, blackjack, and other classic casino games in regional cities like Washington, Baltimore, and Cumberland. Just keep in mind that according to gambling laws in Maryland, you have to present a valid ID that shows you are at least 21 to be allowed to enter a gambling establishment.

Online Poker

Unfortunately, Maryland online gambling sites don’t offer online poker. Since casino sites are prohibited, the fact that poker laws in Maryland are restrictive comes as no surprise. However, thanks to the popularity of this form of gambling in neighboring states, there is hope that MD will legalize it in the future.

Just like slots and table games, poker enjoys a large fan base in the state and is available at land-based casinos in Maryland. You can enjoy a game of Texas Hold’em at MGM National Harbor, Horseshoe Baltimore, Hollywood Casino Perryville, and Maryland Live Casino at Arundel Mills. Tournaments are available as well.

Online Lottery

Lotteries are, perhaps, the oldest legal form of gambling in Maryland. The state’s first lotteries were founded in the late 18th century, but it wasn’t until 1973 that the official state lottery was established. There are many lotto games in the state, but note that you can only purchase online tickets with a subscription.

If you are not subscribed to the MD Lottery, you will have to buy a ticket from a land-based establishment. Mega Millions, Powerball, and Cash4Life are the most popular draws. If, someday, the government authorizes playing the online lottery in Maryland without being subscribed, we will update this guide and let you know.

Online Gambling Bonuses & Promo Codes in MD

Online casino games and lotteries may be illegal, but there are still great opportunities for sports betting and DFS fans. An excellent way to boost your initial bankroll and chances of winning is to claim a welcome bonus. All reputable operators offer one, but remember it’s only available to new players.

In addition, you should pay attention to the bonus terms and conditions. These include minimum deposit amounts, wagering requirements, and validity. Keep in mind that some promotions also require a code. After evaluating the promos available in Maryland, we have selected the most competitive offers with fair rollover requirements compared to the industry standards.

Unfortunately, Maryland online gambling sites don’t offer hundreds of options. However, the existing operators still appreciate new players by offering bonuses with wagering requirements as low as 1x. We advise you to explore the most popular promotions in the state so you can make an informed decision and choose the most suitable one.

Deposit Bonus

With very few exceptions, the best gambling sites in the US, some of which are available in Maryland, have first deposit bonuses. These welcome offers reward you when you register and put money into your gambling account. You can receive a 100% match, meaning if you transfer $20, you will receive an additional $20. However, 50% matches are also possible, so read the terms and conditions carefully.

No Deposit Bonuses

Some gambling platforms also offer no-deposit bonuses. These offers usually grant you a small amount of cash or a no sweat bet upon registration. Besides the fact you don’t need to top up your account, this bonus is similar to any other gambling promotion – wagering requirements apply, and it has an expiry date.

Top Gambling Apps – Bet on the Go

Betting on the go has become essential for most Old Line State players. To rank among the best gambling sites in Maryland, operators must provide mobile gambling options for Android and iOS users. Then, depending on your preferred gambling category, you can choose from diverse mobile sports betting and DFS web and native apps.

The latter is trending in Maryland, but if you prefer to bet from your browser, you can still do that. Just remember that benefits like biometrics login and tailored notifications can only be experienced via the app. At the moment, one operator stands out because of their high ratings in both Google Play and Apple online stores.

The gambling apps highlighted above are also known for having intuitive navigations and excellent streaming options. If you download them, you can bet on and watch football, tennis, and other sporting events in real-time while on the go. However, keep in mind that for the best performance, you will need a stable Internet connection.

Live Gambling in Maryland

If you enjoy social interaction while gambling online, you will probably be disappointed to learn that live casino games are not allowed in the state. Furthermore, there is no information on whether the local authorities will take action toward legalizing them. However, you have the option to visit a traditional gaming venue and join a live table.

On the other hand, live sports betting in Maryland is flourishing. You can place wagers in real-time on many international and US leagues. In addition, some licensed online sportsbooks boast detailed live stats and HD live streaming of popular matches and tournaments.

Depending on the chosen operator, you can also find live sports betting in categories named in-play betting or in-game betting. Most Maryland gambling sites offer it as it’s a favorite pick of locals. If you haven’t tried betting on an event that’s already started, keep in mind the odds are constantly changing based on how the game is developing.

Deposits & Withdrawals

If you want to gamble online without worrying about the safety of your data and finances, you must choose a legal operator that accepts trusted payment methods. These include debit and credit cards, e-Wallets, and pre-paid cards. Of course, bank transfers are also safe but aren’t a common choice because of their slow processing times.

The most popular options are PayPal and Play+. Both stand out with fast transaction speed and low to non-existent fees. In addition, these banking options are usually eligible for claiming bonuses. You can choose from over 10 reputable deposit and withdrawal methods at the betting platform highlighted below.

Before you participate in any online gambling activities, you need to pick a platform and register. Afterward, you need to confirm your email address and complete any identity verification processes. The next step is to visit the cashier page and select the amount you want to deposit and your preferred payment method.

If you weren’t asked to provide an ID while registering, verifying your identity will probably happen when you request a withdrawal. Maryland online gambling sites have different policies, so you might need to send the required documents via email or upload them directly on the operator’s site. Once the request is approved, you will receive your money within several business days.

Odds & Payouts

All online and land-based betting venues have different overall payout rates. These theoretical percentages, often referred to as “site-wide payout percentages”, reflect the combined payout rates of all the individual games, bets, and activities offered on the platform. If we were dealing with an online casino, that would be the average of all games’ RTPs.

However, when it comes to sports betting, it’s about the odds players can expect. They represent the likelihood of a particular outcome occurring in an event and can be expressed in different formats, including fractional and decimal. You can use them to determine potential payouts and assess your bets’ risk.

Again, we would like to remind you to compare the odds of different platforms before you choose where to place your bet. Many websites offer sports betting odds calculators, which can help you get an idea of what amount you could win by placing a wager. You can also use this tool to determine whether any odds boost bonuses the operator offers are beneficial.

How to Start to Gamble Online in Maryland

Becoming an expert gambler takes time and effort. However, starting this journey is easy. Everyone on our team has gone through it, and our number one advice is to take your time. Furthermore, learning the sports betting and general gambling terms early on will help you quickly understand more complex terms and conditions later on.

When you’re ready to make your first deposit, all you need to do is head to the cashier section and choose your preferred payment method. As mentioned earlier, reputable operators should offer e-Wallets, debit/credit cards, and prepaid cards. For further information, follow our step-by-step guide for beginners:

The process for withdrawals is also straightforward. If it’s the first time you’re cashing out, note that there is one extra step – verifying your identity. This action is completed only once, and some operators allow you to do it right after registering. That way, when you want to withdraw your winnings, you won’t have to wait longer for your request to be approved.

Advantages of Online Gambling

We can all agree that online gambling presents numerous advantages. It’s convenient as you don’t have to travel to the nearest gaming venue to place a bet. You can even do it on your phone and take advantage of various bonuses. However, online gambling in Maryland doesn’t include casino games, so there are also some cons that you might want to consider.

Naturally, both online and offline gambling have pros and cons. Our experts genuinely appreciate the convenience of betting sites. However, if that authentic casino atmosphere is more your thing, that’s completely fine. Web casinos are not available in Maryland anyway, so for now, betting on sports online and playing games like slots at land-based venues seems like a good compromise.

Land-Based Casinos, Kiosks, Racetracks

Maryland is home to several land-based casinos where you can play slots and live dealer games. One of the most popular gaming venues in the state is Baltimore’s Horseshoe Casino, followed by Live! Casino in Hanover. They offer betting limits suitable for low and high rollers, so you will surely find a game that fits your tastes.

Traditional casinos aren’t the only entertaining option for gamblers in the state because Maryland offers several horse racing venues. You can bet on the harness and thoroughbred horse races on-site or at one of the off-track betting locations. The activity is regulated by the Maryland Racing Agency, which was founded in 1920.

Another opportunity is to visit one of the retail sportsbooks in Maryland. Just like online betting sites, they offer various sports and bet types. From moneylines and spreads to parlays, all sorts of wagers are accepted. Of course, you can still bet online if that’s more convenient for you.

Maryland Gambling Laws

The gambling laws in Maryland allow land-based casino games, horse races, and sports betting. Regarding online gambling, you can play Daily Fantasy Sports and bet on real sports events. In the state, online casinos are illegal. The State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency monitors all gambling activities and issues licenses to operators.

Furthermore, you can legally play the lottery in Maryland. Players’ preferred Powerball, Cash4Life, and Mega Millions are available. You can purchase a ticket from one of the multiple retailers in the state. Daily draw games, scratch-offs, and keno are other entertaining options. The Maryland Lottery offers a mobile app, but you can only use it to scan tickets and see the winning numbers if you are not subscribed.

As mentioned previously, horse races are also legal in Maryland. Racing has a long history and tradition in the state and is still quite popular today. The market is regulated by the Maryland Racing Commission, which is responsible for the licensing of operators and ensuring the safety of players.

Gambling Guides for Other States

• PA Online Gambling
• NJ Online Gambling
• WV Online Gambling
• MI Online Gambling

History of Gambling in Maryland

Maryland earned the nickname “Little Vegas” in the 1950s for a reason. The state’s history of gambling is notorious for its surging popularity in games and ongoing efforts to tread the line between regulation and restriction. The latest is online sports betting, which was legalized in 2022. Below, you can learn more about the defining events of gambling in the Old Line State.

State Facts & Statistics

Maryland is one of the smallest states in America and one of the original 13 British colonies. Following the Second World War, it quickly became one of the most populated states due to mass immigration from Europe. MD played a prominent role in the US struggle for independence and the Civil War. As a result, it has some of the highest amounts of historic landmarks per capita.

Legal Gambling Age in MD

The legal Maryland gambling age for casinos is currently 21. For those looking to place pari-mutuel wagers on horse races, the minimum age is 18. Likewise, the legal age for participating in the lottery or bingo games is 18. This is standard throughout the United States, and there is no discussion regarding raising or lowering the minimum gambling age.

The same rule applies to DFS betting. However, you must be 21 to bet on sports in Maryland. Remember that you will be asked to provide a valid ID whether you play online or in person. Underage gambling is a serious issue, and the consequences for breaking these laws are severe for the operator and the player.

• Online Gambling Age
  You must be over 21 years old to participate in online gambling.
• Legal Drinking Age
  As in all other states, residents 21 or older can drink alcohol in Maryland.
• Legal Age for Marijuana
  Recreational cannabis use is illegal, but people over 21 can use it for medicinal purposes.

Responsible Gambling and Addiction Prevention

Players in Maryland who are experiencing problem gambling behaviors can seek help from the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling ^[2]. The center is operated by the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and it provides a 24-hour helpline.

In addition to its hotline, the organization has a well-developed network of professionals who can help players follow responsible gambling practices and deal with the problems they’re experiencing. Furthermore, those suffering from gambling addictions can take advantage of free treatment at the center, regardless of their insurance coverage or ability to pay.

Upcoming Regulation and Expected Changes

With the referendum from 2020, state residents approved sports betting for players over 21. In the following two years, the bill that authorized sports wagers passed, and several operators received licenses from the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. However, there are still no plans to authorize online casinos.

As much as we wish to inform you about the possibility of playing legally at online casinos in Maryland, our research shows no signs of that. If, however, the MD government approves online gambling games like slots, blackjack, and poker, we will be the first to inform you, so stay tuned.

References

1. Cox, Erin, (November 22, 2022), Maryland’s mobile sports betting industry starts Wednesday, The Washington Post, (Retrieved December 1, 2023)
2. The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, Maryland Problem Gambling Help, (Retrieved December 1, 2023)