By 
Maryland may not always get the same attention as larger markets, but at OnlineSportsBetting, we have seen how Maryland sports betting has quickly developed into a fully legal and accessible system. If you are wondering "is sports gambling legal in Maryland?", the answer is a resounding "yes!", with both retail and online sports betting Maryland now available under a regulated framework. This has helped expand gambling in Maryland, giving bettors a clear and secure way to place wagers across a wide range of sports.
Sports betting Maryland continues to grow as more users take advantage of mobile apps and in-person sportsbooks across the state. The regulated market offers strong competition and user-friendly platforms, but it is not the only option available. Some bettors also explore offshore sportsbooks as a popular alternative, particularly when looking for different markets, features, or payment flexibility beyond what is offered through licensed operators.
At OnlineSportsBetting, we break everything down so you can navigate Maryland sports betting with confidence. Keep reading through the full guide to understand how online sports betting Maryland works, what is allowed, and what to expect from the market as of 2026.
Maryland quick facts
| Category | Maryland |
|---|---|
| ⚖️ Sports betting laws | ✅ Legal and regulated since 2021. |
| 👫 Population | 6.2M Strong market driven by Baltimore and DC metro area. |
| 👶 Minimum gambling age | 21 For all sports betting. |
| 🏙️ Retail sports betting | ✅ Available at licensed casinos and select venues. |
| 🌐 Online sports betting | ✅ Legal statewide through licensed operators. |
| 📱 Mobile sports betting | ✅ Permitted statewide via approved sportsbook apps. |
| 🐎 Online horse betting | ✅ Legal through licensed advance deposit wagering sites. |
| 🏆 DFS | ✅ Legal and widely available including DraftKings and FanDuel. |
Is sports betting legal in Maryland?
Yes. Sports betting is legal in Maryland after voters approved legalization in 2020, with retail sportsbooks launching in 2021 and online betting going live in late 2022. Since then, the state has built a fully regulated market that allows bettors to place wagers both in person and through mobile apps anywhere within state lines.
As of 2026, Maryland has a large and competitive online betting market, with around a dozen licensed sportsbook apps available to users. This level of competition gives bettors a wide range of choices when it comes to features, odds, and promotions, while still operating under clear state oversight.
With so many options available, choosing the right sportsbook can make a real difference in your overall experience. In the next sections, we break down the top apps available in Maryland and help you find the best fit for your betting style.
Top offshore sports betting sites available in Maryland
Maryland offers a well-regulated and competitive sports betting market, but there are still certain limitations that bettors should understand. State-licensed sportsbooks cannot accept wagers on political events or entertainment markets, and some restrictions may apply to in-state college betting and niche prop markets. These rules can limit the overall experience, especially for bettors looking to explore non-traditional wagering options.
Because of these restrictions, some bettors look beyond state-regulated platforms when they want access to a broader range of markets. Offshore sportsbooks provide an alternative by offering political betting, expanded college props, international sports, and specialty markets that are not typically available through Maryland-licensed apps. These platforms also tend to support more flexible payment methods and a wider variety of betting styles.
The offshore sportsbooks we feature at OnlineSportsBetting have been carefully reviewed for reliability, security, and consistent payouts. Our team evaluates each platform to ensure it delivers a safe user experience, competitive odds, and responsive customer support. The table below highlights several offshore sportsbooks commonly used by bettors in Maryland:
-
EXCLUSIVE BONUS
50% bonus up to $250Play NowT&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
-
EXCLUSIVE BONUS 125% up to $1,250Play Now
T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
-
EXCLUSIVE BONUS 225% up to $3,625Play Now
T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
-
50% bonus up to $250Play Now
T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
-
125% up to $2,500Play Now
T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
Regulated online sportsbooks available in Kansas
Maryland legalized sports betting following voter approval in 2020, with retail sportsbooks launching in 2021 and online betting going live in late 2022. Since then, the state has built one of the more open and competitive markets in the Northeast, allowing bettors to place wagers both in person and through mobile apps anywhere within state lines.
Unlike more restrictive states, Maryland supports a broad range of licensed operators, creating a diverse and competitive landscape for users. This open structure gives bettors access to a wide selection of platforms, each offering different features, odds, and promotions, all operating under the oversight of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission.
Here’s the complete and up-to-date list of regulated online sportsbooks available in Maryland as of 2026:
- Bally Bet
- bet365
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- betPARX
- Caesars Sportsbook
- Crab Sports
- DraftKings
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- FanDuel
- LetsBetMD
- theScore Bet
What can't you bet on in Maryland?
Maryland offers a broad and well-developed sports betting market, but there are still important restrictions that apply under state law. These rules are designed to protect athletes and maintain the integrity of competitions, though they can limit certain wagering options for bettors.
Here are some of the main betting categories that are restricted in Maryland:
- College player props: Maryland does not allow betting on individual player performance in college sports, a rule that was reinforced in 2024. Bettors can still wager on college teams, spreads, and totals, but markets tied to specific player stats are not permitted.
- Online casino gaming: Online casino play is not currently legal in Maryland. While the state has several land-based casinos offering slots, table games, and poker, these activities must take place in person.
- Non-sporting events: Betting is limited to legitimate sporting events only. Markets such as political elections, award shows, and scripted entertainment like WWE are not available through regulated Maryland sportsbooks.
Some bettors who want access to these restricted markets explore offshore sportsbooks, which operate outside Maryland regulations and often provide a wider range of betting options. If you are considering these alternatives, we recommend checking offshore sportsbook reviews to find platforms that have been tested for reliability, security, and payout consistency.
Who can legally bet in Maryland?
Wondering who can bet in Maryland, and how they can do it? We've got your back. The state offers a straightforward and accessible system, with clear rules that apply across all licensed sportsbooks. Here are the key rules that determine who can legally bet in Maryland:
- Legal age: You must be 21 years old to place sports bets in Maryland. This applies to both online sportsbooks and in-person wagering at casinos and racetracks.
- Mobile betting: You can place bets from anywhere within Maryland using licensed sportsbook apps. Mobile betting is the most common way to wager and gives you full access to the market without needing to travel.
- Retail sportsbooks: You can also bet in person at licensed casinos and select racetracks across the state. These locations offer a more traditional sportsbook experience, especially during major sporting events.
- Remote registration: We make it easy for you to get started, as you can register and verify your sportsbook account entirely online. The process is quick and can usually be completed in just a few minutes.
- Taxable winnings: Your gambling winnings are considered taxable income at both the federal and Maryland state level. You are required to report your earnings when filing taxes, so it’s important to keep track of your bets and payouts.
Latest Maryland Betting News
May 15, 2025 11:38 AM
DraftKings CEO Says Company Continues to Monitor California Sports Betting Future
Maryland sportsbooks & casinos
Casino-based sportsbooks
- MGM National Harbor (Oxon Hill): BetMGM operates a flagship retail sportsbook inside Maryland’s premier resort casino with full mobile integration.
- Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland (Hanover): FanDuel runs one of the busiest retail sportsbooks in the state, combining high traffic with a large viewing area.
- Horseshoe Casino Baltimore: Caesars Sportsbook offers a centrally located retail betting lounge in downtown Baltimore.
- Hollywood Casino Perryville: ESPN BET operates the retail sportsbook here following Penn Entertainment’s rebrand from Barstool.
- Ocean Downs Casino (Berlin): BetRivers provides retail sportsbook access on Maryland’s eastern shore, expanding coverage beyond major cities.
Retail sportsbooks at racetracks
- Laurel Park (Laurel): Hosts a retail sportsbook and remains a central hub for betting tied to Maryland’s horse racing ecosystem.
OTB betting locations and similar retail venues
- Bingo World (Baltimore): BetRivers operates a retail sportsbook inside this large gaming hall, offering a unique non-casino betting environment.
- Long Shot’s (Frederick): Combines simulcast horse racing, dining, and a fully operational retail sportsbook.
- The Greene Turtle (Canton, Baltimore): Crab Sports operates a bar-based retail sportsbook as part of Maryland’s expanded small venue licensing model.
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 Betting News
May 15, 2025 11:38 AM
DraftKings CEO Says Company Continues to Monitor California Sports Betting Future
Latest Maryland Legal Betting Updates
Mar 19, 2026 10:34 AM
Mobile and retail sports betting are live statewide, though player-prop bets for college athletes remain restricted under current regulations.
A brief timeline of the legality of Maryland sports betting
Betting on Maryland teams
Maryland offers a strong and well-rounded betting culture, driven by major professional franchises and a passionate college sports scene. Bettors across the state closely follow teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles, along with the Maryland Terrapins, particularly in football and basketball. With consistent success at the pro level and strong local support for college programs, Maryland delivers year-round betting interest across multiple sports.
Football
Football is the most popular sport to bet on in Maryland, anchored by the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL and the Maryland Terrapins at the college level. Betting activity peaks from September through February, with the NFL season and Super Bowl driving the highest handle, alongside steady interest in college football Saturdays.
Basketball
Basketball is a major focus in Maryland, especially during the college season. The Maryland Terrapins generate strong local interest, particularly during March Madness, while NBA betting runs alongside it throughout the season, giving bettors consistent opportunities across both college and pro games.
Baseball
Baseball provides daily betting opportunities throughout the spring and summer, led by the Baltimore Orioles. With a 162-game season, MLB betting offers one of the most active markets in Maryland, with options ranging from moneylines and totals to player props and futures.
Soccer
Soccer betting continues to grow in Maryland, with regional interest in D.C. United and international competitions. With regular matches throughout the year, sportsbooks offer a wide range of betting markets across domestic leagues and global tournaments.
Combat sports
Combat sports such as UFC and boxing attract consistent betting interest in Maryland. With fight cards taking place throughout the year, bettors can access a wide range of markets across both headline bouts and undercards, making it a reliable option for weekend betting action.
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 betting types in Maryland
Betting in Maryland goes beyond sports, with several other legal gambling options available across the state. The market is more developed than many others in the region, giving players access to a mix of casino gaming, horse racing, and lottery products alongside regulated sports betting.
- Casino gaming: Maryland is home to six commercial casinos located across the state, offering a full range of gaming options including slot machines, table games, poker, and video poker. Many of these venues also feature retail sportsbooks, but all casino gaming must take place in person, as online casino gaming is not currently legal in Maryland.
- Horse racing betting: Horse racing remains an important part of Maryland’s gambling landscape, with live racing and simulcast wagering available at tracks like Laurel Park. Bettors can also place wagers through licensed online advance deposit wagering platforms, providing access to races from across the country.
- Lottery: The Maryland Lottery offers a wide selection of games, including scratch-offs, daily draw games such as Pick 3 and Pick 4, and multi-state lotteries like Powerball and Mega Millions. Tickets are widely available at retail locations across the state, making it one of the most accessible forms of legal gambling in Maryland.
Sports betting rules in other US states
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
If you or someone you know are struggling to stay on top of their betting habits, consider seeking advice from the following places:
Local
- 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.
- Maryland Council on Problem Gambling (https://www.marylandproblemgambling.org/): The MCPG provides advocacy, awareness and assistance to tackle the issues of problem gambling.
National
- Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/): A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
- International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/): The International 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.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/): A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems.
