Maryland

Maryland Online Gambling

Maryland has a long history of gambling, with the first documented incidents of gambling coming in the 1700s. Today, Maryland is pretty welcoming to a variety of gambling types, including online sports betting. 

But what other types of gambling are legal in the Old Line State? Read our complete guide to online gambling in Maryland to discover what types of gaming are permitted and the best operators licensed to operate in the state. 

Best Maryland Gambling Sites

Plenty of top online gambling sites operate in Maryland, and it can be challenging to select the best option. That’s why our experts have done the research for you, reviewing all the platforms available in the Old Line State and highlighting the top operators. Follow the links below to visit these sites and sign up.

Is Online Gambling Legal in Maryland?

Many types of online gambling are legal in Maryland, with the state permitting online sports betting, and horse racing betting. You can also view lottery results online, although you need to visit a retailer to buy tickets. 

Maryland Gambling History

Maryland used to be one of the most welcoming states in the US to gambling, setting up the Maryland Racing Commission all the way back in 1920. Slots were also deregulated in 1943, with Annapolis nicknamed Little Vegas for some time.

Regulations got stricter since those early days, but now the gambling market is reopening. Check out our overview of gambling history below to find out what’s available:

  • 1920: The Maryland Racing Commission is established to oversee horse racing and greyhound racing betting.
  • 1943: Maryland deregulates slot machines.
  • 1952: Charitable gaming, including bingo, is legalized in MD.
  • June 30, 1968: Following pressure from Governor Millard Tawes and local writers and clergy members, Maryland votes to outlaw slot machines. 
  • January 3, 1973: Following the results of the 1972 November ballot, the Maryland Lottery launches. 
  • May 24, 1973: The first lottery draw in MD for Twin Win is held.
  • November 2008: Almost 60% of voters approve the relaunch of video slots in Maryland. 
  • September 17, 2010: Hollywood Casino Perryville is the first land-based casino to launch in the Old Line State.
  • 2012: The Maryland government identifies Daily Fantasy Sport as a game of skill rather than luck, allowing it to continue in the state. 
  • November 2012: Voters approve a measure to allow MD casinos to operate table games and poker. 
  • April 2021: Governor Larry Hogan signs HB 940 to legalize online and retail sports betting. 
  • December 9, 2021: Retail sports betting goes live in MD, with BetMGM Sportsbook opening at MGM National Harbor.
  • November 23, 2022: Online sports betting goes live in Maryland. 

Legal Gambling Options in Maryland

Maryland welcomes most forms of gambling, but you must check local regulations before playing. Every US state has different rules for gambling, so even if you know how to play in another state, the laws will likely differ in MD. Below, we’ve provided an in-depth overview of what types of gambling are available in Maryland and when these markets launched. 

Type of GamblingLegal?When Legalized?
Online CasinosNoN/A
Land-Based CasinosYes2008
Online PokerNoN/A
Land-Based PokerYes2012
Online Sports BettingYes2021
Retail Sports BettingYes2021
Horse RacingYes1920
LotteryYes1973
Charitable GamblingYes (21 counties)1952

Sports Betting

Sports betting was first approved by voters in the November 2020 ballot, allowing lawmakers to amend the state’s constitution. Governor Larry Hogan signed HB 940 to legalize online and retail sports betting in 2021. 

As part of sports betting regulations, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Agency appointed the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) to do initial checks for licensing and help implement sports betting. This led to a delay in the launch of online sports betting, while SWARC helped to “achieve racial, ethnic and gender diversity when awarding licenses”. 

Following the delay, online sports betting went live in 2022. The state has 60 online sportsbook licenses, although only a dozen sportsbooks are currently operating.

A wide range of sports betting markets are available, including betting on local major league franchises like the Baltimore Ravens. You can also place bets on NCAA events, including wagers on in-state teams. 

Online Casino

Online casinos remain illegal in Maryland, so you can’t play for real money unless you visit a land-based gambling location.

However, there is hope for the legalization of online casinos in the future. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency presented a study on the effects of the industry to lawmakers, and Senator Ron Watson is expected to push forward online casino legislation in the 2024 session. 

Poker

Online poker is prohibited in MD, so you can’t sign up with any poker network and play. However, you can still visit land-based casinos and enjoy playing poker in real life. Many online casinos have dozens of poker tables operating 24/7, supporting a range of tournaments. You’ll find plenty of variations of poker, including Texas Hold’em and Omaha. 

Lottery

Maryland voters approved a lottery in a November ballot in 1972, leading to the formation of the Maryland Lottery on January 2, 1973. While you can’t buy tickets online, you can see overviews of available games and winning numbers.

If you visit a lottery retailer, you can play in the Powerball and Mega Millions alongside Cash4Life and Racetrax. Revenue from the Maryland Lottery is overseen by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, supporting education, public safety and health, and the environment. 

Retail Sportsbooks

Retail sports betting launched in Maryland in 2021. There are four kinds of retail sports betting licenses available in Maryland. Class A-1 licenses are available to any casino with more than 1,000 slots or sports facilities and racetracks, as well as Class A-2 licenses for casinos with fewer than 1,000 slots. 

There are also Class Class B-1 licenses for companies with more than 25 employees and make more than $3 million in revenue. Class B-2 licenses apply to any company that falls below the criteria for Class B-1. The main advantage of Class A licenses is that Class B sportsbooks can’t open within a certain proximity to these locations.

When you visit a retail sportsbook, you can get all the same options as online sportsbooks. In fact, many retail sportsbooks are run by top online brands like Caesars, FanDuel, and BetMGM. You must be 21 to bet at a retail sportsbook. 

Land-Based Casinos

There are six land-based casinos in Maryland, three providing customers with over 1,000 slots. You must be 21 to visit a land-based casino and will be asked to submit a valid photo ID to prove your age. Land-based casinos will let you enjoy slot machines and a range of table games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

How are Gambling Sites Regulated in Maryland?

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency oversees online gambling sites in Maryland. The Agency puts operators through strict tests before awarding licenses, ensuring that safety measures meet the highest standards and that everything operates fairly. 

Specifically for sports betting, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency works with the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission. SWARC is the first regulatory body that tests operators before awarding licensing and also determines which applicants get what type of license. Following this, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency will put each site through its own tests. 

Responsible Gambling in Maryland

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Agency requires all licensed operators to deliver a high standard of responsible gambling support. Any gambling site must provide guidance on how to spot signs of problem gambling and deal with these issues. Operators will also support account tools like betting and spending limits to help gamblers stay in control.

Of course, the best place to get help is with dedicated problem gambling support organizations. Gambling platforms will provide links to these sites, including Maryland-specific responsible gambling charities. Here are some of the best responsible gambling support organizations in MD:

National Council on Problem Gambling Maryland:

Maryland Council on Problem Gambling:

The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling:

FAQs

Is online gambling legal in Maryland?

Many types of online gambling are legal in Maryland, including retail and online sports betting.

Can I bet on sports in Maryland?

Of course, you can bet on sports in Maryland. Online sports betting is available state-wide, and there is also retail sports betting at land-based casinos. You can also find retail sportsbooks at OTBs, sports stadiums, and other gambling facilities throughout MD. 

Does Maryland have online casinos?

No, online casinos are not legal in Maryland.

Are Maryland online gambling sites safe?

Absolutely. Any gambling site licensed by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency is safe. The Agency will test online gambling sites to ensure each operator enforces modern security measures and protects transactions. 

Do I have to pay taxes on gambling winnings in Maryland?

Yes, you must pay gambling taxes on winnings in Maryland. You need to declare any profits you make to the IRS and complete a W-2G form if you earn more than specific amounts for different kinds of gambling. You must also include your gambling winnings when filing your state income tax. 

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