Online sports betting became legal in Maryland in 2021. Since then, 9 different sportsbooks have launched in the state. They also have 6 casinos and a horse racing track. This fantastic variety of choice has made Maryland one of the best states for sports betting in the entire country.
If you’re looking to get the very best wagering experience, then you can find the perfect sportsbook for you here. We’ve analyzed the best sports betting platforms in Maryland. This means, whether you’re hunting for the largest welcome bonus, smoothest site, easiest to use app, fastest payouts or just an overall amazing time, you can find out all there is to know about sports betting in Maryland below.
Best Sports Betting Sites, Apps & Promos in Maryland
Access the best features possible, with these great sports betting sites in Maryland.
Maryland Sports Betting Promos
Find the most valuable sports betting promos and get up to $7,061 in bonus bets.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Maryland?
Yes, sports betting has been legal in Maryland since July 2021. However, it wasn’t until November 2022 that online sports betting launched. The following month, over $497 million worth of bets were made at sportsbooks across the state.
If you’re older than 21, inside state lines and not a member of the MLGCA self-exclusion program, you will be able to bet on all online sportsbooks. Unfortunately, all users are unable to bet on politics, high school sports and Arabian horse racing.
Can I Bet on College Sports?
Yes, you can bet on college sports. Unlike surrounding states, Maryland has no restrictions when it comes to NCAA betting. This means that once the likes of March madness heats up, you’ll be able place both regular and prop bets on all of the college action.
Can I Bet on Horse Racing?
Yes, you can bet on horse racing. However, the majority of online sportsbooks in Maryland don’t offer wagers on the sport. Therefore it will only be possible to bet online using platforms such as FanDuel Racing, Caesars Racebook or TwinSpires.
The Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore hosts the middle leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes. Winning the Triple Crown is one of the highest achievements a jockey can earn and is the pinnacle of US horse racing. Horse racing fans that visit the course are able to bet on live horse races along with simulcasts.
Can I Bet on Politics?
No, you can’t bet on politics in any US state. This is because federal law prohibits betting on politics, due to the potential problems that could arise.
Best Maryland Sportsbooks – June 2023
Welcome Bonus
Up to $1,000 In Bonus Bets
Best Feature
Competitive Odds
BETMGM – This sportsbook is the product of a partnership between global entertainment giant MGM Resorts and the world’s largest online betting technology company Entain. BETMGM came to life in 2018, but it wasn’t until late 2022 that they launched in Maryland.
Since then, they’ve quickly become one of the must use platforms in the state. The attraction to this sportsbook from the public isn’t just down to one reason. There’s a number of them that make BETMGM so appealing. They have some of the best odds on the market, an incredible website and a lightning quick mobile app. Their expertise in the gambling field shows at every level and has lead to them being head and shoulders above the competition. If you wish to partake in sports betting in Maryland, you should absolutely consider using them.
Welcome Bonus
Up to $1,500 In Bet Credits
Best Feature
High Quality Streaming
Caesars Sportsbook – Similar to BETMGM, Caesars also has roots in sin city and is an industry goliath. One of the best parts about their sports betting platform is that win or lose, bettors are able to earn bet credits that can later be redeemed for prizes as part of their rewards programme. This sportsbook is also a NFL fan favorite, due to them being the one of the few operators in the US that streams football games.
Their close partnership with the NFL means that once the season rolls back around in September, you’re definitely going to want to wager with Caesars. They have a superb in-play betting section that has the latest stats and odds as the games progress. The design on both the site and app is extremely clean and very easy to use and navigate around.
Welcome Bonus
Up to $1,000 In Bonus Bets
Best Feature
Huge Range of Sports
DraftKings – DraftKings has been knocking it out of the park ever since the MLB invested in them a decade ago, in 2013. They offer more to bet on than any other sportsbook in Maryland with a whopping 29 different sports to choose from. From the grand stage of the Super Bowl, to the small courts of table tennis, they’ve got you covered no matter what you’re after.
Additionally, they have a terrific site and app. The design of these platforms are second to none and very visually appealing. They have a huge range of promos and every other day there are new opportunities to get profit boots. One of their most fun features are the daily prize pools which at times can run up to $50,000! If you’re an active bettor then DraftKings will certainly keep you entertained.
Welcome Bonus
Up to $1,000 In Bonus Bets
Best Feature
Daily Prize Pools
FanDuel – Having partnered with the likes of the NBA and NHL, FanDuel rose to success throughout the last decade after primarily focusing on Fantasy Sports. They now offer a number of real sports to bet on and are one of the only online sportsbooks in Maryland to allow users to bet on live horse racing.
They constantly have new profit boosts available for both new and existing customers to use throughout the week. Their great features that capture exactly what sports bettors are after is the reason why they have launched in 20 states and are extremely successful. You can’t go wrong with FanDuel if you’re in Maryland.
Welcome Bonus
Up to $200 In Bonus Bets
Best Feature
Horse Racing Sportsbook
TwinSpires – Launched in 2007 by Churchill Downs, TwinSpires offers bets on horse races across the US. They arrived in Maryland in 2017 after purchasing a racing track and casino in the state. They’re now widely regarded as the go to place for horse racing fans. They also have an online platform where users can wager on all of the best racing action. This means bettors don’t have to travel to their in-person retail sportsbook at the Ocean Downs Casino.
Welcome Bonus
Up to $500 In Free Bets
Best Feature
Custom Bets Available
PointsBet – Founded in Australia, this up and coming sportsbook is one of the youngest in Maryland. Setting up shop at the riverboat on the Potomac, PointsBet offers incredible loyalty programs such as their exclusive Diamond and Platinum clubs. They’re not slowing down anytime soon and they’ve already cemented NBC Sports as their exclusive partner until at least 2027.
Welcome Bonus
Up to $1,000 In Bonus Bets
Best Feature
Helpful Sports Insights
Barstool Sportsbook – After creating one of the most successful sports publications in the US, Barstool Sportsbook was launched in 2020 by Dave Portnoy and co. Thanks to their vast experience of catering to sports fans, they often know exactly what users want and provide a great platform to bet on.
Welcome Bonus
Up to $1,111 in Bonus Bets
Best Feature
Good Quality App
Betfred Sportsbook – After becoming one of the biggest sports betting brands in the UK, they sought success in the US market when they launched in 2019. Maryland is one of the ten states where this Betfred operates. They were the 8th online sportsbook to launch in the Old Line State.
Sports Betting News in Maryland
May 9th 2023 – PointsBet ends their contract with the University of Maryland.
April 28th 2023 – Fanatics plan to become the 10th sportsbook in the state by launching in June.
April 17th 2023 – SuperBook becomes the 9th online sportsbook in Maryland after its official launch.
March 9th 2023 – Bill SB621 was introduced. If passed sportsbooks in Maryland would have to go through independent audits.
February 15th 2023 – The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) awarded licenses to SuperBook and Crab Sports.
February 10th 2023 – Betfred Sportsbook officialy launches in Maryland and becomes the 8th online sportsbook in the state.
Who Can Bet on Sports in Maryland?
Everyone who is physically present inside state lines and is over the age of 21 can wager on sports in Maryland. You don’t have to be a resident in order to partake in sports betting. This means if you live in DC, Virginia or any other state and want to take advantage of the generous sports betting laws in Maryland, you can travel there and you will be allowed to bet at sportsbooks.
Where Can I Bet on Sports in Maryland?
You can bet on sports at online sportsbooks no matter where you are in Maryland. Unlike DC, you don’t have to be in a specific area within Maryland to wager online. However, these online sportsbooks must also have a physical venue too, due to state regulations. Here is the location of every sportsbook in the state.
| Sportsbook | Location |
| 1) BetMGM | MGM National Harbor, Forest Heights |
| 2) Caesars | Horseshoe Casino, Baltimore |
| 3) DraftKings | State Fair Racetrack, Timonium |
| 4) FanDuel | Live! Casino & Hotel, Hanover |
| 5) BetRivers | Bingo World, Baltimore |
| 6) PointsBet | Riverboat on the Potomac, Colonial Beach |
| 7) Barstool | Hollywood Casino, Perryville |
| 8) BetFred | Long Shot’s, Frederick |
| 9) Fanatics | FedEx Field, Summerfield |
| 10) betPARX | Greenmount Station, Hampstead |
| 11) TwinSpires | Ocean Downs Casino, Worcester County |
| 12) SuperBook | Oriole Park, Camden Yards |
Sportsbooks Launching Soon in Maryland
The following sportsbooks already have physical locations set up in the state and will be launching their online counterpart site and mobile app soon:
- betPARX
- Fanatics (Partners of the Commanders)
- BallyBet
- WynnBet
- CrabSports
Who Regulates Sports Betting in Maryland?
There are multiple bodies that regulate sports betting in the state. While the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission has a say in which sportsbooks are granted licenses and which aren’t by reviewing them, it’s ultimately up to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. They get the final say when it comes to which licenses are awarded and what the overall rules are for sports betting in the area. The MLGCA also regulates six different casinos and lottery venues across the state.
Maryland Sports Betting Licenses
There are 5 different licenses that can be awarded to sports betting venues, casinos and online sportsbooks in Maryland.
Class A-1: This is for casinos with more than 1,000 slots, a racetrack and sports betting facilities.
Class A-2: This is for casinos with less than 1,000 slots.
Class B-1: This is for companies that have more than 25 employees and revenue larger than $3 million per year.
Class B-2: This is for companies that have less than 25 employees and revenue smaller than $3 million per year.
Online: This is for sportsbooks that are planning on launching an online platform. A total of 60 can be awarded to operators in the state.
What to Consider When Choosing a Sportsbook in Maryland
All sportsbooks may share similar features, but they’re also all unique in their own way. When you’re deciding which sports betting platform to use, here are some of the most important factors to research.
- User Experience – Do current users who’ve reviewed the platform talk about the company in a positive light and overall enjoyed their time?
- History – Is it a new sportsbook or has it been around for several years?
- Other States – What’s their reputation like in other states?
- Best Features – What do they do well? Do they have any unique selling points or exclusive features that other brands don’t offer?
- Security – Have there ever been any online security mishaps?
- Customer Support – Do they offer round the clock support for users?
- Betting Odds – How do their odds compare to rivals?
- Bonuses & Promotions – Are they providing competitive promos?
- Withdrawal Speed – Will your money get to you quickly?
- Available Markets – How many sports are you able to bet on?
Maryland Sports Teams to Bet on
Baltimore Ravens – The two time superbowl champions are arguably the most popular team in Maryland. A decade on from being the number one team in the NFL, the Ravens are looking to improve on last season’s woes this September once football returns. After previous MVP Lamar Jackson’s injury in week 13 last season, they would end up barely making it to wildcard weekend and would ultimately have their season cut short by the Bengals. The Ravens play in the AFC North division and Maryland residents will be able to bet on the team at all online sportsbooks.
Baltimore Orioles – Playing in the AL East, the sole MLB team from Maryland is looking to have a much better year than last, when the regular season starts in March. Head coach Mike Elias believes that their rebuild is officially behind them and that they now have an incredible chance of being highly competitive for years to come. Maryland bettors will be keen to see if this bold statement is accurate in the coming months.
Washington Wizards – Unfortunately Maryland doesn’t have an NBA team. The closest team to the state are the Washington Wizards. As a byproduct, many residents root for the Wizards and view them as their home team. Although the weren’t able to make the playoffs, you can still bet on other NBA games.
Washington Commanders (NFL) – Despite their name, the Commanders play their home games at FedEx Field in Maryland. The capital has strong links with neighboring states and many of these residents place bets on the Commanders’ games. The team has been mediocre for quite some time and there has been mounting pressure on owner Dan Snyder to sell the franchise, which may just happen this off-season after the organization has faced numerous fines from the NFL.
How to Use a Sportsbook in Maryland
It’s very easy to sign up and participate in online sports betting. We’ve laid out four simple steps to get you up and running:
- Claim Bonus – Scroll up this page and press the green “Claim Bonus” button next to the sportsbook you want to use. Keep in mind that you can use multiple online sportsbooks in Maryland to take advantage of the thousands of dollars in welcome bonuses available.
- Sign Up – You will be taken to a registration page where you will need to enter your personal details. This will allow you to sign up for the sportsbook platform and your account will be created.
- Deposit – Now you will need to deposit at least $10 into your sportsbook account. This can be done in several ways such as by credit or debit card. Your funds will usually be instantly processed and your credit balance will be updated quickly.
- Wager – You can now browse the different sports markets and find a game you like the look of. From here you will be able to place a bet on the many different outcomes available such as the moneyline, spread, totals and props depending on what the sport is.
How Much Money is Wagered in Maryland?
In the first quarter of 2023, Maryland saw over $1.1 billion in sports handle. This is the total amount in wagers that passed through both online and retail sportsbooks. Over $147 million was received in revenue by these sportsbooks during the same period. This means that around $10 million worth of taxes will be going to the state in Q1, thanks to sports betting in Maryland.
Sports Betting Taxes in Maryland for 2023
If you win money from sports betting or any kind of gambling in Maryland, you will need to pay taxes on your winnings. This is because money earned from gambling activities is classed as income. State tax can be anywhere between 2% and 5.75% depending on what income bracket you’re in.
Here is a table that sets out Maryland’s income tax brackets for people who are single or married and filing separately:
| Income Per Year | Taxes Due |
| $0 – $1,000 | 2% |
| $1,000 – $2,000 | $20 plus 3% |
| $2,000 – $3,000 | $50 plus 4% |
| $3,000 – $100,000 | $90 plus 4.75% |
| $100,000 – $125,000 | $4,697.50 plus 5% |
| $125,000 – $150,000 | $5,947.50 plus 5.25% |
| $150,000 – $250,000 | $7,260 plus 5.50% |
| $250,000+ | $12,760 plus 5.75% |
Timeline of Maryland Sports Betting
It certainly hasn’t been the smoothest of journeys for Maryland officials as they began the process of legalizing sports betting in the state. Here’s an overview of the key events that have happened over the last 5 years.
2018
The biggest obstace to sports betting in America, PASPA falls after the Supreme Court rules to reverse it. This opens the floodgates for sports betting to become legal in states all across the country, should those states choose to legalize it. Maryland attempts to give the public a say, by holding a referendum. Unfortunately, the bill doesn’t make it through the Senate and is stopped in its tracks.
2019
After an unsuccessful bill in the previous year, lawmakers try and figure out a way that they could make sports betting legal. After much debate and back and forth, they decide to let the public vote on it as part of the following years election. It would be in the form of a referendum.
2020
During the November elections, Maryland residents vote in favor of allowing sports betting to become legal in the state. The question classes the primary purpose of sports betting as a revenue stream that can enhance education in the state by funding it from taxes that are received from wagering.
2021
Finally, in July after several years in the making, sports betting becomes legal in Maryland. At first, only retail sports betting venues open. The majority of casinos in the state open their own sportsbook. Unfortunately, online sports betting won’t launch this year due to concerns about awarding licenses in a fair way.
2022
After much debate, In November, online sports betting launches in the state and 7 sportsbooks open their sites and apps. The following month sees almost half a billion dollars in sports betting handle go through Maryland during the first fully operational month of online sportsbooks being open.
2023
The Washington Commanders make history and become the first NFL team to have a sportsbook in their stadium at FedExField. So far, Betfred Sportsbook and SuperBook have launched this year. With up to 60 licenses available for sportsbooks, more and more will continue to open over the coming years. Bill SB621 has been introduced. If passed, sportsbooks would be required to partake in independent audits.
Sports Betting in DC & Virginia
There are more sports betting options in Maryland than the likes of DC and Virginia. Not in terms of the amount of sportsbooks when compared to the latter state, but in terms of what residents can bet on. Maryland is one of the few states in the country where residents can bet on both college sports and horse racing without being subject to a number of restrictions.
DC Sports Betting
DC can be a very challenging place when it comes to sports betting. Firstly because there are only two main sportsbooks in the district, meaning bettors don’t have a big pool to choose from when wagering. Additionally, residents can only bet when they are in certain areas in DC such as being within a two block radius of Capital One Arena or Nationals Park. This makes it extremely difficult for everyone that lives outside this small area as sports betting then becomes a chore where they need to first travel to an entertainment zone.
Virginia Sports Betting
Virginia has a huge number of sportsbooks that operate inside state lines. Currently this number stands at 16 and is growing all the time. This means bettors can access a variety of niche sports markets to wager on. Aswell as this, it means new users can claim a ton of welcome bonus bets when they sign up to these sportsbooks.
Other Types of Gambling in Maryland
Sports betting isn’t the only kind of gambling Maryland residents want to participate in. Here are other forms of gambling and details on whether or not they are legal in the state.
Casino & Poker
There are six land based casinos in the state, all of them receiving licenses for sports betting. Online casinos are not currently legal in Maryland. However, senators introduced bill SB267 in January, which would authorize these land based casinos to create online games. This would be a huge step for online gambling in the state and would set the precedent for more being created eventually. This bill won’t come to fruition any time soon as it will need to be voted on by the public at the November 2024 general election.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Legislators don’t class DFS as gambling and therefore residents and non-residents of the state are able to partake on platforms such as FanDuel or DraftKings. These brands host events on different mobile apps to their sportsbooks due to the fact that it’s classed as non-gambling.
Poker
There are currently no approved operators for online poker in the state. There are, however, a number of sites outside America’s jurisdiction that can be accessed by players. Online poker falls under the same umbrella as online casinos and therefore will most likely become legal when the latter does. Only then will operators be granted licenses.
Conclusion
With a total of 50 retail sportsbook licenses up for grabs and 60 mobile sports betting licenses, this is just the start for online sports betting in Maryland. With there being only 10 licensed sportsbooks currently, this means that the Old Line State can quadruple its range of betting sites and apps in the coming years.
For now though, the state hosts some of the biggest names in the industry and already has a lively market where sportsbooks continually boost odds, create new welcome offers and credit bet bonuses to users in an attempt to become the number one platform in town. All of which, you can take advantage of.
Maryland Sports Betting FAQs
The Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency regulates sports betting in the state.
Yes, for the past decade DFS has been legal and furthermore it is classed as non-gambling by the state.
Each sportsbook is different and there are a range of factors involved into choosing the right one for you. View our online sportsbook rankings here.
Currently there are no online casinos in the state. However, senators introduced bill SB267 last month, which would authorize online casino games at six operators. It would need to be voted on by the public at the November 2024 general election.
Users aren’t permitted to bet on politics, high school sports, entertainment events and Arabian horse races.
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