Maryland Sports Betting

Maryland Legal Sports Betting Overview

Maryland Sports Betting Summary

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan finally legalized sports betting in MD by signing HB 940 in May 2021. The legalization came after 67% of voters supported plans to launch sports betting in a November 2020 referendum. The first retail sportsbook, BetMGM, launched at the MGM National Harbor Casino on December 9, 2021.

Online sports betting launched on November 23, 2022 – just in time for Thanksgiving weekend. The Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) issued licences to 10 operators in time for launch day, with seven sportsbooks – Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel and PointsBet – available for fans to bet with immediately. There is the potential for up to 60 licenses to be allocated for mobile sportsbooks in the state.

You can also use ESPN, Boom, Yahoo!, FantasyDraft, DraftKings and FanDuel to play Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) games in the Old Line State.

To learn more about sports betting in Maryland, read our complete guide below. You’ll find details on the latest legislation, how to place bets, and the requirements for legal MD wagering.

Maryland Online Sportsbooks Compared

The Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) was responsible for determining the online sportsbook application process, and 10 operators – Barstool Sportsbook, Betfred, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, Parx Interactive and PointsBet – received streamlined consideration from the MLGCA in order to accelerate the opening of the market.

Seven of these online sportsbooks were available to bettors on launch day and the other three – plus many more – are expected to follow shortly. To help find the best betting site for you, we've compared the top Maryland online sportsbooks in several key categories:

• Best Mobile App – DraftKings

DraftKings provides one of the most impressive sportsbook apps for helping you bet on the go. Available on the Apple and Android app stores, as well as the DraftKings website, it offers an easy-to-use interface and straightforward navigation as well as live streaming.

Claim your DraftKings Sportsbook promo code for Nov 2024.

• Best Welcome Bonus – PointsBet

PointsBet arguably boasts the most attractive welcome offer among Maryland online sportsbooks, with a '5x $100 in Free Bets plus $200 in Free Bets' promotion. The $200 free bet bonus is not the biggest around as a standalone offer, but it is a fantastic add-on to the $500 available in five different free bets. This gives customers the flexibilty to spread their wagers, instead of having to commit up to $1000 on one bet.

• Best for Competitive Odds – Caesars

Most sportsbooks offer similar betting odds, especially when there are so many operators vying for customers in a new market. However, Caesars are renowned for providing daily odds boosts on major league sports while the sportsbook's props and European soccer markets have excellent betting lines.

Claim your Caesars Sportsbook promo code for Nov 2024.

• Best for Market Coverage – BetMGM

Partnered with the Baltimore Ravens, BetMGM are a permanent fixture in the Maryland sports betting industry thanks to their sportsbook at MGM National Harbor. All the major markets are comprehensively covered, while there are numerous betting options on European sports.

Claim your BetMGM Sportsbook promo code for Nov 2024.

• Best for Beginner Bettors – BetRivers

BetRivers provides an easy-to-understand desktop site which is perfect for novice bettors getting to grips with the industry. For those placing their first wagers, you can easily find the latest promotions and navigate between different sports markets. The bet slip also separates your stake from how much you can win, which is ideal for helping to calculate payouts.

Claim your BetRivers Sportsbook promo code for Nov 2024.

• Best for Payout Speed – FanDuel

Online sportsbook withdrawals often take a similar amount of time, but FanDuel processes most payments within 48 hours. The site often completes withdrawals with specific options (e.g., e-wallets) sooner, and some payment methods are instant. First-time cashouts may need a longer time to process.

Claim your FanDuel Sportsbook promo code for Nov 2024.

How Does Maryland Compare to Other States?

• Market Coverage

Online and retail sportsbooks in Maryland are operated by some of the biggest brands in the US, which all cover a wide variety of sports. You get plenty of options on major league sports such as NFL and NBA, while niche disciplines like MMA and NASCAR are also available. For example, FanDuel is the sportsbook partner of the WTA tennis tour.

These high-profile sportsbooks are available across dozens of states in the US, meaning bettors in MD have access to the same markets as those betting in New Jersey or Indiana.

College sports betting is legal in Maryland and includes wagering on in-state teams. This mirrors legislation in Michigan and Pennsylvania, making MD one of the most welcoming states in the US to college sports betting.

• Competitive Odds & Prices

Maryland has already become one of the most competitive markets in the US following the launch of online sports betting in the state. Bettors can expect generous odds across most sports as rival operators battle it out for their share of revenue.

The majority of online sportsbooks which are now available in Maryland often offer the same betting odds everywhere in the US. For example, Caesars provides generous odds on NFL games – especially those involving its betting partner, the Baltimore Ravens – and make these accessible to all customers. Meanwhile, FanDuel partners with the PGA Tour and offers excellent promotions and exclusive betting lines on golf.

• Gambling Revenue

Sportsbooks in Maryland pay a 15% tax to the state on all revenue. This is the same tax rate as in Illinois and in Louisiana for online sportsbooks. All taxes go towards the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which helps find work for people in marginalized communities. Maryland retail sportsbooks have handled $174,811,019 as of May 2022. These operators have kept a revenue of $19,653,632, and the state has collected taxes of $2,883,063.

Indiana is a decent comparison with Maryland as IN has two major league franchises and MD has three. Both states also have similar tax rates, with IN sportsbooks paying tax at 9.50%. There are around six million people in Indiana and around seven million in Maryland. In the period since Maryland launched retail sports betting (in December 2021) up to May 2022, Indiana has raised $17,637,782 in taxes. This shows the tax the Old Line State missed out on by not launching online sports betting at the same time as legalizing retail sports betting.

• Betting Taxes

Each sportsbook must pay a tax of 0.25% of monthly sports betting handle in line with the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, every employee involved in taking wagers requires a further $50 charge.

Any gambling winnings are taxable, and you need to declare your betting winnings to the IRS. If you win more than $600 in wagers, you need to complete a W-2G form. Sportsbooks can also hold up to 25% of your winnings for tax purposes. You also need to include your gambling winnings in your state income tax. There are seven tax brackets in MD, ranging from 2% to 5.75%.

How to Place a Bet in Maryland

Sports betting in Maryland launched on November 23, 2022, and bettors looking to place their first wager may need a little guidance on how to get started. Follow our straightforward guide below to register with a sportsbook and place your first bet today:

1. Select a Maryland sportsbook that fits your needs from our list of recommended MD bookmakers, then follow the link to visit their website.

2. Download the sportsbook’s app directly from the betting site. Alternatively, you can use your device’s app store. Make sure your device’s location services are enabled, allowing the sportsbook to verify you are in Maryland when placing bets.

3. Provide your date of birth, address, full name, email, phone number, and last four digits of your Social Security number to register an account.

4. Visit the cashier to redeem your welcome bonus with your first deposit. Most welcome bonuses need a minimum deposit. Choose your deposit method and input your deposit amount in the cashier section to unlock these promotions.

5. Browse through your sportsbook’s markets and select one for your first wager. Add it to your bet slip, pick your stake, and place the bet.

6. If your bet is successful, return to the cashier section and follow the sportsbook’s withdrawal instructions.

Who is Not Eligible to Bet in Maryland?

You must be 21 or older to bet with Maryland sportsbooks. You will need to provide ID to prove your age, and you must be physically located in MD to place sports wagers online.

Maryland law prohibits some people from betting, including:

• Athletes, coaches, or members of any professional or college sports team.

• Referees for professional and college sports leagues.

• Individuals with the professional authority to influence players.

• Individuals with a stake in a sports team.

• Individuals employed by the leagues that create rules for sports (e.g., NHL, NCAA).

• Individuals employed by organizations with licensing from the MLGCA, including key staff, owners, directors, and officers.

• Individuals with non-public information about a sports team that may affect outcomes (e.g., player medical records).

• Individuals prohibited from betting on a state or federal level (e.g., due to criminal history).

• Individuals that have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling activities.

Latest Maryland Sports Betting Updates

Timeline for Sports Betting in Maryland

• November 23, 2022: Online sports betting launches in Maryland. Seven sportsbooks – Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel and PointsBet – are available for fans to bet with immediately on launch day.

• October 27, 2022: Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission applies alternative licensing standards to 10 online operators, streamlining their application process. The license applications of Barstool Sportsbook, Betfred, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics, Parx Interactive and PointsBet will now be considered by the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) at its next meeting on November 21.

• October 26, 2022: DraftKings and FanDuel offer pre-launch sign-up bonuses and promotions ahead of the market going live.

• June 27, 2022: Fanatics Betting and Gaming’s BetFanatics receives partial approval to launch in Maryland. The sportsbook still needs approval from the SWARC, but is looking for retail partners.

• June 14, 2022: Gov. Hogan publicly voices his displeasure at the time it’s taking for Maryland online sports betting to launch. In an open letter he says “Our state and citizens deserve clear and definitive action from SWARC” and asked the body to start “prioritizing the awarding of mobile licenses”. He also urges the regulator to speed up their processes so that online betting can launch in time for the NFL season opener on September 8, 2022.

• December 9, 2021: The first retail sportsbook in Maryland launches as BetMGM opens at the MGM National Harbor Casino. Gov. Hogan places the first legal bet in the state on the Maryland-based Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders to reach the Super Bowl.

• May 18, 2021: Gov. Hogan signs HB 940 to legalize online and retail sports betting in Maryland.

• November 3, 2020: Voters in Maryland heavily support sports betting via a referendum with a 67% majority.

• March 18, 2020: SB 4 passes the Senate to put sports betting on the November ballot. Originally, the bill had legislation to legalize sports betting. However, lawmakers removed this and put the question to the voters. Lawmakers changed the legislation because of opposition from the Legislative Black Caucus. As a part of this opposition, the bill launched a study into the disadvantages facing women and minorities looking to invest in the sports betting industry.

• January 21, 2020: HB 225 receives a hearing in the House, but loses support.

• January 20, 2020: SB 58 receives a hearing in the Senate, but loses support.

• January 16, 2020: HB 225 is introduced to the House to legalize online and retail sports betting, with 16 mobile licenses.

• January 8, 2020: SB 58 is introduced to the Senate to legalize online and retail sports betting. SB 4, which also includes legislation to legalize online and retail sports betting, is introduced to the Senate.

• March 14, 2019: Attorney General Brian K. Frosh informs legislative leaders that Maryland must hold a referendum to legalize sports betting.

• March 12, 2018: HB 1014 passes the House and moves onto the Senate, where it is struck down after one hearing.

• February 7, 2018: HB 1014 is introduced to the House to legalize sports betting.

• May 14, 2018: The United States Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA). This gives each state the right to legalize sports betting.

• February 8, 2017: Representatives Jason Buckel and Kevin Hornberger introduce HB 989 to the House to create a task force to study launching sports betting in Maryland. The bill dies in the Committee.

Maryland Sports Betting Background

Maryland has a very long and storied history with sports betting, particularly horse racing. The Preakness Stakes, one of racing’s Triple Crown events, was first held in 1873 and is run each year at Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore. Pari-mutuel wagering has been legal in the state since 1920.

Maryland was very receptive to sports betting, even before the US Supreme Court struck down PASPA. Rep. Buckel and Rep. Hornberger introduced HB 989 to the House to create a task force to “study the implementation of sports gaming in the state.” HB 1014 passed the House intending to send sports betting to the ballot, but the bill died in the Senate. A.G. Frosh announced all sports betting bills would need a voter referendum in the future in 2019.

SB 4, SB 58, and HB 225 were all introduced in 2020 to legalize sports betting, but it was SB 4 that passed. Lawmakers removed all the legislation in SB 4 that would legalize sports betting and replaced it with a motion to put the sports wagering issue to the ballot because The Legislative Black Caucus raised concerns about the lack of representation of minorities and women in the sports betting industry. That referendum came in November 2020, when sports betting passed with a majority of 67%.

Future of Maryland Sports Betting

Maryland legislation will allow up to 60 online sportsbooks to launch, and the applications of 10 leading operators have already been licensed after they were streamlined in order to bring forward the launch of the online sports betting market. In addition, the SWARC is still considering license applications for Class A-1 and A-2 facilities and the 60 mobile operators.

Seven sportsbooks – Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel and PointsBet – were available for fans to bet with immediately on launch day, while Betfred, Fanatics and Parx Interactive are expected to follow suit shortly.

Fanatics Betting and Gaming’s BetFanatics received partial licensing in June 2022. This sportsbook is looking for a retail partner, with the Washington Commanders a potential option. BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings are all partnered with the Baltimore Ravens, while PointsBet has partnered with University of Maryland Athletics. All of these operators except PointsBet have a retail sportsbook at a casino, and are among the 10 platforms who had their license applications accelerated. Meanwhile, there is the potential for a retail sportsbook to open at Maryland’s sixth land-based casino, Rocky Gap Casino.

Maryland Sports Betting Locations

Maryland is home to six casinos, and five of these locations host a sportsbook. The state has the potential to launch ten retail sportsbooks with Class A licenses at its casinos and some of its sports stadiums. Below are three of our favorites:

MGM National Harbor Casino

• Address: 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

• Website: https://mgmnationalharbor.com/

• Phone Number: (844) 646-6847

• Operator: BetMGM

Bordering the District of Columbia, the MGM National Harbor opened the first sportsbook in MD on December 9, 2021. The 8,000-square-foot facility includes a 110-foot screen to show the most popular sports events you can watch in stadium-style seating. Alternatively, you can watch the games projected by the 360-degree jumbotron. There is a capacity for up to 350 people who can all wager using betting windows or self-service kiosks. You can bet on the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, alongside a variety of other markets including the MLS, Aussie Rules, darts, MMA, European soccer, and Formula 1.

Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland

• Address: 7002 Arundel Mills Circle, Suite 7777, Hanover, MD 21076

• Website: https://maryland.livecasinohotel.com/

• Phone Number: (443) 842-7000

• Operator: FanDuel

Partnering with FanDuel, Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland now offers a retail sportsbook alongside its 310-room hotel and 24/7 casinos. The sportsbook offers 40 TVs for watching the latest sports. You can also see primetime events on the 100-foot video wall. The sportsbook offers kiosks for 24/7 betting or several betting windows where you can place bets. You can place moneylines, point spreads, and totals on every major league sport in the US. You’ll also find markets for golf, tennis, and auto racing.

Horseshoe Casino Baltimore

• Address: 1525 Russell Street, Baltimore, MD 21230

• Website: https://www.caesars.com/horseshoe/

• Phone Number: (844) 777-7463

• Operator: Caesars

The Horseshoe Casino Baltimore is operated by Caesars Entertainment, and through this partnership launched a Caesars sportsbook on its 122,000 square feet property. The sportsbook is on the first floor and has 11 betting kiosks, seven betting windows, and a huge LED wall displaying the latest sports. The sportsbook will soon have its own Brew Brothers restaurant to keep bettors refreshed while they bet on major league sports, boxing, MMA, auto racing, and college sports. The casino is next to the Baltimore Ravens’ M&T Bank Stadium and the Baltimore Orioles’ Oriole Park at Camden Yards home.

Other Maryland Land-Based Casinos

Maryland Lottery Locations

The MLGCA oversees sports betting, but there are no current plans for sports betting to launch at lottery retailers. The bill to legalize sports betting, HB 940, only included legislation for retail sports betting at partnered land-based casinos. This legislation would have to be reviewed and amended for lottery retailers to start offering betting.

Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations

Retail sportsbooks with a Class A license can launch at stadiums of sports franchises in Maryland. However, no stadiums have received a Class A license yet. Reports suggest Fanatics Betting and Gaming wants to open a BetFanatics sportsbook at the Washington Commander’s FedExField in Landover.

The Maryland Racing Commission has been operating since 1920 and has overseen legal pari-mutuel horse racing betting since February 6, 1992. There are eight off-track betting (OTB) locations where you can place wagers on horse races from across the country. Three of the OTB locations are at casinos with retail sportsbooks.

Five OTB locations not operating at casinos can apply for Class B sportsbook licenses and open retail sportsbooks in the future. For example, Long Shot’s has partnered with Betfred to launch a retail sportsbook in the future. In total, up to 30 Class B licenses are available for sportsbooks at other retail locations, including OTB venues and Maryland State Fairgrounds.

Teams to Bet on in Maryland

• Pro Sports

Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens relocated from Cleveland to Baltimore in 1995. After a few difficult early seasons, the team has made the playoffs 13 times and won the Super Bowl twice, in 2000 and 2012. The Ravens, who are partnered with BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings, hold arguably the greatest single draft round in NFL history. They selected Jonathan Ogden and Ray Lewis with their first-round picks in 1996 and both players went on to have Hall of Fame careers.

Washington Commanders: While bearing the name of the District of Columbia, the NFL’s Commanders play their home games at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. The team formerly known as the Washington Redskins are three-time Super Bowl champions, but the last time they claimed the Lombardi Trophy was in 1991.

Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles moved to Baltimore in 1954 and have played home games at Oriole Park at Camden Yards for the past 30 years. A period between 1966 and 1983 saw six World Series appearances and 3 World Series titles in the golden era of Baltimore baseball. Aside from this period, the O’s have struggled for success in MLB.

• College Sports

Coppin State Eagles: The Eagles are members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and represent Coppin State University. The Blue and Gold are located in Baltimore and have fourteen varsity teams, six men’s and eight women’s.

Loyola Greyhounds: Competing in the selective Patriot League, the Loyola University Maryland Greyhounds have enjoyed the most success in men’s lacrosse, winning the first Division I national championship in the school’s history in 2012.

Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks: Another Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference team, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks have won the Division I National Championship for women’s bowling three times, in 2008, 2011, and 2012.

Maryland Terrapins: Representing the University of Maryland, the Terrapins compete in the Big Ten Conference. The Terps have won the NCAA Basketball Championship in both the men’s (2002) and the women’s (2006) basketball. Overall, as of 2022, the Terrapins have won 32 NCAA Team Championships in sports like women’s lacrosse and soccer.

Morgan State Bears and Lady Bears: The Morgan State University Bears have made two postseason appearances in the men’s basketball NCAA Division I Tournament.

Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers: Competing in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, the Mount St. Mary’s University Mountaineers can boast an Olympic gold medal winner Peter Rono as an alumnus. Rono, a Kenyan national, won a gold medal in the 1988 Olympic Games, competing in the 1500m. Rono would later coach track for the Mountaineers.

Navy Midshipmen: Representing the US Naval Academy, the Midshipmen have 33 different varsity sports teams. While the navy competes in many sports, one annual event stands above the others – the Army-Navy football game. The Mids had a dominating run of victories in the 2010s, but the game has become a closer affair in recent years.

Towson Tigers: The Towson University Tigers compete in the Colonial Athletic Association and have a fierce rivalry with the Loyola Greyhounds.

UMBC Retrievers: The University of Maryland Retrievers are best known for being the first ever No. 16 team in men’s basketball to beat a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Division I tournament, doing so in 2018.

• Women’s Sports

There are no professional women’s sports teams in Maryland, but the Division I college teams all support a variety of women’s varsity sports. The Maryland Terrapins women’s lacrosse team is the most successful in the US, winning 14 titles. The Terrapins’ women’s basketball team has secured a lot of success over the past 20 years, with a National Championship, three Final Fours, six Elite Eights, ten Sweet Sixteens, and 17 NCAA tournament appearances since 2002.

Maryland Responsible Gambling Resources

• Maryland National Council on Problem Gambling – Provides an overview of help available in Maryland, including links to local support organizations and a nationwide live chat service. (800) 522-4700.

• Maryland Council on Problem Gambling – Offers treatment programs for problem gamblers and resources. It also organizes events and education. (800) 426-2537

• The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling – Has a 24/7 problem gambling support helpline, resources for problem gamblers and their families, and training resources for treating problem gambling. (800) 426-2537

Maryland also has a state-wide voluntary exclusion program where you can ban yourself from every casino in the state. You need to complete a Maryland Voluntary Exclusion Program form to do this. For now, this covers every retail sportsbook in the state, but does not cover online sportsbooks or retail sportsbooks at OTB locations and stadiums.

Many online sportsbooks will organize and launch responsible gambling measures like deposit limits, time limits, and site self-exclusions.

Who Oversees Sports Betting in Maryland?

The Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) oversees all sports in MD. This includes choosing which sportsbooks to license, creating new regulations, and collecting taxes. However, while the online sports betting market is being established, the MLGCA is being assisted by the Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC). The SWARC is there to review and decide on the application process for online sportsbooks. The MLGCA then has the final say on the operators.