Maryland Sports Betting in 2024: Top 11 Legal Maryland Sportsbooks

Top 5 Maryland sports betting sites

With 21 sports betting operators submitting applications to do business in Maryland, local gamblers will soon be flush with a wide range of sportsbook options. For now, here are our picks for the top five Maryland sports betting sites:

1. BetMGM Maryland

$1,500 in Bonus Bets

Bonus bets expire in 7 days. One new customer offer per user. Additional terms apply. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

CVRBONUS1500

Claim $1,500

BetMGM is one of the most iconic names in the U.S. betting landscape, offering impeccable gambling services for decades. In 2024, Maryland bettors can expect sharp betting lines, great ongoing bonuses and boosts, a fantastic mobile app, and one of the industry's top loyalty programs — MGM Rewards.

For a comprehensive look at this online operator, check out our BetMGM Sportsbook review. 

• App Store rating: 4.8/5 (iOS), 4.3/5 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: $1,500 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: 2 days

2. FanDuel Maryland

Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of min $5 and get $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins.

Claim $150

With its statewide online platform joining its retail sportsbook in Maryland at Live! Casino & Hotel, FanDuel has extended its Maryland footprint. With its intuitive interface, snappy performance, and the sheer volume of betting opportunities, the FanDuel app is our choice for the top football betting app and checks all the boxes as one of the best Maryland sportsbooks.

Check out our FanDuel Sportsbook Review for more expert analysis.

• App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.7 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

3. Caesars Maryland

Bet $1, Get 100% Boost on Next 10 Bets

New customers only. Must register using eligible promo code. Wager $1 to earn a profit boost on your next 10 bets. Max. winnings of $2,500 for each boost which expire 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms.

COVERSBONUSDYW

Claim Now

Are you a fan of Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens? Caesars Sportsbook is the team's official sports betting partner, and you can benefit from special access to tickets, merchandise, and meet and greets, among other perks. New Caesars Sportsbook Maryland customers can register a new account to secure its sign-up offer and test-drive its stellar mobile betting app.

Interact with our Caesars Sportsbook Review to learn more about the betting site.

• App Store rating: 4.6 (iOS); 4.4 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $1, Get 100% Boost on Next 10 Bets
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

4. DraftKings Maryland

Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of min. $5 and get $150 in bonus bets.

Claim $150

With the arrival of online sports betting, DraftKings Maryland is the top mobile platform in the state. With tons of betting markets, regular odds boosts, and a smooth and reliable betting app, DraftKings should be the go-to option for new Maryland sports bettors.

Read our DraftKings Sportsbook Review to learn more.

• App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.6 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

5. Fanatics Sportsbook Maryland

  

$1,000 in No Sweat Bets

Ends: Dec. 31, 2024

 Claim $1,000

Maryland was the fourth U.S. state to welcome Fanatics Sportsbook, an emerging online operator prominently known for being a licensed sports merchandiser. Sign up with Fanatics Sportsbook today to hand in your jersey and get into the betting game. The operator offers several enticing features, like NFL live streaming and a great mobile app.

Uncover more helpful details via our Fanatics Sportsbook Review.

• App Store rating: 4.7 (iOS); 3.8 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: $1,000 in No Sweat Bets
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Best Maryland sports betting offers and bonuses

The arrival of legal online Maryland sports betting means that betters in the Old Line State can access generous sign-up bonuses from top online betting sites.

These Maryland sports betting promos won't be available for long, so claim the offers below before they disappear.

BetMGM - $1,500 in bonus bets: Bettors with BetMGM MD can earn up to $1,500 paid in bonus bets if their first wager loses. The offer arrives as up to five $300 bonus bets (equal denominations of 20% of the total amount of the qualifying bet.) Use BetMGM bonus code 'CVRBONUS1500' to access this offer, which is valid until Dec. 31, 2024.

FanDuel Sportsbook - Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win: FanDuel Maryland hands new users $150 in bonus bets. Register a new account, deposit at least $5, and place a $5 wager on any market. You'll get the bonus funds if your wager wins and no FanDuel promo code is required. This offer expires on Dec. 22, 2024.

Caesars Sportsbook - Bet $1, Get 100% Boost on Next 10 Bets: Caesars Maryland is giving you the chance to double your money by providing 10 100% profit boosts after you make a minimum wager of $1. You must make the initial bet within 30 days of activating your account, and bonus credits are valid for 14 days from issuance. Use Caesars Sportsbook promo code 'COVERSBONUSDYW' to snag this offer, which expires at 11:59 a.m. ET on Jan. 27, 2025.

DraftKings Sportsbook - Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win: New DraftKings users do not need a DraftKings promo code to claim $150 in bonus bets. Simply deposit a minimum of $5 and wager $5 on any sports market. The operator will add $150 (six $25 bonus bets) to your new account if the wager wins. This offer expires on Jan. 5, 2025.

Fanatics Sportsbook - $1,000 in No Sweat Bets: As a new Fanatics Sportsbook Maryland bettor, you'll receive one (1) bonus bet per day equal to the amount of your daily losing wager, up to $100, for your first 10 days using the sportsbook. No Fanatics Sportsbook promo code is required. Your daily qualifying wagers must be at least $1, have odds of -500 or longer, and settle as a loss to qualify for the bonus. This offer expires on Dec. 31, 2024. 

Maryland sports betting updates

Two years after voters approved the practice via a referendum, legal online sports betting in Maryland went live. Seven Maryland sports betting apps "soft" launched on Nov. 21, 2022, and officially commenced mobile operations on Nov. 23, 2022.

Read about more notable moments in Maryland sports betting and gambling history here:

Dec. 11, 2024: Maryland reports record sports betting figures in November. Sportsbooks generated a handle of $639.9 million, bringing the total for FY2025 up to almost $2.48 billion.

Dec. 2, 2024: A bettor in Maryland turned a $75 wager on a 10-leg NFL parlay into a massive payout at just over $29K.

Nov. 13, 2024: Maryland sports betting handle reaches a new high of $593M in October, additionally up over 11% month-to-month, compared to September. 

Oct. 1, 2024: Baltimore Raven's quarterback Lamar Jackson vents his frustration with sports bettors on social media, asking fans to stop harassing players during games. 

Sept 27, 2024: The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission proposed new rules for sportsbooks. One of them could result in losing free bet deductions.

Sept. 10, 2024: Maryland sportsbooks earn fifth-straight double-digit monthly hold, generating $39.2 million in revenue from $377.2 million in total wagers. 

Aug. 14, 2024: Maryland is the 12th market to eclipse $1 billion in all-time sports betting revenue. 

July 29, 2024: Bally Bet goes live in Maryland, making 12 total online sportsbooks active in the state.

July 22, 2024: SuperBook Sports pulls out of eight post-PASPA states, including Maryland. 

July 11, 2024: Maryland sportsbooks post a double-digit hold for the third straight month, notching a 10.3% hold on a $384.7 million handle in June. 

July 1, 2024: LetsBetMD launches in Maryland. The Bee-Fee-powered sports betting platform is the 12th such product to enter the Old Line State.

June 10, 2024: Maryland sportsbooks record their second-highest monthly revenue profits ever, taking in more than $50 million in May.  

May 13, 2024: Maryland's sports betting revenue climbs in April while handle remains strong. 

April 11, 2024: Maryland sportsbook see March rebound despite the state's poor NCAA tournament showing, where both local schools lost in the first round.

April 9, 2024: The proposal that would have authorized voters to legalize real money Maryland online casinos failed, closing the iCasino door until 2027. 

March 18, 2024: Maryland House passes iGaming bill in time for "crossover day" and now heads to the state Senate, which has until April 8th to make a decision. 

March 15, 2024: Maryland House of Delegates is still debating the state's iGaming bill — HB 1319 — ahead of upcoming vote. 

March 12, 2024: Maryland's sports betting handles sees a 30% YoY increase in February, bringing in $442.5 million. 

March 4, 2024: Maryland ends college players prop wagering due to harassment concerns, says the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. This bet type will be pulled from the state's sports betting catalog as of March 1, 2024. 

Feb. 13, 2024: Maryland revenue hits an all-time high in January, reporting $55 million was earned from sports wagers.

Jan. 19, 2024: The PointsBet app will stop accepting wagers in Maryland on Jan. 30, 2024, in an attempt to draw more Old Line State bettors to its parent operator, Fanatics Sportsbook.

Nov. 14, 2023: ESPN BET goes live with online and mobile sports betting, launching in Maryland and 16 other states.

Nov. 2, 2023: ESPN BET plans to launch on Nov. 14, 2023, with online sports betting going live in 17 U.S. states, including Maryland. 

Oct. 10, 2023: The revenue of Maryland online betting sites rises to $442.4 million in September, per Maryland Lottery and Gaming. 

Sept. 29, 2023: Canton Gaming LLC receives a retail sports betting license for the Greene Turtle Restaurant in Towson. The partnership is with Parx Interactive Maryland Inc. 

Sept. 1, 2023: The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission issues a sports wagering facility license to Canton Gaming and its operating partner, 

Aug. 16, 2023: WynnBET officially withdraws from Maryland, having not yet gone live after receiving a sports betting license in December of 2022.

Aug. 16, 2023: Fanatics Sportsbook ends its beta testing in Maryland and is fully live. 

Aug. 11, 2023: betPARX online sportsbook goes live in Maryland.

July 27, 2023: The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission approves amendments to legal sports betting regulations, including college partnerships

July 13, 2023: The Old Line State welcomes its 11th online sportsbook as Crab Sports launches in Maryland. 

June 1, 2023: Fanatics Sportsbook goes live in Maryland, making it the 10th mobile operator in the state.

May 17, 2023: Gov. Wes Moore signs Senate Bill 621 into law, legislation that requires the MLGCC to identify and assess sports betting content. 

May 9, 2023: SuperBook launches its online sportsbook in Maryland.

April 10, 2023: SuperBook Sports Lounge opens at Camden Yards. Notably, the location is not a retail sportsbook, but sports bettors will soon have access to the SuperBook MD betting app.

Feb. 22, 2023: Sen. Shelley Hettleman's SB 620, which would keep colleges and universities from creating partnerships with sports betting operators, should the former receive any "compensation for student participation in certain sports wagering," begins its journey through the state Senate.

Feb. 16, 2023: Regulators shift focus to Maryland online sports betting startups and small businesses.

Feb. 15, 2023: SuperBook receives its mobile sports betting license from SWARC. Once the sportsbook successfully performs controlled demonstrations with the Maryland Lottery, it will be able to launch in the state.

Feb. 10, 2023: Maryland's sports betting handle dipped in January amid quadruple tax revenue gains related to reduced promos and increased competition.  

Feb. 9, 2023: Betfred receives an online sports betting license from the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency and launches its online platform in the state. It becomes MD's eighth active online sportsbook. 

Jan. 26, 2023: MLGCC approves SuperBook's applications for online and retail sports betting in Maryland. Crab Sports Maryland is also advanced. The applications are handed off to SWARC for licensing. 

Jan. 20, 2023: Fanatics opens the first retail sportsbook inside an NFL stadium — Fanatics Sportsbook at FedEx Field.

Jan. 12, 2023: Fanatics will open its first U.S. retail sportsbook — Fanatics Sportsbook — at FedEx Field on Jan. 20, 2023.

Dec. 16, 2022: BetMGM Maryland is fined $146,000 for inadvertently accepting over $2,000 in live bets during a pre-launch test on Nov. 16, 2022.

Dec. 14, 2022: Maryland's SWARC awards mobile sports betting licenses to Bally Bet and WynnBET.

Dec. 12, 2022: Maryland gets off to a strong start, generating $186 million in online sports betting handle in just nine days in November. Online wagers account for 84% of Maryland's total handle for the month.

Dec. 4, 2022: The Baltimore Ravens fail to cover against a punchless Denver Broncos offense, squeaking out a 10-9 victory on home turf.

Dec. 1, 2022: MLGCC advances two more Maryland online sports betting applications. Now, Bally Bet and WynnBET could be awarded licenses by SWARC on Dec. 14. Betway's application was removed from a revised agenda and will be discussed at a later date. 

Nov. 28, 2022: MLGCA will meet Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, to determine if Bally Bet, Betway, and WynnBET are qualified to enter the Maryland online sports betting market. If approved for sports betting licenses, SWARC may award licenses during a Dec. 14 meeting.

Nov. 23, 2022: Legal Maryland online sports betting officially launches.

Nov. 22, 2022: Maryland sports betting sites halt online operations as state regulators review their platforms and practices. Online Maryland sportsbooks will fully launch at 9 a.m. ET on Nov. 23, 2022. 

Nov. 21, 2022: Maryland online sports betting begins. Legal sportsbooks accept wagers from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. EST during the state's "soft launch."

Nov. 18, 2022: Betfred officially opens its temporary sportsbook across from Long Shot's after a four-day controlled demonstration. The permanent, 6,000-square-foot facility is expected to be ready in early 2023.

Nov. 17, 2022: Maryland Lottery Director John Martin announces that Maryland online sports betting will launch on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022. Seven sportsbooks will be ready to go live: Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, and PointsBet will begin taking wagers at this time.

Nov. 16, 2022: SWARC approves 10 mobile sports wagering licenses. The 10 companies holding these licenses will provide Maryland online sports betting via the following sportsbooks: Barstool Sportsbook, Betfred Sports, BetFanatics, BetMGM, betPARX, BetRivers, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, and PointsBet. 

Nov. 15, 2022: Caesars Sportsbook launches its Maryland sports betting app. New users can now sign up and deposit $20 to get $100 in free bets.

Nov. 14, 2022: The Maryland SWARC will meet on Nov. 16, 2022, to award up to 10 Maryland online sports betting licenses. The state's first online sportsbooks could go live in time for Thanksgiving.

Nov. 10, 2022: BetMGM Maryland introduces a pre-registration offer worth $200 in free bets to its new MD customers. 

Nov. 3, 2022: FanDuel Maryland enhances its early registration offer — $100 in free bets — to include a free three-month subscription to NBA League Pass. 

Oct. 27, 2022: The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) announces that 10 online sportsbook operators are qualified to hold Maryland sports betting operator licenses. Barstool Sportsbook, Betfred, BetMGM, betPARX, BetRivers, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, and PointsBet could have licenses awarded by SWARC on Nov. 21. 

Oct. 25, 2022: The Maryland sports betting applicants seeking permits include 10 of the industry's best-known operators.

Oct. 21, 2022: Applications for Maryland online sports betting licenses must be submitted by 5 p.m. ET today. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) will publicly announce its list of qualified applicants on Thursday, Oct. 27.

Oct. 18, 2022: DraftKings tells Covers the online "sportsbook is coming soon" to Maryland.

Oct. 12, 2022: Maryland sportsbooks registered increases in September, largely thanks to a bump in NFL betting.

Oct. 6, 2022: Caesars officially submits its online sportsbook application in Maryland with the expectation that a license will be awarded within about a month's time.

Oct. 4, 2022: John Martin, Director of Maryland Lottery and Gaming, says, "I am confident that there will be mobile wagering in the state of Maryland in 2022," noting that the MLGCA is waiting on SWARC to award sports betting licenses. Maryland bettors can expect the first online sportsbooks to arrive sometime between the end of November and mid-December.

Sept. 22, 2022: Maryland regulators opt to award licenses on a rolling basis, meaning Maryland online sports betting could arrive before the end of 2022.

Sept. 13, 2022: After four months of decline, Maryland's August sports betting handle exceeds its July output. The state's retail sportsbooks take in nearly $18.7 million in total bets for the month.

Sept. 6, 2022: Maryland regulators begin accepting applications for sports betting licenses. The official deadline for applications is Oct. 21, 2022.

Aug. 26, 2022: The Maryland SWARC publishes a set of approved proposed regulations, bringing legal sports betting another step closer. A 30-day comment period now begins.

Aug. 25, 2022: DraftKings earned preliminary approval from the MLGCA, setting the stage for opening a retail sportsbook at the Maryland State Fairgrounds.

Aug. 17, 2022: The SWARC reveals that Marylanders may be able to utilize online sports betting platforms by the 2023 Super Bowl but will not set a firm timetable in place yet.

Aug. 10, 2022: The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission gives initial approval for three retail sports betting licenses, including one that would allow for a sportsbook at the Washington Commanders' FedEx Field.

Aug. 3, 2022: The Washington Commanders have yet to announce a partner for their proposed physical sportsbook at FedEx Field. However, the team's license application is expected to be discussed at an upcoming Maryland Lottery meeting.

Aug. 1, 2022: BetRivers opens Maryland's first non-casino retail sportsbook in partnership with Bingo World. The location becomes the sixth facility to offer sports betting in Maryland.

July 13, 2022: The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) pushes legal mobile sports betting in Maryland a step closer to launch by approving proposed draft rules.

July 6, 2022: Betfred Sports partners with Long Shot's in Frederick. Betfred will open a temporary retail sportsbook for the 2022 football season, while a permanent “state-of-the-art” sportsbook will ultimately reside at Long Shot's. An online sportsbook will launch when permitted by the Maryland Lottery and SWARC.

June 23, 2022: Maryland Lottery approves Fanatics' application for a sports wagering facility operator license. If SWARC approves the license, Fanatics could become the 10th licensee in the state.

June 16, 2022: Two days after Hogan's letter, SWARC increases its urgency in moving toward launching mobile sports betting. Maryland lawmakers still have no firm timeline set in place.

June 14, 2022: Gov. Hogan takes aim at SWARC over its failure to launch mobile sports betting in Maryland in a decisive manner and the needless bureaucratic delays.

June 7, 2022: Crab Sports strikes a deal with sportsbook platform provider Gaming Innovation Group Inc. (GiG). Crab Sports expects to launch in Maryland sometime in the second half of 2022.

March 16, 2022: Online Maryland sports betting still appears to be months away. Regulators hope to launch mobile betting by the start of the 2022 NFL season.

Feb. 24, 2022: MLGCC approves Bingo World in Anne Arundel County for a sports betting license. Bingo World becomes the ninth facility to obtain a license but will have to gain final approval from SWARC before launching operations.

Feb. 18, 2022: DraftKings announces during its Q4 earnings call that it has secured market access in Maryland, a required step in the eventual launch process.

Jan. 11, 2022: Casino sportsbooks in MD took more than $16 million in bets over the first month of legal wagering.

Dec. 23, 2021: Hollywood Casino in Perryville opens its doors for in-person Maryland sports betting.

Dec. 17, 2021: Ocean Downs Casino becomes the latest location to offer legal sports betting. Maryland is up to four retail sportsbooks.

Dec. 16, 2021: MLGCC approves amendments to allow bettors to check their bankrolls, but not bet, at online sportsbooks when they’re across state lines.

Dec. 10, 2021: Horseshoe Casino and Live! Casino become the second and third retail locations to offer legal sports betting in Maryland. 

Dec. 9, 2021: MGM National Harbor Casino becomes the first retail location in the state to launch legal sports betting, making Maryland the 11th state to establish the practice in 2021.

Dec. 8, 2021: State regulators award sports betting licenses to Riverboat on the Potomac and Long Shot’s.

Dec. 2, 2021: The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission announces it is preparing for a soft launch in December. Five retail sportsbooks will be watched closely by MLGCC staff over a two-day period. Additionally, MLGCC forwards two off-track betting facilities — Riverboat on the Potomac and Long Shot’s — to SWARC after qualifying the locations for sports betting licenses. 

Nov. 18, 2021: SWARC awards casino sports betting licenses to Hollywood Casino Perryville (Barstool), Horseshoe Baltimore (Caesars), Live! Casino Maryland (FanDuel), MGM National Harbor (BetMGM), and Ocean Downs (TwinSpires).

Nov. 16, 2021: During a VIXIO GamblingCompliance webinar, Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director John Martin says the state is "a long way away" from launching mobile sports betting. SWARC has yet to define regulations or what the operator application process will look like in MD.

Nov. 4, 2021: Following Sports Wagering Application Review Commission's (SWARC) refusal to award five retail sports betting licenses on November 3, Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director John Martin indicates sports betting is unlikely to arrive in Maryland until early 2022.

Sept. 8, 2021: The Baltimore Ravens and Caesars Entertainment, Inc. announced a broad partnership with Caesars Sportsbook. The agreement further increases Horseshoe Baltimore's standing as the team's lone official casino partner.

Aug. 2021: Gov. Hogan told Maryland Matters that legal sports betting won't be ready by the start of the NFL regular season but is optimistic about a launch in time for the playoffs and the 2022 Super Bowl.

July 2021: The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) approved draft rules for sports betting regulations to guide the state’s licensing and operational rollout. The 228-page document was posted to the Maryland Register. The public comment period lasts 30 days, with a public meeting locked for Sept. 22, 2021.

May 2021: Governor Lawrence J. Hogan, Jr (R) signed sports betting bill HB 940 into law.

April 2021: Both Maryland state houses pass HB 940, greenlighting retail and online sports betting. Maryland will allow up to 60 mobile and online sportsbooks to operate in the state.

March 2021: The House Ways & Means Committee sends HB 940 to the House floor for a vote. The bill provides accommodations to expand the number of licenses and allow retail sportsbooks at all Maryland casinos and big-league sports venues.

Nov. 2020: Voters approve legal sports betting via a referendum on the 2020 ballot. Neighboring Mid-Atlantic states had already legalized sports betting, and MD state legislators moved to avoid being left behind.

Is sports betting legal in Maryland?

Yes, Maryland sports betting is legal. A 2020 referendum, supported by voters, legalized Maryland sports betting. Online sportsbook operators were granted the green light to launch on Nov. 23, 2022, and retail betting began on Dec. 9, 2021.

The state legislature passed sports betting legislation in April 2021, and in May 2021, Gov. Lawrence J. Hogan, Jr. (R) signed sports betting bill HB 940 into law.

What sportsbooks are legal in Maryland?

Elated sports bettors welcomed seven legal Maryland sportsbooks to the Old Line State for a Nov. 21 "soft launch," and a full mobile launch took place on Nov. 23, 2022. There are now 11 Maryland sports betting sites accepting legal wagers — LetsBetMD joined the MD sports betting market on July 1, 2024.

1. BetMGM - Best for deposits
   
   
2. FanDuel - Best sportsbook
   
   
3. Caesars - Best sign-up bonus
   
   
4. Fanatics Sportsbook - Good reputation
   
   
5. DraftKings - Best app
   
   
6. BetRivers - Best weekly promos
   
   
7. ESPN BET - Loads of markets
   
   
8. Bally Bet - Nice odds boosts
   
   
9. Crab Sports - Exclusive to MD
   
   
10. betPARX - Modern platform
    
    
11. LetsBetMD - Best for esports

Legal sportsbooks in Maryland

Several sportsbook operators have established partnerships with casinos and professional sports teams in Maryland and have launched online operations.

11 of Maryland licensed sportsbooks have gone live, including Maryland-exclusive Crab Sports. 

Maryland sports betting sites

There are 12 locations for retail sports betting in MD right now.

More licenses have been granted, but the following Maryland retail sportsbooks have yet to launch:

• Boonsboro OTB

Land-based Maryland sportsbooks

Latest Maryland sports betting news

Who can bet on sports in Maryland?

Maryland bettors aged 21 or older are eligible to wager on sports in the Old Line State. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission regulates all sports betting in the state.

Review these tips with legalized Maryland sports betting now open for business.

The pros and cons of Maryland sports betting

The Old Line State legalizing sports wagering and implementing the necessary infrastructure is encouraging — as many as 60 online Maryland sportsbooks are allowed to operate in MD.

There's also potential to open more retail sportsbooks at professional sports stadiums, casinos, and race tracks. Plus, up to 30 additional license holders for brick-and-mortar betting facilities. In total, regulators could hand out up to 107 sports betting licenses in Maryland.

Maryland online sports betting is live

11 retail and online sportsbooks available

In-state college sports betting permitted

Lost revenue to neighboring states prior to launch

Crossing state lines: Nearby betting sites in 2024

Legal online sports betting in Maryland is now a reality. Bettors can also seek out nearby neighborly options, such as Pennsylvania, West Virginia, DC, and Virginia. Each has legalized and regulated mobile sports betting and in-person wagering options.

Anyone physically located in those jurisdictions is free to register and place a sports bet. Online bettors can download one of the authorized mobile sports betting apps and follow the prompts to start betting.

How to start betting in Maryland

With as many as 60 online sportsbooks eligible to enter the Maryland sports betting market, plus the option of visiting a retail sportsbook, MD bettors have access to more options than any other state. Read on to familiarize yourself with the general setup process.

What you can't bet on in Maryland

Marylanders can place wagers at 12 retail sportsbooks and 11 online sportsbooks. All major sports, including professional, college, and Olympic, are viable plays in 2024.

NFL Draft

Maryland was one of the states where you could legally bet on the 2024 NFL Draft. That meant seven whole rounds of sweating props based on the NFL Draft betting odds. 

College sports

Maryland sports betting sites allow college sports betting, including wagering on in-state collegiate teams. As of March 1, 2024, Maryland ended college player props wagering due to athlete harassment concerns. 

Politics

It is illegal to wager on political activity in Maryland at the state or federal level. Maryland sportsbooks do not offer bets on politics.

Entertainment award ceremonies

Betting on various awards shows, including the Academy Awards, are not permissible in MD.

Maryland sports betting handle

Maryland recorded a modest benchmark in December 2021 to begin its foray into the legal sports betting market. The five retail operators in the state took in a combined $16.5 million in sports betting handle. After MD's first full month of legal wagering in January 2022, that number rose significantly to $32.5 million. 

The addition of legal Maryland sports betting sites has already taken the state's monthly betting handle numbers to unprecedented levels. According to GeoComply Solutions Inc., there were 16.5 million geolocation transactions recorded over Maryland's first five days of legal online sports betting. Maryland sportsbooks took in $186 million in online bets during the first nine days of mobile wagering in November 2022. Handle jumped over 1000% YoY to $441.5 million in January 2023. 

Yearly breakdown

Monthly handle

Home team advantage: Maryland sports

Researching your bets is a great way to eliminate bias. Though backing your hometown professional sports team feels good, it might damage your bankroll.

Before placing a wager on the Washington Commanders, Capitals, or any other local teams, check out our how to bet guides, as it provides actionable insights for new and intermediate bettors in Maryland.

NHL

Washington Capitals

Get live NHL odds

NBA

Washington Wizards

Get live NBA odds

NFL

Washington Commanders

Baltimore Ravens

Get live NFL odds

MLB

Washington Nationals

Baltimore Orioles

Get live MLB odds

Although no scheduled fights are coming to the Old Line State, the best UFC betting sites and top boxing betting sites allow you to easily browse the markets for every card and back fighters you can cheer on as passionately as your hometown teams.

Maryland sports betting law

Legal Maryland sports betting encompassed a two-phased approach courtesy of HB 940. Land-based wagering started on Dec. 9, 2021, while online wagering launched on Nov. 23, 2022.

Scan these highlights of the legal Maryland sports betting landscape:

• The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (MLGCC) regulates sports betting.
  
  
• The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) reviews and approves license applications. 
  
  
• Only persons 21 or older can bet on sports in Maryland.
  
  
• Legislation authorizes up to 60 mobile sports wagering licenses.
  
  
• 11 online betting sites are currently live in Maryland.
  
  
• 12 land-based sportsbooks are open for business in Maryland.
  
  
• Wagering on esports events is permitted if the participants are at least 18.
  
  
• Legal college sports betting in Maryland includes wagering on in-state teams.

Other types of gambling

Maryland bettors have their pick of the litter for gambling outlets. In addition to retail and online sportsbooks, residents and visitors also can frequent casinos and racetracks within the state. Online horse race betting and daily fantasy sports cater to online gamblers in the Old Line State. 

Quick facts: Maryland sports betting

Maryland's total handle exploded in 2023 after a full year of mobile sports betting being live. To keep up to date on relevant Maryland sports betting facts, consult our quick facts table:

Responsible gaming in Maryland

Legal U.S. sports betting markets

Maryland has caught up with its already legalized Mid-Atlantic neighbors. The following U.S. jurisdictions have established sports betting laws:

Recent legal U.S. sports betting launches

Legal North Carolina sports betting launched on March 11, 2024, with several operators available for registration, including bet365, ESPN BET, Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel, and others.

Vermont's legal sports betting scene became a reality on Jan. 11, 2024, with three operators — FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook — all offering online and mobile sports betting on day one. 

Maine sports betting arrived on Nov. 3, 2023, with DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbook partnering with local tribes to offer online services.

Legal Kentucky sports betting has arrived. Retail betting went live on Sept. 7, 2023, followed shortly by online operations on Sept. 28.

Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets

States moving toward legal sports betting are still numerous. Here are those which have the potential to legitimize sports gambling in the near future:

Maryland sports betting history

Maryland sports bettors officially gained access to legal wagering options two years after a ballot referendum. Today, Maryland bettors have access to 11 online sportsbooks, along with 12 retail sportsbooks. The best part: The law authorizes up to 60 mobile sports wagering licenses.

2024: Bally Bet goes live in Maryland.

2023: Betting operators Betfred, betPARX, Fanatics, SuperBook, and Crab Sports all receive Maryland sports betting licenses. WynnBET withdraws from Maryland, having not yet gone live. 

2022: Gov. Hogan ramps up pressure on SWARC to revisit its urgency in launching mobile wagering. 

2021: The Maryland state house passes HB 940, authorizing retail and online sports betting.

2020: Maryland voters approve legal sports betting via a ballot referendum. 

2019: Maryland lawmakers discuss legalizing sports betting, but amendments to the state constitution are required, as confirmed by the state attorney general.

2018: The U.S. Supreme Court rules the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) unconstitutional, eliminating the hurdle to legal sports betting in the country. With PASPA gone, each state can independently legalize and supervise online and in-person sports wagering.

Maryland sports betting resources

Refer to the following resources to glean more information about legal Maryland sports betting:

• Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (MLGCC): Regulates Maryland sports betting
  
  
• Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC): Authorized to review and award Maryland sports betting licenses
  
  
• Maryland sports betting law: HB 940
  
  
• Alliance for responsible gambling: Resources for problem gamblers
  
  
• Maryland Sports Wagering Regulations: Complete list of betting regulations
  
  
• Mobile sports wagering operators: List of approved Maryland online sports betting sites operators
  
  
• Land-based operators: List of approved Maryland retail sports betting operators
  
  
• Eligible sporting events: Identifies all approved Maryland sports betting events

Maryland sports betting conclusion

The sky is the limit in Maryland. With up to 60 mobile sports betting licenses up for grabs and nearly 50 retail sportsbooks permitted, the Old Line State is shaping into a sports bettor's haven.

There are few betting restrictions in Maryland, giving locals the freedom to wager on nearly anything sports-related. Twelve Maryland sports betting sites have gone live since the state's Nov. 23, 2022, launch, and we expect 2024 to be a big year in MD.