Is Sports Betting Legal in Maryland?
Sports betting was made legal in Maryland back in 2021, with Governor Larry Hogan signing bill HB 940 into law in May 2021. The bill was drawn up in response to a public vote on the matter, with voters overwhelmingly approving legal sports betting at licensed locations. Although the vote was held in 2020, it would take two years before the first legal bets were placed in MD.
Maryland sports betting is regulated by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA), which also oversees the state’s casinos and lottery games. Legislation currently allows both online and retail sports betting, and up to 60 sports betting licenses are available.
Timeline of MD Sports Betting
- November 2020 – Maryland voters approve sports betting in a ballot by a 2-1 margin.
- April 2021 – The HB 940 bill passes through the Maryland House and Senate.
- May 2021 – Governor Larry Hogan signs the HB 940 bill into law to approve sports betting.
- July 2021 – The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency finalizes sports betting rules.
- December 2021 – Governor Larry Hogan places the first legal bet at a licensed retail sportsbook.
- June 2022 – The first online sportsbook license is approved by the MLGCA.
- November 2022 – Online sportsbooks go live for the first time in MD.
Maryland Sports Betting at a Glance
| Maryland retail sports betting legal status | Legal and live |
| Maryland online sports betting legal status | Legal and live |
| Maryland online sports betting launch date | November 23, 2022 |
| Maryland sports betting regulator | Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency |
| Number of sportsbook licenses available | Up to 60 in total |
| Total bets placed in first month | $478 million |
| Sportsbook tax rate | 15% |
Top MD Sportsbooks
- BetMGM – Best overall experience
- Caesars – Best welcome offer
- DraftKings – Best for new bettors
- FanDuel – Best mobile app
- Barstool – Best regular promos
- PointsBet – Best betting markets
- BetRivers – Best loyalty rewards
Why Choose a Licensed Sportsbook
Before legal betting came to Maryland, many sports fans used offshore betting sites instead. While unlicensed, these sportsbooks still allow you to bet on all your favorite sports. However, you should be wary about using them.
Licensed sportsbooks are preferred because:
- They’re legal to use
- Regulations mean your money is protected
- Your personal information is secure
- Your winnings are guaranteed
- Sportsbook profits are taxed and used to benefit local communities
By using an offshore site, not only could you be breaking the law, but your money may also be at risk. There are already lots of licensed sportsbooks to choose from, and up to 60 online sportsbooks can be approved in Maryland, so you have plenty of safe and legal options.
Choosing a Sportsbook in Maryland
When it comes to choosing a sportsbook, you want to make sure you join a site that’s safe, easy to use, and provides the best possible experience. There are now lots of different sportsbooks available in the state, but it’s important to make sure you choose the best quality. We’ve made a list of the top features you should be looking for when deciding on which site to join.
Reviews
Reviews are the simplest way to learn which features a sportsbook has to offer. Our review team personally tests and evaluates every MD sportsbook, using data to compare each site. You can check our reviews to find the right sportsbook for you, with clear information available on the betting experience.
Bonuses
Bonuses are an important factor for a lot of players, as they help make betting more exciting. When you first sign up, you should be able to claim a welcome promo, and the best sites offer regular bonuses too. Some of the most popular MD sportsbook bonuses include:
- Risk-free bets
- Matched deposit bonuses
- Loyalty rewards
- No deposit bonuses
- Bet credits
Odds and Lines
The odds a sportsbook offers will make a big difference to your profits, with better odds meaning higher potential winnings. Better lines mean you have a better chance of winning too, so it always pays to make sure your book offers the best.
Sports and Markets
While you might have a favorite sport to bet on, having variety is never a bad thing. The best sportsbooks let you bet on all major sports from around the world. This includes sports such as:
As well as having lots of different sports to bet on, the best sportsbooks give you lots of betting markets too. These include:
- Moneyline
- Point spread
- Total points
- Futures
- Game props
- Player props
Usability
Of course, a good betting site should also be simple to use. You want to be able to sign up and start betting without having to jump through hoops. It should also be easy to find the bets you want to place and to be able to bet from your smartphone or tablet without any issues.
Payments
Making deposits and withdrawals using your sportsbook should be fast and straightforward. The best sites provide lots of different payment options and allow you to make free payments without limits or long waiting times.
Customer Support
Customer support is just as important if you want to have a comfortable and relaxing betting experience. The best MD sportsbooks make it easy to get in touch if you have an issue, with fast and responsive customer support. Commonly used contact methods include:
- Live chat
- FAQ pages
- Email support
- Social media
How to Sign Up to an MD Sportsbook
It’s easier than you might think to sign up and start betting. All you need to do is follow this guide:
- Choose one of our top-rated sportsbooks available on this page
- Make sure you’re in MD, and then visit the site or download the app
- Start the sign up process and provide your full details
- Agree to the site’s terms and conditions and then verify your ID if needed
- Use your preferred payment method to make a deposit
- Claim your bonus offer by following the instructions
- Choose a sport, select an event, and pick a market to bet on
Maryland Deposits Explained
Before you can start betting, you’ll need to link a payment method and make your first deposit. Some sportsbooks do offer no deposit bonuses, but you’ll still need to make a deposit before you can withdraw any of the winnings you make from the bonus.
Here are some of the most commonly accepted payment methods at MD sportsbooks:
- Online banking
- Debit/credit cards
- Wire transfer
- ACH/eCheck
- PayPal
- Paynearme
Making a deposit is as simple as opening the cashier, choosing the deposit option, and then picking your preferred payment method. Note that some sportsbooks will offer different payment methods, but whichever option you choose, your deposit should be credited instantly. We’ve researched all available Maryland sportsbooks and found the deposit process to be simple and clear.
How to Claim Maryland Sports Betting Promos
All of the MD sportsbooks we’ve reviewed offer promos and bonuses for you to claim. As a new bettor, you’ll be able to enjoy a welcome offer when you first sign up, and there are lots of regular betting bonuses available too.
Some of the most common MD betting bonuses include:
| Bonus | Example | Explanation |
| Matched deposit bonus | 100% bonus up to $500 | Your deposit is matched up to a certain amount. |
| Risk-free bet | Up to $100 refunded | Your bet is refunded if it loses. |
| Bet credits | $100 free bet | Bet credits can be used in place of real money to place bets. |
| No deposit bonus | $25 cash promo | Sign up and claim with no need to make a deposit. |
Before claiming a promo, make sure you’ve read through all of the terms and conditions. You can find a full explanation of how to claim each betting promo in our reviews, but here’s a quick guide on common terms and conditions that you’ll come across:
| Terms and Conditions | Example | Explanation |
| Wagering requirement/rollover | 25x | Complete the wagering to withdraw your bonus. |
| Promo code | BONUS10 | Enter the promo code when making a deposit to claim your bonus. |
| Minimum deposit | $20 | Deposit at least this amount to claim the bonus. |
| Minimum bet | $10 | Make a bet of at least this amount to claim the bonus. |
| Minimum odds | -200 | Make a bet at these odds or greater to claim the bonus. |
MD Sportsbook Payout Guide
If you have real funds in your account, you can withdraw at any point. Most sportsbooks have a minimum withdrawal amount, and according to the data from all of the sportsbooks we’ve reviewed in Maryland, this is usually around $20. However, you can find higher and lower minimums. There may also be limits on how much you can withdraw at once, but this varies depending on the site you’re using.
Making a withdrawal at a sportsbook is a lot like making a deposit. The main difference is that you’ll normally need to wait longer for your funds to arrive.
Here’s a quick guide to making your first withdrawal:
- Open the cashier and choose the withdrawal option
- Select your preferred payment type
- Note that in most cases, you can only make a withdrawal using a payment method that you’ve previously made a deposit with
- Enter the amount you’d like to withdraw and confirm the transaction
- Wait for your funds to arrive
Payouts need to be processed and approved by the sportsbook before they can be completed. This can take 1-2 working days in most cases. The time it takes for your funds to arrive will also depend on the payment method you choose.
Here’s a rough guide on how long you can expect your payouts to take:
| Payment Method | Withdrawal Time |
| Debit card | 1-5 days |
| PayPal | 30 minutes to 1 day |
| Bank transfer | 1-7 days |
Top Maryland Teams to Bet On
Maryland is big on sports and has several major franchises in the state. You can bet on loads of different sports and teams at MD sportsbooks, including those from all over the world. Some of the biggest and most popular sports teams in the state include:
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens play out of the M&T Bank Arena in Baltimore and have been a part of the NFL since 1996. Currently playing in the AFC North conference, the Ravens have been one of the most successful franchises in the league and won the Super Bowl in 2001 and 2013. They’re one of the top teams in playoff contention every season and therefore are a great team to bet on.
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles are among the oldest franchises in the history of the MLB, having first been established as part of the American League in 1901. Originally, the franchise was based in Milwaukee and known as the Brewers, but became the Orioles in 1954. Based at the iconic Oriole Park in Camden Yards, the Orioles are an important part of Baltimore’s history, and although they haven’t won the World Series since 1983, they’re still a great team to follow.
Washington Commanders
Despite the name, the Washington Commanders play their home games in Landover, Maryland, at the FedEx Stadium. Founded in 1932 as the Boston Braves, the team had a lot of success during the 30s and 40s but has struggled in recent seasons. Their most recent Super Bowl win came in 1991, so it’s been a long wait for fans.
University of Maryland
College sports are also featured at Maryland sportsbooks, with no restrictions on which teams you can and can’t bet on. The University of Maryland has a strong basketball program, with the men’s Terrapins playing in the Big Ten Conference. The Terrapins were the NCAA champions back in 2002, and March Madness is always an exciting time in MD.
Georgetown University
Meanwhile, the Georgetown Hoyas basketball team plays in the Big East Conference, where they’ve won the conference championship eight times, including as most recently as 2021. The football program is also worth betting on, with the Hoyas playing in the Patriot League.
Why Sign Up to Multiple Maryland Sportsbooks
There are lots of MD sportsbooks to choose from, and we recommend signing up to as many as possible. Only using a single betting site limits your opportunities and means you miss out on the following:
More Bonuses
Every online sportsbook available in the state of Maryland has a bonus available for you to claim. Joining just one site means you’ll only be able to claim that one welcome bonus, so you’ll be missing out. The more sportsbooks you join, the more bonuses you’ll be able to enjoy.
The Best Odds and Lines
Don’t forget that you can find different odds and lines at different betting sites. The best way to find value in your bets is to make sure you always bet at the best line, and signing up to multiple sportsbooks will make that much easier. You’ll always be able to compare odds before you bet to get the best value.
Unique Features
A lot of MD sportsbooks have unique features that make your betting experience completely different. It’s worth signing up to as many sites as possible and getting a feel for them to find out which one you like the best. You’ll be able to make the most of different betting features, markets, and interfaces to find the right site for you.
MD Betting FAQ
Is betting legal in Maryland?
Betting is legal across the whole state of MD as of May 2021. The state approved both online and in-person betting, with the first legal bets being placed in December 2021.
Can I bet online in Maryland?
Yes, you can legally bet online if you join one of the licensed Maryland sportsbooks. The state approves betting licenses through the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency.
What requirements are there for betting in Maryland?
To sign up and start betting at a mobile sportsbook, you´ll need to be at least 21 years old. All licensed sportsbooks need to verify your age before you bet, so be prepared to upload a copy of your ID.
Can I claim bonus offers at MD sportsbooks online?
Yes, all of the legal and licensed sportsbooks we recommend offer bonuses to Maryland bettors. You can claim a promotion simply by signing up and making a deposit. Always read the full terms and conditions before trying to claim a bonus.
Do I need to live in Maryland to bet?
You don’t need to be a resident of Maryland in order to bet legally. As long as you’re within the state borders at the time, you can legally sign up and place bets. MD sportsbooks check your location using geolocation software.
How many MD sportsbooks are there?
There are more than ten sportsbooks to choose from in MD, and possibly a lot more on the way. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency can approve up to sixty licenses in total.
Sources
Author
Tom Edlin is a senior author and contributor to SportsbookPromo.com. He's been writing and reporting on the US sports betting industry for years and has crafted hundreds of in-depth reviews and guides.
