Maryland has fully embraced online and retail sports betting, making it one of the more progressive states in the U.S. when it comes to legal wagering.
After voters approved a referendum in 2020, lawmakers finalized regulations, leading to the official launch of legal sports betting at retail locations in 2021 and online betting in 2022.
Since then, the industry has expanded quickly, with major platforms offering a range of betting options. Sports betting has already generated millions in tax revenue, benefiting public programs across the state.
Here’s what you need to know about legal sports betting in Maryland.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Maryland?
Maryland offers an impressive sports betting market, with both online and retail sportsbooks operating under state regulation. Residents can legally place wagers in a safe and regulated betting environment through licensed operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and PointsBet.
While sports betting is fully legal, other forms of online gambling remain prohibited. Online casinos and poker sites are not authorized, meaning players must visit physical casinos for traditional table games and slot machines. However, daily fantasy sports (DFS) platforms operate legally, providing an alternative way to engage in online gaming.
Below is a quick overview of Maryland’s online gambling laws:
| Gambling Type | Legal Status |
| Online Sports Betting | ✅ Legal |
| Retail Sports Betting | ✅ Legal |
| Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) | ✅ Legal |
| Online Casinos | ❌ Illegal |
| Online Poker | ❌ Illegal |
Sports You Can Bet on in Maryland
Maryland’s legal sports betting market offers various betting options across major professional and college sports. Residents can place wagers through online sportsbooks and retail locations, choosing from various bet types, including moneylines, point spreads, parlays, player props, and live in-game betting.
Popular Sports Available for Betting in Maryland:
- Professional Sports: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, and more.
- College Sports: Betting on NCAA games, including wagers on in-state teams like the Maryland Terrapins, is allowed.
- Combat Sports: UFC, boxing, and other mixed martial arts events.
- Racing: Horse racing is legal in Maryland, with betting available at racetracks and online platforms.
- Golf & Tennis: Major tournaments like The Masters, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open are available for betting.
- Esports: Select sportsbooks offer wagers on competitive gaming events.
Additionally, Maryland sports bettors can enjoy same-game parlays, futures bets, and prop bets on individual player performances. With a growing sports betting industry, new wagering opportunities may continue to emerge in the state.
The History of Online Sports Betting Laws in Maryland
Key legislative milestones and voter decisions have shaped Maryland’s path to legal sports betting. While the state had long allowed horse racing and retail casino gambling, sports betting remained off-limits until a major shift in federal law opened the door for state regulation.
2018 – PASPA Repeal and the First Steps Toward Legalization
In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), allowing individual states to legalize sports betting. While some states acted quickly, Maryland took a more cautious approach, requiring voter approval before moving forward.
2020 – Voter Referendum Approves Sports Betting
In November 2020, Maryland voters overwhelmingly approved Question 2, a ballot measure legalizing sports betting. This allowed lawmakers to craft regulations for both retail and online sportsbooks, paving the way for a fully regulated market.
2021-2022 – Sports Betting Goes Live
Maryland passed House Bill 940 in 2021 following the referendum, outlining licensing structures and regulatory guidelines. Retail sportsbooks launched in December 2021, with major casinos like MGM National Harbor and Live! Casino & Hotel opening in-person betting lounges. Online sports betting followed in November 2022, with platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM entering the market.
2023-Present – Market Growth and Expansion
Since its launch, Maryland’s sports betting industry has grown rapidly, generating millions in tax revenue for education and public programs. Lawmakers continue to refine regulations, and discussions around potential expansion into other forms of online gambling, like online casinos, remain ongoing.
How Maryland’s Sports Betting Market Compares to Neighboring States
Maryland’s sports betting market has experienced significant growth, particularly since the launch of online betting in November 2022. In November 2024, the state reported a record handle of approximately $639.9 million, surpassing the previous month’s record of $593.1 million. This surge contributed nearly $12 million to state coffers, marking a substantial increase from prior months.
When compared to neighboring states, Maryland’s sports betting market shows promising potential:
- Pennsylvania: In 2024, Pennsylvania’s gaming industry achieved a record high, with combined revenues surpassing $6.1 billion – a 7.73% increase from the previous year.
- New Jersey: New Jersey’s internet gambling market reached a record of $213.6 million in October 2024, surpassing September’s previous high of $208 million.
While Maryland’s market is still maturing, its rapid growth indicates a strong regional competitive stance.
Key Players Shaping Maryland’s Online Gambling Legislation
A diverse group of stakeholders influences the trajectory of online gambling laws in Maryland, each playing a pivotal role in the state’s regulatory landscape.
Legislators: State Senator Ron Watson has advocated for expanding online gambling. In 2023, he introduced legislation proposing a statewide referendum to legalize online gaming, aiming to establish a comprehensive framework for regulation and taxation.
Sports Betting Companies: Major players like DraftKings and FanDuel are actively involved in shaping the online gambling landscape. DraftKings, for example, has advocated for broader market access, pushing back against proposals that limit online gaming licenses exclusively to land-based casinos.
Advocacy Groups: Organizations focusing on responsible gambling and economic development also influence the discourse. They emphasize the importance of consumer protection measures and the potential economic benefits of a regulated online gambling market.
Responsible Gambling
With the rapid growth of Maryland’s sports betting market, responsible gambling remains a top priority. While sports betting can be an exciting and entertaining activity, it also carries risks such as financial losses, gambling addiction, and impulsive behavior. It’s crucial for bettors to set limits on spending, track their wagers, and recognize signs of problem gambling.
Maryland provides several resources for those who need help:
- Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling – Offers free counseling and support (helpmygamblingproblem.org).
- National Problem Gambling Helpline – Call 1-800-GAMBLER for confidential 24/7 assistance.
- Self-Exclusion Program – Maryland Lottery and Gaming allows individuals to ban themselves from gambling voluntarily (mdgaming.com).
What’s Next for Online Gambling in Maryland?
Maryland’s sports betting industry continues to grow, generating millions in revenue while offering residents a safe and regulated betting experience. As the market matures, lawmakers may explore further expansion of gambling laws.
The idea of legalizing online casinos has gained momentum, with supporters emphasizing its potential to increase state revenue and provide a safer alternative to unregulated gambling sites. While no legislation has been passed yet, the success of online sports betting could pave the way for future changes.
For now, Maryland is a strong sports betting market, but adding online casino gambling and online poker could be the next big step in the state’s gambling industry.
