Maryland has embraced online sports betting, but the state remains cautious about online casinos. While residents can legally place sports wagers through licensed platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel, online casino gaming – including slots, poker, and table games – has yet to gain legislative approval.
Efforts to legalize online casinos have been discussed, especially as neighboring states expand their digital gambling markets. However, Maryland lawmakers have not yet passed legislation to allow full-scale online casino gaming.
With the potential for significant tax revenue and increased consumer demand, the conversation around online casinos in Maryland is far from over.
Here’s everything you need to know about the current status of online gambling in the state.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Maryland?
In Maryland, online sports betting is legal and regulated, but online casinos remain prohibited. Residents can legally place bets on sports through platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook, but they cannot play online slots, poker, or traditional casino table games on state-licensed platforms.
The push for legal online casinos has gained momentum recently, with lawmakers considering the potential tax revenue and consumer demand. Maryland currently allows in-person casino gambling at commercial casinos and legal sports betting both online and in retail locations.
| Gambling Type | Legal Status |
| Online Casinos | ❌ Illegal |
| Online Poker | ❌ Illegal |
| Online Sports Betting | ✅ Legal |
| Retail Casinos | ✅ Legal |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | ✅ Legal |
While online casinos remain off-limits, the future of online gambling in Maryland could change as lawmakers continue to explore potential regulation.
The History of Online Gambling Laws in Maryland
Maryland’s gambling options have evolved significantly, with brick-and-mortar casinos and sports betting becoming well-established. However, when it comes to online casinos, the state has been more hesitant, with legislative efforts facing obstacles.
Below is a look at the key milestones that have shaped Maryland’s gambling laws.
2008 – Commercial Casinos Legalized
In 2008, Maryland voters passed a constitutional amendment to allow commercial casinos in the state. Five land-based casinos were established after this amendment, which later expanded to six. This decision significantly advanced the state’s gaming industry, though it did not include provisions for online gambling.
2012 – Casino Expansion and Table Games Approved
A statewide referendum in 2012 expanded gambling laws to allow table games like blackjack, poker, and roulette at Maryland’s casinos. Additionally, this measure permitted casinos to remain open 24/7, boosting revenue and further solidifying Maryland as a major gaming hub. However, online casinos were still not considered for legalization despite these expansions.
2018 – PASPA Repeal and the Push for Online Gambling
The repeal of PASPA in 2018 opened the door for states to legalize sports betting. Maryland voters later approved a ballot measure in 2020, leading to the launch of legal online and retail sports betting in 2022. While online sportsbooks gained traction, online casino gaming was left out of the conversation.
2023-Present – Growing Interest in Online Casinos
As neighboring states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey continue to generate millions in tax revenue from legal online casinos, Maryland lawmakers have begun exploring similar legislation. Proponents argue that online casino gaming could boost state revenue. However, no formal bill has passed, and online casinos remain illegal in Maryland as of now.
Neighboring States and Market Potential for Online Gambling in Maryland
Maryland is surrounded by states that have embraced online casino gaming, creating a competitive regional landscape. While Maryland currently prohibits online casinos, its neighbors’ regulatory frameworks highlight the state’s potential challenges and opportunities.
| State | Online Casinos |
| Pennsylvania | ✅ Legal |
| New Jersey | ✅ Legal |
| Delaware | ✅ Legal |
| West Virginia | ✅ Legal |
| Virginia | ❌ Illegal |
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. Notably, online gambling contributed significantly to this growth, with revenues exceeding $2.18 billion, marking a 25.25% rise from 2023.
In contrast, Maryland’s six casinos generated approximately $1.96 billion in gaming revenue during the same period.
By legalizing online casinos, Maryland could tap into a profitable market, potentially increasing state revenues and providing residents with regulated, safe gambling options.
Who’s Influencing Online Gambling Laws in Maryland?
The evolution of online gambling laws in Maryland is shaped by several stakeholders, each playing an important role in the legislative process.
Lawmakers: State legislators are at the forefront of proposing and debating online gambling legislation. Dele Vanessa Atterbeary, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, has been instrumental in introducing bills aimed at legalizing online casinos, including House Bill 17, in January 2025. Similarly, Senator Ron Watson has championed efforts with Senate Bill 340, seeking to establish a regulatory framework for iGaming in the state.
Casino Operators: Maryland’s brick-and-mortar casino operators are other important stakeholders, supporting the expansion of their offerings online. However, some express concern about potential market saturation and the impact on in-person gaming revenues.
Advocacy Groups and Regulatory Bodies: Organizations focusing on responsible gambling and economic development also influence the discourse. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission plays a crucial role in shaping regulations and ensuring that any expansion into online gambling includes measures to protect consumers and promote responsible gaming.
Gambling Responsibly Online in Maryland
While Maryland continues to explore the future of online gambling, it’s important to highlight the potential risks associated with casino gaming. Responsible gaming initiatives play a key role in protecting players and promoting safe gambling habits.
Maryland offers several problem gambling resources, including:
- Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling – Provides free counseling and support services (helpmygamblingproblem.org).
- National Problem Gambling Helpline – Call 1-800-GAMBLER for confidential 24/7 support.
- Self-Exclusion Programs – The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency allows players to self-ban from gambling activities (mdgaming.com).
What’s Next for Online Gambling in Maryland?
With lawmakers and industry stakeholders actively debating the legalization of online casinos, Maryland’s gambling landscape could see major changes in the coming years.
Proposed bills, such as those introduced in 2025, indicate a growing push for regulated iGaming that could generate significant tax revenue while offering safe gambling options for residents.
However, legislative hurdles remain, including concerns about problem gambling, market saturation, and competition with neighboring states.
As discussions evolve, Maryland may follow states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey in embracing online casinos, but for now, the future remains uncertain.
