For years, Maryland sports fans were stuck crossing borders or using offshore sites just to bet on a game. That finally changed in November 2022, when Maryland sports betting sites went live and brought legal options to bettors across the state. It was a long time coming, and interest in legal MD sportsbooks has only grown since.
Last updated: 8 August 2025, 02:45PM
Now that betting is live in the Old Line State, this page will help you make the most of it. We’re covering the betting markets, bonuses, regulations, and tax laws, along with how to bet smarter in your state. But first, let’s start with our Top List of Maryland Online Sportsbooks.
No platform makes our list unless it passes real-world tests. That means betting on it ourselves, checking how fast it pays out, and reviewing the full user experience on desktop and mobile. Here's a look at the core criteria we use to grade Maryland sportsbooks.
Every dollar spent on a licensed Maryland sportsbook can be traced back, something offshore platforms can’t offer. That's why we only list sites that are fully approved by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, with clear audit trails and responsible gaming tools.
Maryland punters have lost money to fake sites and unsecured apps that vanish overnight or leak user data. We look for security tools like SSL encryption, secure logins, account alerts, and privacy protection protocols.
MD betting sites come with plenty of bonuses, and we look at how many offers are available, their frequency, and whether they help you grow your bankroll instead of being unused because of confusing terms or short expiration windows.
Odds might seem insignificant, but they decide how much you win or lose while sports betting in Maryland. Our team compares lines across pro sports, college games, and niche bets to see which MD sportsbooks give you the best value.
Before recommending a Maryland betting site, we bet on it ourselves, placing everything from singles and parlays to in-play bets and props across multiple events. The best bookmakers not only offer variety but also update their odds and bet types in real-time during live games.
We check not only for smooth navigation, a clear UI, and quick loading times, but also for the availability of help via multiple channels, such as live chat, email, or phone. A combination of all these little details contributes to an enjoyable online betting experience.
Maryland legalized sports betting in 2021 following a 2020 statewide referendum that pushed the lawmakers to pass HB 940 in 2021. This opened the door for both retail and online sportsbooks, with oversight from the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA), which now regulates all betting operators in the state.
Sports betting in the state includes mobile app betting, which became widely accessible after online platforms launched in November 2022. Currently, there are 11 active online sportsbooks alongside several retail sportsbooks across casinos and off-track venues. Here is a breakdown of what the legalization process looked like:
May 14, 2018 – The U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), giving states the authority to legalize sports betting.
November 3, 2020 – Maryland voters approve a statewide referendum to allow sports betting.
May 18, 2021 – Governor Larry Hogan signs HB 940 into law, officially legalizing both retail and online bookmakers in the state.
December 9, 2021 – The first in-person bets are placed as retail betting locations launch at several Maryland casinos.
November 16, 2022 – Regulators issue mobile licenses to the first group of betting operators in Maryland.
November 23, 2022 – Mobile betting in the state goes live with seven approved online platforms.
MD residents over the legal betting age of 21 years can place real money online bets, provided they are physically located within state lines. MD bookmakers offer bets on pro teams like the Ravens and Orioles, as well as local college teams such as the Terps. However, bets on high school games, underage esports, or college player props aren’t permitted.
February 20, 2025 – Maryland State Senator Joanne Benson introduced Senate Bill 1033, aiming to shut down legal online sports betting across the state.
May 12, 2025 – Maryland’s sports betting handle for April reached $513.7 million, marking a 5.6% increase from the previous year. Mobile app betting continued to lead the way, making up $501.4 million of the total.
July 10, 2025 - In a major policy change, a new tax structure took effect, according to which mobile sports betting operators now contribute 20 of taxable proceeds, up from 15.
Compared to neighbors like Delaware and Pennsylvania, Maryland’s tax obligations for sports bettors are relatively simple. You won’t face additional state income tax on your sports betting winnings, but federal rules still apply. If your payout tops $5,000 or is 300x your original bet, the IRS may withhold 24%.
As of July 10, 2025, mobile sports betting operators in Maryland now pay 20 of taxable proceeds, up from the previous 15. This change affects platforms, not players, and is intended to strengthen the state’s revenue model while keeping the market competitive.
Online Sports Betting Launch | November 23, 2022 |
Retail Sports Betting Launch | December 9, 2021 |
Legal Betting Age | 21+ |
Licensing Authority | Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency |
Sports Betting Apps (Online) | Yes |
Online Sports Betting | Yes |
Retail Sports Betting | Yes |
Online Casinos (iGaming) | No |
Remote Registration | Yes |
Esports Betting | No |
College Sports Betting | Yes - But no prop bets allowed on individual college athletes |
State Population | 6.18 million |
2024 Betting Handle | $6.219 billion |
Tax Rate on Winnings | 24% federal withholding; no additional state tax |
Operator Tax Rate | 20% on taxable revenue (effective July 2025) |
Getting the most out of sports betting in the Old Line State means understanding how platforms structure their bonuses and what terms come with them. Here are the most common bonuses and promotions at Maryland sports betting sites:
A welcome bonus is a deposit match or free bets that boost your first betting experience as soon as you sign up. It helps grow your bankroll early, but you’ll have to bet your bonus money a certain number of times before cashing out. For example, FanDuel Maryland’s “Bet $5, Get $200” bonus gives you $200 in bonus bets after your first qualifying wager.
With this promo, your first wager is protected because, if it loses, you’ll get the money back as site credit. It's excellent for new bettors who want to test the waters without stressing too much about their first pick. Just remember: refunds typically aren’t withdrawable and must be bet again. BetMGM in Maryland, for instance, offers up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if your premiere bet doesn’t win.
Super rare but valuable, a no-deposit bonus gives you free credit just for signing up, no payment required. These MD sports betting promos are perfect for getting a feel for a sportsbook with zero financial risk. However, they usually come with strict caps on withdrawals and low bonus amounts, so don’t expect a big payout.
An odds boost temporarily increases the payout on a particular bet, or example, turning a +100 line into +150. This means more profit without increasing your risk. They're often tied to popular teams or events and change daily, so it's worth checking in regularly. Just keep in mind that boosted bets may have max wager limits or can be excluded from other promos.
DraftKings Maryland frequently boosts odds on Ravens games, such as moving Lamar Jackson to score a TD from +120 to +160.
Loyalty programs reward you every time you place a bet, with points that can be redeemed for free bets, cashback, or VIP perks. Over time, these MD sportsbook promos add value, especially for regular bettors who are already active. Caesars Maryland, for example, ties its sportsbook loyalty to Caesars Rewards points, with perks across hotels and entertainment.
The Maryland sports betting market has grown steadily, with fans remaining loyal to their favorite teams and major leagues throughout the year. Below is an overview of the most bet-on sports, popular bet types, and trends at MD sportsbooks:
When it comes to Maryland sports betting handle, the NFL games usually take the top spot. More so because of the Baltimore Ravens’ recent playoff runs. While MD residents mostly like to bet on point spreads, moneylines, and player props, live bets, especially in fourth-quarter comebacks, tend to spike. This is probably because Maryland bettors have seen the Ravens pull off some memorable finishes.
Although Maryland doesn't have an NBA franchise, fans in the state often root for the Washington Wizards, whose recent steady improvement has kept the basketball betting interest alive. Player points totals, alternate spreads, and in-game wagers are popular, particularly during primetime games. A notable trend is how, to maximize potential payouts, Maryland bettors favor same-game parlays in playoff season.
The Baltimore Orioles led the AL East in wins during the 2024 regular season, a stat that reignited fan excitement in baseball betting across Maryland. Local support is especially high during home games at Oriole Park. Common betting picks at MD sportsbooks include first-inning totals, live inning-by-inning bets, and run lines during tight divisional matchups.
The Washington Capitals remain Maryland’s go-to team on the ice, drawing strong support from locals, especially during games with postseason implications. Popular bets include puck lines, under totals, and first-period scoring props, as fans look to capitalize on low-scoring clashes. The Stanley Cup Playoffs continue to dominate NHL betting handle in Maryland, especially during high-stakes elimination games and overtime thrillers.
College football and basketball have strong interests in Maryland, especially when it comes to the Terrapins. While bets on individual college athletes aren’t allowed here, you’ll still find plenty of action on point spreads and futures. Maryland ranked among the top 10 states in March Madness betting handle in 2024, showing how invested locals are in college sports betting.
Tennis is a growing favorite among Maryland sports bettors, especially during Grand Slam tournaments like the U.S. Open, which sees a noticeable spike in betting activity. While most people stick to simple match winner bets, the more experienced players often go for set betting, trying to guess exact scorelines like 2-1.. Top Maryland sportsbooks have definitely noticed this trend, offering a decent range of tennis markets to keep up with the demand.
Daily fantasy sports are legal in Maryland, with residents over 18 free to join contests across a wide range of sports. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission oversees all platforms, ensuring DFS sportsbooks operate fairly and that player rights are protected. Thanks to a modest $100 registration fee, the state has attracted several legal DFS providers, giving players more options without sacrificing regulation.
Popular platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, and PrizePicks are all active in Maryland, offering daily fantasy tournaments across major sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB, and PGA. These apps allow you to build virtual lineups under a salary cap and compete for prizes based on how your players perform in real games. It's a quicker, skill-based format that appeals to casual fans and nerdy sports enthusiasts.
Getting started is simple for DFS bettors; just create an account, verify your age and Maryland location, and pick a contest. Many platforms also offer DFS mobile betting, making it easy to join or manage lineups right from your phone.
You’ll want to start with a licensed sportsbook to enjoy online sports betting in Maryland. Here’s how to register and place your first bet without hassle:
1. Choose a legal Maryland sportsbook from the options we have listed on this page. Licensed platforms not only offer better security but also make the betting process easier.
2. Next, create your account by entering personal details like your name, birthdate, and email address to get started.
3. Now that you have an account, upload a valid photo ID to verify your identity and confirm you’re at least 21 years old, as Maryland law mandates.
4. Once verified, head to the cashier section and deposit funds using accepted payment methods such as debit cards, PayPal, or online bank transfers - credit cards aren’t allowed.
5. Finally, browse the available betting markets, pick your favorite team or event, enter your wager amount, and place your first bet with confidence.
Imagine live-streaming the game on your phone, placing a quick in-game bet just as the second quarter starts, while answering your emails on your way back home. This isn't a stretch for mobile sports bettors in Maryland; it’s an everyday reality.
Whether you're using iOS or Android, these apps allow full account access, live betting, and cashout features, and can easily be downloaded from the Google Play or App Store.
Below are some of the leading MD mobile betting apps available to Maryland bettors in 2025 and what's unique about them. Many of these apps also offer exclusive mobile-only promotions, such as enhanced odds or risk-free bets, to encourage betting on the go.
FanDuel Sportsbook: Mobile-only promotions.
DraftKings Sportsbook: Early cashout options and exclusive mobile bonuses.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Real-time odds updates and mobile risk-free bets.
Caesars Sportsbook: Mobile boosts and extensive live betting markets.
BetRivers Sportsbook: Bet builder tool and fast withdrawal options.
It only took one move to legalize sports betting and unlock the massive potential that Maryland residents had for years. Now that the floodgates are open, the appetite for legal, regulated wagering is clear, and with the law allowing for up to 60 licensed operators, the market is just getting warmed up.
Of course, as new platforms enter the mix, policy tweaks and tax rate changes will need to stay bettor-friendly and responsive to a fast-moving industry. But overall, the state is headed in the right direction, and our team has already done the heavy lifting to highlight the best Maryland sports betting sites that are both safe and rewarding. Just scroll up and sign up using the link today.
FAQs - Maryland Betting