Maryland Sports Betting
With up to 60 online sports betting licenses and 47 retail licenses available, the state of Maryland has the potential to be one of the biggest sports betting markets in the US. Since sports betting was legalized in 2020, dozens of online and retail betting operators have launched, including some of the biggest sportsbooks in the US and smaller local options.
Read our complete guide to see why sports betting is so popular among MD players, details on the wide range of sports available, and some of the best operators you can use legally.
Top Maryland Sportsbooks for 2025
1. DraftKings Sportsbook
After launching as a Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) provider in 2012, DraftKings jumped into sports betting in 2018 as the first online sportsbook to launch outside of Nevada. DraftKings Sportsbook is available in more US states than any other platform. It provides generous odds on a wide range of popular markets, like the major leagues and niche sports, including cornhole.
DraftKings has several features that support its standard sports betting, including DraftKings Social, which allows you to interact with other players and see their bets through DraftKings. You can also enter pools, play DraftKings Dynasty, and access DFS games through one shared account wallet.
2. FanDuel Sportsbook
There are plenty of features offered by FanDuel Sportsbook that will appeal to Maryland bettors, including its integration with DFS and horse racing betting. FanDuel also provides NHL and NBA live streaming, allowing you to watch two major leagues while betting.
Through FanDuel TV, which you can access with FanDuel Sportsbook, you can access dozens of sports betting and sports-related broadcasts, including Up & Adams. The sportsbook also provides free-play games where you can earn cash prizes and a wide selection of odds-boosted same-game parlays.
3. BetMGM Sportsbook
As a partnership between MGM Resorts and Entain, BetMGM has plenty of experience to rely on to support its luxurious sportsbook. MGM Resorts operates the MGM Grand National Harbor casino, where you can find a retail BetMGM sportsbook. You can also redeem MGM Rewards points from betting to claim discounted meals and hotel stays. You can join the MGM Rewards program for free when you sign up for the betting platform.
BetMGM is also the official betting partner of the Baltimore Ravens, providing exclusive promotions and betting lines on the team. You can also find Ravens’ rewards through the MGM Rewards program.
4. Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Entertainment, the operator of Caesars Sportsbook, is one of the largest casino operators in the US and runs the Horseshoe Casino Baltimore. When you sign up with Caesars Sportsbook, you are enrolled in the Caesars Rewards program and can use the loyalty points you earn for discounts and perks at Horseshoe Casino.
Caesars is an official betting partner of the Baltimore Ravens, offering plenty of odds boosts and promotions on games featuring the team. The betting platform also lets you live stream NFL games on Sundays, so you can watch games while betting.
5. BetRivers Sportsbook
After partnering with Bingo World in Baltimore, BetRivers Sportsbook launched its online sportsbook in November 2022. The betting site supplies a wide range of live streaming options for sports worldwide, including tennis, soccer, table tennis, darts, and many more.
6. ESPN BET
Through its operator, PENN Entertainment, ESPN BET took the license of PENN’s previous betting platform, Barstool Sportsbook, and launched it in November 2023. The sportsbook offers a range of daily odds boosts, including options based on recent news and exclusive price increases.
7. Fanatics Sportsbook
Fanatics Sportsbook has been operating in Maryland since January 2023, when it opened a retail sportsbook at FedEx Field, home of the Washington Commanders. Its online sportsbook went live in August 2023. When you play with Fanatics Sportsbook, you can earn FanCash through the loyalty program to buy official sports merchandise.
9. Crab Sports
A Maryland-exclusive sportsbook, Crab Sports, was launched in July 2023 and is operated in partnership with Gaming Innovation Group (GiG). You can buy lots of Crab Sports merchandise on the sportsbook site through an agreement with Route One Apparel.
10. BetPARX
BetPARX offers customers its unique Quick Bets feature, where the online sportsbook will suggest parlays based on your previous betting history and an element of randomness. The operator also runs a retail sportsbook, the Greene Turtle betPARX Sportsbook, in Baltimore.
11. LetsBetMD Sportsbook
Operated by Veterans Services Corporation and Bee-Fee, LetsBetMD offers players a range of esports betting options. It covers popular games, including League of Legends and Counter-Strike.
Legal Landscape of Maryland Sports Betting
In Maryland, online and retail sports betting are legal. If you want to play online, you can use a desktop site, mobile site, or mobile app to access sportsbooks. Every sportsbook that operates in Maryland legally must be licensed by the Sports Wagering Application Review Committee (SWARC). The SWARC is an organization backed by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA), which oversees sports betting in the state.
You can also play by visiting retail sportsbooks at sports stadiums, casinos, horse racing tracks, horse racing betting sites, and bingo halls. These operations also require oversight from the MLGCA and its associated organizations.
Key Legislation and Regulations Governing in Maryland Sports Betting
Several types of online betting are legal in MD, including sports betting, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), and pari-mutuel horse racing betting. After the US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), each state could make its own sports betting legislation.
However, online sports betting in Maryland was banned through the state constitution, so any legislation required a motion to put sports betting on the voter ballot. In 2020, lawmakers passed HB 940 to legalize online and retail sports betting, which passed voter approval by a 2:1 margin.
The law allowed for 60 online sports betting licenses and 47 retail licenses, allowing players to bet on a wide range of sports, including allowing all types of bets on approved NCAA events. However, player prop betting was subsequently banned in 2024.
Maryland Sports Betting License System
There are several types of sports betting licenses in Maryland, with 60 online licenses available. All the classes of retail licenses can apply for an online skin, with each retail operator entitled to one online license. Find out more about the retail licenses in MD below.
Class A-1 License
Class A licenses are available to MD major league sports teams, casinos, horse racing tracks, and large video lottery operators. Class A-1 licenses are available to those sports teams and racing tracks, as well as any casino with more than 1,000 slots.
Class A-2 License
The Class A-2 license is available to any casino with fewer than 1,000 slot machines. The benefit of having a Class A license is that a Class B license holder can’t open within a certain distance of a Class A facility.
Class B-1 License
Any eligible horse racing, simulcast, and bingo betting company can apply for a B-1 license. A class B-1 license is available to eligible companies that employ more than 25 people and earn over $3 million in yearly revenue.
Class B-2 License
Any horse racing, bingo, or simulcast company that falls below B-1 license requirements can claim a B-2 license and offer retail sports betting.
Maryland Sports Betting Timeline
2018
In May 2018, the US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), allowing US states to determine individual sports betting laws. Maryland lawmakers introduced HB 989 to put the question of legalizing sports betting to a voter referendum, which passed the House but died in the Senate.
2019
A state attorney makes it clear to lawmakers that any decision to legalize sports betting will have to pass a public vote after lawmakers discuss the potential of legalizing sports betting without amending the state constitution. No significant progress was made in legalizing betting.
2020
Three sports betting bills were introduced in 2020: SB 4, SB 58, and HB 225. The bills succeeded in getting the question of legalizing sports betting onto the November ballot. Maryland residents approved the legalization of sports betting by a 2:1 margin.
2021
Maryland lawmakers progressed HB 940 to Governor Larry Hogan, who signed online and retail sports betting into law in April. After a cooling period, the bill became law in July. The first retail sportsbooks launched in December after receiving licenses the month prior.
2022
Online sports betting in Maryland launched on November 23, with operators like DraftKings, Caesars, FanDuel, and BetMGM going live.
2023
The NFL’s Washington Commanders opened a retail sportsbook at FedEx Field with Fanatics Sportsbook in Maryland.
2024
Several online sportsbooks like PointsBet, Betfred, and SuperBook Sports withdrew from Maryland.
Future of Sports Betting in Maryland
While a few operators have left the Maryland market recently, more launches are expected in the near future. Betr was awarded a license in June 2024 and the launch of Bally Bet Sportsbook is imminent. A bill to legalize online casinos, SB 306, narrowly failed in 2024. However, momentum for this type of gambling is growing, paving the way for legalization in 2026 (the next time voters can vote to change the state constitution and allow online casinos).
How to Bet on Sports in Maryland
It’s straightforward to start betting in Maryland. If you meet the legal requirements, you can visit a retail sportsbook or use an online sportsbook of your choice and start betting. You can usually create an account and get going in minutes. Here’s everything you need to know about betting in MD.
Online Sportsbooks vs. Retail Locations: Pros and Cons
There are benefits to betting online and visiting a retail sportsbook, which suits you best depending on personal preference. With online sportsbooks, you can play anywhere in Maryland and get easy access to promotions like bonus bets. Meanwhile, retail sportsbooks have a social atmosphere, with TVs showing live sports and easy access to amenities while providing faster payouts on your winning bets.
Registration Process: Step-by-Step Guide
While you must provide plenty of information to sign up with Maryland Sportsbooks, you can complete this process in minutes. Follow our simple guide below to fly through your sign-up.
- Choose one of our recommended sportsbooks by reading our detailed reviews and follow the links on this page to visit the site.
- Start the registration process and provide your name, address, date of birth, email, phone number, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. Agree to the terms and conditions of your chosen sportsbook to complete your sign-up, ensuring you meet Maryland’s legal sports betting age.
- Many sportsbooks will provide welcome bonuses to new players. You can claim these bonuses during registration by making a minimum deposit or bet. Every bonus is different, so check the requirements for the promo to claim it correctly.
- Go to the cashier section of your online sportsbook and choose to deposit. Select a payment method and enter the required details to add this option to your account. Decide how much to deposit and confirm to receive your funds almost instantly.
- Browse the sports and events available with your sportsbook and choose what suits you.
- Pick a bet and add it to your bet slip. Determine the amount you want to bet and confirm this to place your wager.
- If your bet wins, you’ll receive your stake back and profit. Go back to the cashier section and choose to withdraw. If your deposit method is eligible for withdrawals, you don’t need to add any additional information and can use this option to withdraw. However, you can also add a new payment method if necessary.
- Most US sportsbooks will use American odds to display how much you can win from a bet quickly. With American odds, a minus (-) symbol with a three-digit number indicates how much you need to bet to make a profit of $100. A plus (+) symbol with a three-digit number tells you how much you can profit if you bet $100.
Maryland Betting Age Requirements and Restrictions
As with all legal sports betting states, there are restrictions on who can bet. You must be 21 or older to bet on sports, although you only need to be 18 to play the lottery, horse racing betting, DFS, and bingo. There are four different classes of retail licenses and an online license, which impact where you can bet but have no effect on the legal gambling age you need to be to bet in MD.
How to Get Started with Maryland Sportsbook Bonuses
We recommend browsing our site and reading our reviews to find the best promotions available in Maryland. Don’t just look at the big numbers on the front of the bonus. Check out the terms and conditions and look for sites offering low wagering requirements to increase your chances of profiting. Finally, when you claim bonuses, you should deposit as much as possible within your means to maximize the rewards on offer.
Popular Betting Markets in Maryland
NFL Betting in Maryland
You can live stream Sunday NFL games through Caesars Sportsbook, with BEtMGM also providing MD bettors with some NFL live streams. BetMGM also allows you to choose the Baltimore Ravens in the Select Your Squad promo and earn exclusive promos to bet on the team. Even if you don’t pick the Ravens with this feature, BetMGM is an official betting partner of the Ravens and allows you to earn real-life rewards like game-day experiences through the MGM Rewards program.
Additionally, Maryland is one of the US states that allows betting on the NFL Draft.
NBA Betting in Maryland
There are no NBA franchises in Maryland, but local bettors still have teams to support, often cheering for franchises from neighboring states like the Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers. Caesars is an official betting partner of the Wizards and provides exclusive odds and bonuses for games featuring the team, including chances to win Wizards-related rewards through the Caesars Rewards program. FanDuel delivers a selection of NBA live streams you can watch while placing bets, including analysis shows hosted by former NBA players.
MLB Betting in Maryland
DraftKings and FanDuel are official betting partners of the MLB and will provide exclusive odds and promotions on MLB games throughout the season. Additionally, BetMGM Sportsbook allows you to live stream MLB games if you have an account, making it a top option for MLB bettors in Maryland.
NHL Betting in Maryland
If you enjoy betting on the NHL, you have plenty of options in Maryland. FanDuel has provided NHL live streaming since 2020, while Caesars is an official betting partner of the NHL. You can earn VIP NHL experiences through the Caesars Rewards program, including for teams in nearby states to MD, like the Philadelphia Flyers.
Maryland Sports Teams to Bet On
Baltimore Ravens (NFL) Betting
The Baltimore Ravens joined the NFL as an expansion franchise in 1996, giving Maryland its first NFL team since the Colts relocated to Indianapolis. The Ravens have been very successful since joining the AFC North, winning the Super Bowl in 2001 and 2013. That success continues with two-time MVP Lamar Jackson under center for the team, with many hopeful fans backing the team to win the Super Bowl.
There are several factors you should consider before betting on the Ravens to find success. Injuries will indicate the team’s chances of winning and how it may play. For example, if a top wide receiver is injured, the Ravens may rely more on the run game, so it may be worth looking at props for rushing yards. Additionally, it’s worth considering whether the team is at home or away or playing a rival like the Steelers or Browns.
Baltimore Orioles (MLB) Betting
Starting as the Milwaukee Brewers in 1894, it took decades for the MLB franchise to move to Baltimore. After moving from Milwaukee, the franchise spent over 50 years as the St. Louis Browns before moving to Baltimore and taking on the Orioles name in 1954. The O’s most successful period has come since its move to Baltimore, with the franchise winning three World Series. The team is regularly a threat in the postseason, winning the AL East Division in 2023.
Like when betting on the Ravens, it’s essential to consider a range of factors when betting on the Orioles, including the health of the roster. It’s harder to predict high-profile games with rivals like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, so it’s worth considering this when betting.
What sportsbook has the best odds for Maryland-based teams?
Which sportsbook has the top odds will vary between bet types and games, so we recommend signing up with a few of the best platforms and shopping around to find the best prices. Generally, BetRivers has some of the best odds you can find for MLB markets, particularly generous lines on point spreads, making it a great choice for fans wanting to bet on the Baltimore Orioles.
Meanwhile, we suggest looking at FanDuel and Caesars for odds involving the Baltimore Ravens, as the sportsbooks often compete to provide the highest-value lines.
Betting on Maryland’s Local College Teams: What You Need to Know
Most US sportsbooks will provide sports betting for D1 football and basketball, with some platforms also offering baseball lines. As in-state college team betting is available, you can bet on popular local programs like the University of Maryland Terrapins, the Towson University Tigers, and the Morgan State University Bears. The Terrapins are in the 20 top college programs in the US by most NCAA national team championships.
Maryland is also home to the United States Naval Academy Navy Midshipmen, which compete in one of the most popular college football games of the year, the annual Army-Navy Game. You’ll find odds for this event at top Maryland sportsbooks.
Prohibited Sports Betting Markets
While Maryland sportsbooks allow you to bet on a wide range of sports, the state prohibits betting on certain sports events. For example, fixed-odds horse racing is illegal. Betting on high school sports is also prohibited. While betting on college sports is allowed, you can’t place player props. Additionally, Maryland sportsbooks are prevented from supplying odds for non-sports events and any sports events not approved by the MLGCA.
College Sports Betting Rules and Regulations in Maryland
College sports betting rules in Maryland allow you to wager on various NCAA events, including games featuring teams based in MD. However, you can no longer place player prop bets on college sports events to protect athletes from the pressures gambling can bring.
Types of Bets Available in Maryland
Maryland sportsbooks provide all the bet types you’d expect, including moneylines, point spreads, totals, futures, and props. You can combine many of these bets into parlays or same-game parlays or use teaser bets to adjust lines to suit your needs. Notably, player prop bets are unavailable on college sports events as of March 1, 2024.
Responsible Gambling in Maryland
Sports betting is a great form of entertainment, but it should always be enjoyed responsibly and safely. Maryland sportsbooks will provide players with resources to help control their gambling, including advice, account tools, and guidance to state-specific support organizations.
Self-Exclusion Program and How to Access
The Maryland Voluntary Exclusion Program allows you to prohibit yourself from online and retail sports betting. You can join the program by visiting the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency or any MD casino and conducting an interview with an MLGCA staff member.
Betting Limits, Cool-Off Periods, and Other Tools
Maryland sportsbooks are required to provide account tools to players to help control their gambling. Deposit, withdrawal, loss, and other limits are available, and customers can apply them to stop themselves from adding or losing money. Additionally, many betting sites allow players to temporarily ban themselves from their accounts or limit their account time. Additionally, sportsbooks offer educational resources and guides to help bettors spot the signs of problem gambling and stay in control.
Resources for Problem Gambling and Support Services
Anyone who is struggling with problem gambling should feel free to use local resources like those listed below for support:
Sports Betting Promotions and Bonuses in Maryland
1. DraftKings Sportsbook
If you follow the links on this page and sign up with DraftKings Sportsbook Maryland, you can earn up to $150 when you place a qualifying bet of $5. You’ll get six bonus bets worth $25, which you can use to bet on sports and withdraw any profits.
2. FanDuel Sportsbook
When you sign up with FanDuel Maryland, you can earn up to $150 in bonus bets if your first wager of $5 wins. You don't receive any rewards if your first wager doesn’t win. You must make a $10 minimum deposit to claim this promo.
3. BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM Maryland provides new customers $1,500 in bonus bets to cover their losses on their first wager. Players can then use these bonus bets to place wagers and withdraw any profits. If your first bet wins, you don’t get rewards.
Maryland Sportsbook Welcome Offers for New Users
A welcome bonus is a promotion only available to new players at an online sportsbook. These generous rewards are designed to encourage customers to sign up and start playing. You should always try to claim a welcome bonus when signing up with an MD sportsbook and understand the terms and conditions to make the most of the offer.
We recommend learning wagering requirements, which tell you how many times you need to use your funds before you can withdraw, and other terms work to find the promotions that suit your betting style best.
Tax Implications for Maryland Bettors
Sports betting winnings in the US are counted as income and are therefore taxed no matter where you play. You have to pay federal tax on your sports betting winnings, which is the same in every US state, as well as Maryland income taxes. Below, we’ll break down exactly what you need to pay.
How Winnings are Taxed in Maryland
Federal tax on sports betting winnings sits at 24%, no matter how much or little you win. Your betting winnings are counted as income and are taxed along with the rest of your income from 2% up to 5.75%, depending on your income.
Reporting Requirements and Legal Obligations
No matter how little you win, you must declare your winnings on a federal level to the IRS. If you win over $600, your sportsbook will also provide you with a W-2G form to fill out.
Additionally, you must declare all your winnings on a state level, filling out a 502D Personal Declaration of Estimated Income Tax form if you win between $500 and $5,000 within 60 days of your win. Non-residents who win between $500 and $5,000 must complete a 505 Non-Resident Income Tax Return form in the same period.
How Does Maryland’s Sports Betting Landscape Compare to Neighboring States
| State | Legal Status | Tax Rate | College Betting | Retail Betting | Online Betting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | Legal | 2%-5.75% | Allowed - player prop bets prohibited | Allowed at casinos, sports stadiums, horse racing tracks, bingo halls, and horse racing betting locations | State-wide |
| Pennsylvania | Legal | 3.07% | Allowed - player prop bets prohibited | Allowed at casinos and racing tracks | State-wide |
| West Virginia | Legal | 2.36%-5.12% | Allowed | Allowed at casinos | State-wide |
| Virginia | Legal | 2%-5.75% | Allowed - betting on in-state teams prohibited | Allowed at casinos | State-wide |
| Washington D.C. | Legal | 4%-10.75% | Allowed - betting on in-District teams and events hosted in the District prohibited | Allowed at sports stadiums and bars | State-wide |
FAQs: Maryland Sports Betting
Is sports betting legal in Maryland?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Maryland. You can sign up with an online sportsbook licensed by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency and play anywhere in Maryland you have a connection. Alternatively, you can visit a retail sportsbook.
When did online sports betting launch in Maryland?
Online sports betting in Maryland launched on November 23, 2022, 18 months after Governor Larry Hogan signed HB 940 to legalize online and retail sports betting. Seven online sportsbooks were available on launch, although two of these sites (Barstool and PointsBet) are no longer available.
Who can place a real-money sports bet in Maryland?
You must be over 21 and located within Maryland’s borders to place a real-money sports bet in MD. You can’t be on the state’s gambling self-exclusion list and also cannot play if you work for a professional or college sports team as a player, coach, or staff member.
Which regulatory body oversees sports betting in Maryland?
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) regulates sports betting in Maryland. Any sportsbook operating legally in the Old Line State must receive a license from the MLGCA-backed Sports Wagering Application Review Commission and pass strict tests to meet high standards for player safety.
How many online sportsbooks are available in Maryland?
The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission licenses 12 online sportsbooks, which operate in MD under the guidance of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. A maximum of 60 online sports betting licenses are available in the state.
Can I bet in other states or Washington D.C.?
Yes, you can bet in any US jurisdiction that allows online sports betting if you follow local regulations, use licensed sportsbooks, and meet eligibility requirements. You must be within the jurisdiction’s borders where you want to play at all times while using a site licensed by that jurisdiction’s regulator.
What options do players have for depositing and withdrawing funds?
Your options for deposits and withdrawals will vary between sportsbooks, but many betting platforms partner with payment providers you’ll recognize from day-to-day life. Bank cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, as well as e-wallets like PayPal and gambling-specific options such as Play+.
Can I bet on college sports in Maryland?
Maryland sportsbooks are permitted to offer wagering on college sports events, including games that include college programs from within the state. However, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency prevents player prop betting on NCAA events.
Do you have to live in Maryland to use Maryland sportsbooks?
No, you don’t need to live in Maryland to use an MD sportsbook. However, you must always be within Maryland’s borders to play with platforms licensed by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency’s body. Your online sportsbook will require access to your geolocation services to prove this.
Oddschecker View of Maryland Sports Betting
Online and retail sports betting are legal in Maryland and provide you with a wide range of sports for betting. While the college sports betting market has become slightly more restrictive, you can still bet on in-state teams with SWARC-licensed platforms, as well as plenty of professional sports. One of the benefits of betting in Maryland is that retail sportsbooks can open at a wide range of locations, meaning there are more options for players who enjoy this type of betting.
With online casinos likely to be legalized in 2026, more operators joining like Bally Bet and Betr, and plenty of licenses available, the Maryland sports betting market looks set to grow in the next few years.