Sports betting is live in Maryland as of November 23rd, 2022. BetMGM became the first sportsbook in the state when it went live at the MGM National Harbor Casino. They are joined by FanDuel, DraftKings, PointsBet, Caesars and BetRivers who all started accepting online wagers on the same day.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Maryland?
Online sports betting is legal in Maryland, and the sites above started accepting legal online wagers as of November 23rd. You can wager at a retail sportsbook in Maryland, but it’s going to take some time before online sites are available.
Maryland officially legalized sports betting back in April 2021 after years of work from lawmakers in the state. While in-person sports betting is the only option right now, there could be at least 60 mobile licenses available in Maryland, which would create a massive industry.
Gaming Control Agency
The Maryland Gaming Commission has been tasked with regulating sports betting in Maryland, which was included in the law to make this a legal betting option. The Maryland Gaming Commission has different committees playing different roles in regulation.
Top Licenses MD Sports Betting Sites
The Maryland Lottery has a role in Maryland’s new sports betting industry, but specific commissions were created to regulate this industry. The Maryland sports betting law clarified what properties were eligible for a license.
Up to 60 online licenses will be available in Maryland, and there will be a strict process for how these licenses are granted to offer online betting in Maryland.
BetMGM Sports Betting Maryland
BetMGM should become a leader in the state as it is associated with the casino at MGM National Harbor. This sports betting arm of MGM Resorts International is getting a late start on some other operators, but it has been able to catch up quickly.
BetMGM has a terrific loyalty rewards program, and it will come into Maryland with a solid welcome offer as well.
| 🎁 BetMGM Maryland Welcome Offer: | First Bet Insurance Up To $1,000 In Free Bets Bonus Code: USBETTING |
| 🏁 Launch Date: | November 23rd, 2022 |
| 🇺🇸 States Available In: | Arizona, Colorado, Washington DC, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia & Wyoming |
| 📱 App Offered: | Yes |
✔ $1,000 First Bet Offer
✔ Ravens & Orioles Odds Boosts
✔ Superb Maryland App
Caesars Sports Betting Maryland
Caesars Sportsbook is offering $100 in Free Bets if you deposit $20 but also up to $1,500 in first bet insurance if you wager $100 or more which makes the most generous welcome offer in the state of Maryland.
All you have to do is to click the link below and make sure to use promo code USBR to get full advantage of this welcome offer.
| 🎁 Caesars Maryland Welcome Offer: | $100 in Free Bets Promo Code: USBRPICS |
| 🏁 Launch Date: | November 23rd, 2022 |
| 🇺🇸 States Available In: | Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia & Wyoming |
| 📱 App Offered: | Yes |
✔ $100 Free Bet
✔ Generous Promotions
✔ Attentive Customer Support
DraftKings Sports Betting Maryland
DraftKings Sportsbook is one of the biggest names in the online sports betting industry. DraftKings was once known solely for DFS (daily fantasy sports) gaming, but it has become a market leader for sports betting in the United States.
The mobile app at DraftKings Sportsbook Maryland is highly rated, and it is known for having great promotions and competitive betting lines and odds.
| 🎁 DraftKings Maryland Welcome Offer: | Bet $5 On Any Sport, Get $200 In Free Bets |
| 🏁 Expected Launch Date: | November 23rd, 2022 |
| 🇺🇸 States Available In: | Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming |
| 📱 App Offered: | Yes, mobile app on both Android and iOS. |
✔ $150 in Bonus Bets
✔ Favorite NFL Team Option
✔ Same-Game Parlays on all Sports
PointsBet Sports Betting Maryland
PointsBet Sportsbook has become a household name in the U.S. even though this company was founded in Australia. PointsBet is known for doing things a bit differently, especially when it comes to betting options and promotions.
There is a massive welcome offer from PointsBet, and you can try out the points betting option with that bonus. There is a mobile app available as well, and it comes on Android and iOS devices.
| 🎁 PointsBet Maryland Welcome Offer | 5 x $100 Second Chance Bets |
| 🏁 Expected Launch Date: | Fall 2022/Early 2023 |
| 🇺🇸 States Available In: | Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, West Virginia |
| 📱 App Offered: | Yes |
✔ $250 Second Chance Bets
✔ Name-a-bet option
✔ Highly competitive odds
FanDuel Sports Betting Maryland
FanDuel Sportsbook is the online leader in terms of market share for online sportsbooks. FanDuel has a terrific mobile app, and it is known for having a wide range of betting options.
There is an excellent welcome offer from FanDuel Sportsbook, and a long list of daily and weekly promotions can be found on the site. This is also an operator with a terrific customer service department that handles issues quickly.
| 🎁 FanDuel Maryland Welcome Offer | Bet $5, Get $200 in Free Bets |
| 🏁 Expected Launch Date: | November 23rd, 2022 |
| 🇺🇸 States Available In: | Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia & West Virginia |
| 📱 App Offered: | Yes, Android and iOS |
✔ $1,000 Bonus Bet
✔ Ravens odds boosts
✔ Superb Mobile App
Unibet Sports Betting Maryland
Unibet Sportsbook is an international operator, but it has had success in other states in Arizona and Indiana. Maryland will be a target for Unibet, and this sportsbook should offer more international betting options than some other states.
Unibet has leveraged its sterling international reputation in the domestic sports betting market. Another advantage of this site is that it will be setting its own lines.
| 🎁 Expected Online Offer: | $500 Risk-Free bet |
| 🏁 Expected Launch Date: | Fall 2022/Early 2023 |
| 🇺🇸 States Available In: | Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia |
| 📱 App Offered: | Yes |
✔ $1,000 First Bet Offer
✔ Ravens & Orioles Odds Boosts
✔ Superb Maryland App
Sportsbooks That Could Launch Later:
With up to 60 online sports betting licenses available, other sites will launch after the first wave goes live. The top sportsbooks should go first, but sports bettors will have more options available to them later on.
Barstool Sportsbook is one app that should eventually go live, and FOX Bet could join that list as well. This will be a competitive market, but many apps want to enter Maryland to offer sports betting.
Sports Betting Apps Maryland
Sports betting apps will also be available when online sports betting launches in Maryland. This has become the most popular way to wager on sports, and Maryland could see plenty of highly-rated apps.
Mobile apps mirror online betting sites, and you will be able to sign up for an account and make banking transactions at these online sites.
Mobile Sports Betting in Maryland
When all of the top online sportsbook apps live in Maryland, three sites will stand out above the rest. BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel Sportsbook have built up a rivalry throughout the other states and will continue in Maryland.
All three of these apps will have features helping set them apart, but there will also be many similarities.
Promotions & Bonus Offers From Maryland Sports Betting
When online sportsbooks launch in Maryland, you will see plenty of bonuses and promotions being offered. Sportsbooks offer these promotions to attract customers and give them a bonus for signing up on the site.
Here are some of the top types of Maryland bonuses and promotions to be looking for.
Risk-Free Bets
Risk-free bets are going to be a common promotion offered by these sites. Think of this promotion as an insurance policy as your first wager of the site will be risk-free.
The biggest advantage of this type of promotion is making a large wager and significantly limiting risk. The only disadvantage is the free bets cannot be taken out, and you will have to wager that amount again before making a withdrawal.
Deposit Match
A deposit match is generally considered one of the best available promotions. This type of promotion can be for new and existing customers, which is a huge advantage.
Sportsbooks will offer a specific percentage match or a deposit match up to a certain dollar amount. Getting a reload deposit match is a huge bonus for returning customers needing to add money to place bets.
Referral Bonuses
A referral bonus is offered to existing customers as sportsbooks seek to gain additional customers. Simply sharing your referral link to friends could unlock a pretty terrific bonus.
The biggest advantage of this type of bonus is you have to do very little work to receive the bonus funds. The only negative is bonus funds are paid out as free bets, and you simply aren’t receiving free money.
Odds Boosts
Another common bonus or promotion you will find is what is known as an odds boost. This is only for existing customers, as odds boosts can be found on the betting lines that have already been set.
Getting boosted odds for a game can be a huge advantage as you will receive a larger payout if you win that bet. The only negative is sportsbooks will choose the games they wish to boost the odds.
✔ $150 in Bonus Bets
✔ Favorite NFL Team Option
✔ Same-Game Parlays on all Sports
How To Choose A Maryland Online Sports Betting?
When choosing the best online gambling site, there will be a couple of specific features you should look out for. Each bettor will have their personal preference for these features, but some sites will stick out with what they offer.
Online Wagering
In Maryland, retail sports betting might have been the first option, which will soon be replaced when online sites go live. Those sportsbooks that can offer both retail and online betting options will be the top sportsbooks to go with.
Online wagering makes the sports betting process much simpler, and bets can be placed much quicker as well. Retail will always be an option, but online wagering provides a better experience.
Variety Of Bets Allowed
Another feature you want to look for when choosing an online sportsbook is the variety of allowed bets. This includes both sports you can wager on and the different betting types you will find.
Sportsbooks will be adding different sports and betting options moving forward, and it’s always a good idea to check out the newest additions.
Competitive Lines and Odds
Sports betting in Maryland will be extremely competitive, especially when it comes to mobile betting. Sportsbooks can stand out by offering the best lines and odds in the industry.
The more betting options in Maryland, the better the odds and lines will be. As a customer, you will want to seek out the sportsbooks with the best betting odds and lines to ensure you are getting your best offer.
Frequency Of Betting Bonuses
Another thing that helps a mobile app stand out is the frequency of bonuses and promotions. It’s an added boost if these bonuses and promotions are offered for returning customers.
Friendly User Interface
A friendly user interface is a fancy phrase, but it simply means looking for sites that are easy to use. When thinking about this, the speed and quickness of a site’s load times are something to watch out for.
Online sports betting apps will typically mirror the online site, but they are usually much easier to use. Testing a mobile app before committing to that site is generally a great option.
Ease Of Deposits and Withdrawal
Banking at a mobile app is essential, and you want to find a site that has plenty of banking options available to you. You are no longer forced to use a credit/debit card to make a banking transaction, and most options will put money in your account in a matter of minutes.
Sites with the quickest withdrawal times and the most options are sites you will want to use.
Customer Support
If you ever encounter a problem when betting on sports online, you will have to reach out to customer support. The best sites in Maryland will have an extensive customer support team that can answer any of your questions or help solve your problems.
Sports gambling sites in Maryland offering live chat or email options are typically the sites with the best customer support.
✔ $1,000 Bonus Bet
✔ Ravens odds boosts
✔ Superb Mobile App
Bet Types & Sports Wagers At Legal Maryland Sportsbooks
| ✔️Moneyline | Moneyline betting is the most basic form of betting in this industry, as all you have to do is pick an individual or team that will win a particular matchup. This is a great bet for beginners to focus on because there isn’t a lot that goes into it. Picking the Orioles to beat the New York Yankees is an example of a moneyline bet. |
| ✔️Parlays | Parlay betting has become extremely popular in the United States, and sportsbooks in Maryland will see plenty of this type of wagering. This is a combination type of wager, and all of the legs of a parlay have to hit for that to be successful. Taking the Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans all to win on a specific day would be an example of a parlay wager. |
| ✔️Totals | Betting totals is sometimes known as over/under, and this type of wager only deals with points rather than which team wins or loses the game. Totals betting is extremely popular in both basketball and football games. Taking the Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics combining for over 216.5 points in an NBA matchup serves as an example of a totals bet. |
| ✔️Point Spreads | Betting against the spread is available with nearly every sport, but basketball and football see the most point spread bets. This type of betting requires bettors to pick the winner of a particular game and determine how far the final spread will be. Taking the Washington Football Team -3.5 over the Dallas Cowboys would be an example of a popular point spread bet in Maryland. In this instance, Washington would have to win by four or more points to cover the spread. |
| ✔️Futures | Futures betting is another great betting option, especially for those bettors with patience. The outcome of a futures bet usually isn’t going to happen until months down the road or at the end of a certain season. Taking the Ravens to win Super Bowl LVI would be an example of a futures bet. |
| ✔️Prop Bets | Prop betting became popular because of the Super Bowl, but these bets can now be placed throughout the regular season. Prop bets are unique wagers that sometimes have very little to do with the action on the field. Betting the over on Lamar Jackson 59.5 rushing yards is one example of an individual prop bet. |
| ✔️Live Bets | Live-betting has become extremely popular in the United States, especially when using a mobile sports betting app. All popular betting options will be available when it comes to live betting. Taking the Baltimore Orioles moneyline over the New York Yankees during the fifth inning would be an example of a live-betting option. |
| ✔️Prohibited Bets | An example of a prohibited bet would be something the Maryland Gaming Commission does not approve. Some states prohibit betting on esports or college sporting events, which is not the case in Maryland. |
| ✔️Sports Wagering | All of the wagers listed above would fall under the sports wagering category. New forms of sports wagering seem to emerge at all times, and different sportsbooks could have different options available. For a complete list of all options, it is best to check out each specific sportsbook. |
Maryland Sports To Bet
Football Betting
Football is the most popular sport to wager on in the United States, which will be the case in Maryland. Sportsbooks offer a wide range of NFL betting options, and college football games will also be featured.
The Washington Football Team is one of the top football teams in Maryland, but the Ravens are also popular. Both teams will draw plenty of betting action from September-February.
The NFL Playoffs, specifically the Super Bowl, and college football bowl season are two of the biggest events to wager on.
Basketball Betting
Basketball is another popular sport with bettors, especially at the professional level. Maryland is not specifically home to any professional team, but the Washington Wizards have a large following in the state.
The NBA regular season is 82 games long, providing plenty of betting opportunities. The NBA has also done a great job marketing itself to bettors and getting involved with sportsbooks.
Betting on professional basketball really heats up during the playoffs, and college basketball becomes more fun during the NCAA Tournament.
Baseball Betting
Major League Baseball attracts plenty of betting attention, and the Orioles are a team you can back- or fade- from your backyard.
The All-Star Game and the World Series are two massive events to generate betting action, but there are bettable games throughout the 162-game regular season.
Hockey Betting
Maryland sports fans have the Washington Capitals to not only root for, but place wagers on. NHL betting has started to pick up, and the league has done a good job of making a name in the sports betting industry.
Hockey becomes a popular sport to follow during the NHL Playoffs. This event is extremely exciting and fun to follow, and the sportsbooks will see a jump in action as well.
College Sports
Betting on college sporting events has been a hot topic of debate throughout the United States, but this was approved in Maryland. College basketball and college football are easily the two biggest markets for this type of wagering.
Betting on college sports will only increase over time, especially as sportsbooks look for different sports to feature on their online sites. The NCAA Tournament is the largest betting option found when betting on college sports.
✔ $250 Second Chance Bets
✔ Name-a-bet option
✔ Highly competitive odds
Maryland Teams To Bet
Baltimore Orioles – Major League Baseball
The Baltimore Orioles have underperformed in recent years, but they still enjoy a devoted following.
The Orioles play at historic Camden Yards, and that park is routinely filled with baseball fans. Playing in the AL East division means the Orioles play against popular teams like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.
Baltimore Ravens- National Football League
The Baltimore Ravens were founded in 1996, making them one of the newest teams to enter the league. It didn’t take long for football fans in Maryland to fall in love with this team, and the team has rewarded its fans with plenty of wins.
Baltimore has won two Super Bowls since 2001, and they are consistently one of the better teams in the league. If the Ravens are in the playoffs, they become an even bigger attraction at the sportsbook.
Washington football team – National Football League
The Washington Football Team will be unveiling a new team name soon, after dropping the Redskins a few years ago. Washington has a long history of success in the NFL, which has helped keep them extremely popular.
Washington competes in the NFC East Division, and there are some terrific rivalries between the teams in that league. Those rivalry games add plenty of excitement, which makes betting more interesting.
✔ $500 Welcome Bonus
✔ Daily Odds Boosts and Promos
✔ Reduced Juice
Other Popular Betting
Maryland Lottery
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency was founded in 1973 in Baltimore and is in charge of regulating and operating the Maryland Lottery. Players must be at least 18 years of age, unless they’re at, for example, the Ocean Downs Casino, where players must be 21 instead.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily fantasy sports are legal in Maryland, and the state also regulates this industry. This was included when lawmakers were looking to legalize sports betting. DraftKings and FanDuel are two of the biggest names with this form of wagering.
Horse Racing
Horse racing is big in Maryland due to being the home of the Preakness Stakes. Horse race betting is available at the racetracks, and this will also become a legal option at sportsbooks.
Elections
Betting on elections is not legal anywhere in the United States, and that includes in the state of Maryland. You won’t see any betting lines set on who will be elected as the next President of the United States. Some laws might be changed at some point, but don’t expect to see this changing soon.
Pop Culture Ceremonies
Betting on events such as the Grammy’s or the VMA’s might be fun, but it’s not legal in this state. Sportsbooks are only looking to offer betting on live sporting events, and this form of betting is banned per state law.
Esports
Governor Larry Hogan signed an esports bill into law back in 2019, which paved the way for sports betting to be legal. Only a few states in the U.S. allow betting on esports, but Maryland is one of them.
Maryland Sports Betting Legislation
Maryland began studying sports betting back in 2017 as the state created a task force to look at this industry closely. A bill advanced through the House in 2018, and it looked as if Maryland would become one of the first states to make this a legal option.
The Maryland state lottery explored sports betting in 2019, but those efforts fell short as well. Things started to heat up in 2020, and it became clear a sports betting bill would pass at some point.
House Bill 940 passed in April 2021, officially legalizing sports betting. It took less than eight months for a sports betting launch to occur.
Maryland Legal Sports Betting Legislation Timeline
- 2017: Taskforce implemented to study sports betting
- 2018: H 1014 introduced to legalize sports betting; Passes the House, fails in the Senate
- 2019: Maryland Lottery attempts to legalize sports betting; Efforts fail
- 2020: Two bills advance to the final stages. The decision left up to voters
- 2020: Voters approve of betting in Maryland
- 2021: The first retail sportsbooks launch
Maryland Sports Betting Revenue Projection
Experts predict that sports betting in Maryland will bring close to $100 million annually when the market is fully operational. Public education is expected to receive a majority of the profits.
Maryland Legal Sports Betting Tax Rate
The sportsbooks in Maryland will pay a 15% tax on the gross gaming revenue brought in each month. This is right around the average mark for other states in this industry but is much lower than some states that have applied a tax of over 50% to the revenue.
Who Regulates Sports Betting Sites Regulated?
The Maryland sports betting bill placed the Maryland Gaming Commission in charge of the sports betting industry. This is a big responsibility, and it starts by issuing retail sports betting licenses and then following that up with online licenses.
Maryland Sports Team Partners
Professional and college teams can partner with sports betting operators to generate more revenue and attract a larger fan base. Even though online sports betting could still be months away, some of these partnerships have already happened.
PointsBet Sportsbook: Maryland Terrapins
The University of Maryland and its sports teams have announced a partnership with PointsBet Sportsbook. PointsBet has made similar deals with other colleges and universities, which could significantly impact the teams at Maryland.
Baltimore Ravens: Caesars Sportsbook, BetMGM
The Ravens have already formed a partnership with Caesars Sportsbook and BetMGM, and more could be on the way. Teams from the NFL have been aggressive in sports betting, and the Ravens are no different.
How to Deposit and Withdraw from Maryland Sports Betting Sites
Any form of banking found at online sites in Maryland will be safe and secure, and most processes will be extremely quick. Each sportsbook will have its options, but many similar options will be shared between the sites.
Using a credit/debit card will continue to be an option, but better options are now available. PayPal has emerged as an option found on most sites, allowing for money to be transferred quickly.
Getting your winnings quickly will be another thing to look for when choosing a site. Once you have won some money by betting on sports, you will want that money in your account.
✔ $150 in Bonus Bets
✔ Favorite NFL Team Option
✔ Same-Game Parlays on all Sports
Payment Methods Accepted On Maryland Sports Betting Sites:
- 💳 PayPal
- 💳 Visa
- 💳 MasterCard
- 💳 Amex
- 💳 Wire Transfer
- 💳 Neteller
- 💳 Prepaid Card
How Maryland Sports Betting Compares to the Other Legal States
Sports betting in Maryland could become a massive market, but it will take some time. Maryland bettors can place bets in-person right now, but things will heat up when online sites are launched.
With the possibility of up to 60 mobile licenses being offered, there won’t be many states that can feature that many options. Remote registration will be available, allowing bettors to get signed up quickly.
Retail Sports Betting VS Mobile Sports Betting
Mobile sports betting is much more convenient than retail sports betting, and it’s usually what bettors prefer as well. Bettors do miss out on the experience of visiting a sportsbook when betting online, but it’s much easier to place a bet.
Banking at an online app is much easier since more options are used when making a deposit or cashing out. The experience you get at a retail sportsbook is the only major advantage of going that route.
Responsible Maryland Sports Betting
Each sportsbook in Maryland will provide information about responsible gambling on their site. Sportsbooks do not want to take advantage of those bettors who have problem gambling problems.
Sportsbooks will also have tools in place for bettors that wish to take some time off and stop betting for a period of time.
Where To Bet in Maryland Now
There are currently four retail sportsbooks in Maryland, and all four have a sports betting partner in place. These retail sportsbooks will see plenty of action until the online sportsbooks are ready to go live.
Here are the four retail sportsbooks and their partners:
- BetMGM: MGM National Harbor
- Caesars Sportsbook: Horseshoe Casino Baltimore
- FanDuel Sportsbook: Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland