Maryland Sports Betting
Online sports betting is now live and legal in Maryland. As of November 23, 2022, there are seven sportsbook apps to choose from in the state including DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, PointsBet, BetRivers, Barstool and FanDuel. You can sign up for more than one Maryland sports betting account and claim multiple bonus offers.
Best Maryland sports betting apps 2023
Or, Get Up to $1,500 Bet Credit on First Bet Loss
Latest in Maryland sports betting
- March 15, 2023 — Maryland sports betting handle reached $339.4 million in February, the state’s third full month of legal online sports betting. While the handle and revenue in February were the lowest of the three months, the tax revenue was the highest at $2.7 million.
- March 9, 2023 — A newly introduced bill (SB 621) would require Maryland sports betting operators to undergo independent audits creating additional regulatory hurdles for sportsbooks in the state.
- February 27, 2023 — Maryland Sen. Shelly Hettleman introduced a bill, SB 620, that would prohibit colleges in the state from forming a partnership with a sports betting company if the school receives compensation for student participation in certain sports wagering.
- February 17, 2023 — Maryland sports betting will be adding a couple new sportsbook apps to the state’s roster as both SuperBook and Crab Sports were unanimously approved for licenses in the state.
- February 10, 2023 — Betfred officially launched in Maryland. The U.K.-based sportsbook became the eighth app in the state.
- February 8, 2023 — Maryland had another strong month of legal online sports betting in January, the state’s second full month after launching. Handle was down from $497.1 million to $441.4 million in handle and went from $85.1 million to $59.6 million in revenue.
- February 1, 2023 — The MLGCC approved qualifications for three sports betting facility applicants and two mobile betting applicants. The five will be reviewed for licensure at a Feb. 15 meeting. The new potential apps include SuperBook and Crab Sports.
- January 20, 2023 — Fanatics has officially launched into the sports betting space with the opening of the Fanatics Maryland Sportsbook, which is now live at FedExField, home of the Washington Commanders. FedExField is the first NFL stadium to open a retail sportsbook.
Is sports betting legal in Maryland?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Maryland. The first retail sportsbook opened in December 2021. Voters approved legal sports betting in Maryland in November 2020, and state legislators passed bills facilitating wagering in April 2021. Online sports betting launched Nov. 2022.
| Is online sports betting legal in Maryland? | Yes. It has been legal since 2021, and launched on Nov. 23, 2022. |
| What sportsbook apps are licensed in Maryland? | Bartstool, BetMGM, Betfred, Betparx, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel and Fanatics |
| What sports are legal to bet on in Maryland? | Most sports other than high school sports are legal for betting in Maryland. |
| Who can bet on sports in Maryland? | Anyone older than 21 and inside state lines. |
Compare the top betting apps in Maryland
With so many sports betting apps already live or soon to launch in Maryland, sports bettors have choices. Even though the core activity of sports betting is largely the same at each one, different sportsbooks have various strengths and weaknesses. Here is some information to help you decide which ones you might want to try:
- Best app for competitive odds: PointsBet. PointsBet has some of the best odds that you can find. Studies from independent firms like Eilers & Krejcik Gaming have repeatedly found that the Australian sportsbook has some of the fairest odds for bettors.
- Best app for live betting: DraftKings. DraftKings has a deep list of sports for betting, regardless of whether the game has already started. That list translates to dozens of live betting options for available games on the app.
- Best app for market diversity: BetMGM. The online sportsbook for MGM Resorts offers bets on a long list of sports. You can find all the major sports and some smaller ones, too, like ski jumping, pool and water polo.
- Best app for promotions: Caesars. The revamped Caesars Sportsbook app doesn’t disappoint in terms of promos. Both new and existing players can claim bonuses, odds boosts and loyalty program benefits.
- Best app for navigation: FanDuel. FanDuel’s strongest asset is one that shows in its simplicity. There are few apps that are faster, more intuitive and easier to navigate than FanDuel, and the user experience is top-notch for players of all experience levels.
1. DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook is one of the top apps in Maryland thanks to its innovative app and broad list of sports on which you can bet. It distinguishes itself through an especially robust section of live betting options. There are also betting pools that offer tournament-like events.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
- Key takeaway: DraftKings offers many features that are unavailable elsewhere.
- Best feature: Live betting
- DraftKings Maryland bonus offer: Up to $1,200 in bonuses on deposit.
2. Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook is the face of the entertainment and hospitality company that operates casinos around the world, including the Horseshoe in Baltimore. Caesars is one of the best options for sportsbook promotional offers and bonuses. It also offers a low-frills app that is good for less-experienced bettors.
- App store rating: 4.6(iOS), 4.4 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Caesars is a great place to start betting on sports.
- Best feature: Bonuses and odds boosts
- Caesars Maryland bonus offer: Up to $1,500
3. BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM Sportsbook is the online sportsbook for its sister property in Maryland, MGM National Harbor. However, BetMGM does not coast on its name alone. You are unlikely to find a sportsbook app that offers more flexibility when it comes to options and changing a wager after placing it.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.1 (Android)
- Key takeaway: BetMGM offers flexibility before and after you place a bet.
- Best feature: Edit my bet
- BetMGM Maryland bonus offer: Up to $1,000 in bonus bets
4. PointsBet Sportsbook
PointsBet Sportsbook is available in Maryland. The Australian bookmaker’s signature product, PointsBetting, offers a unique option if you’re looking for an app with more than spreads and totals. PointsBet also may offer bettors compensation in the case of unusual game results that it deems unfair.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Key takeaway: PointsBet is an excellent change of pace from the standard sportsbook.
- Best feature: PointsBetting
- PointsBet Maryland bonus offer: Up to $250 in promos
5. FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook offers one of the best sportsbooks in the country, and Marylanders can now find out why. The sportsbook app is one of the easiest and slickest to navigate. FanDuel also offers a long roster of same-game parlays.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Key takeaway: No app is easier to use than FanDuel.
- Best feature: Same-game parlays
- FanDuel Maryland bonus offer: $1,000 No Sweat first bet
Full list of legal Maryland sports betting sites
With up to 60 sports betting licenses available, the list of those that are either active or cleared to launch in sports betting in Maryland will evolve for a while. At present, here are the ones that are available or likely to become so soon:
- Barstool Sportsbook (Launched Nov. 2022)
- Betfred Sportsbook (Launched Feb. 2023)
- BetMGM Sportsbook (Launched Nov. 2022)
- BetPARX Sportsbook (Coming Soon)
- BetRivers Sportsbook (Launched Nov. 2022)
- Caesars Sportsbook (Launched Nov. 2022)
- Crab Sports Maryland (Coming soon)
- DraftKings Sportsbook (Launched Nov. 2022)
- Fanatics Sportsbook (Launched retail Jan. 2023)
- FanDuel Sportsbook (Launched Nov. 2022)
- PointsBet Sportsbook (Launched Nov. 2022)
- SuperBook Sports (Coming soon)
Best Maryland sportsbook bonuses
One of the primary differences between betting on sports online and in person is the wider availability of sportsbook bonuses.
First of all, here are some of the best bonuses running in Maryland right now:
Sports betting promos may vary somewhat depending on the book, but they usually fall into one of a few categories. Here’s a brief primer on the sportsbook promos available in Maryland:
- No deposit bonuses — You receive site credits or bet vouchers as soon as you create an account, no deposit necessary. You won’t be able to cash them out at first, but they will allow you to bet freely.
- Deposit bonuses — The sportsbook matches all or a portion of your deposit amount as additional bonus dollars. This money won’t become true cash until you’ve met its wagering requirement, so check the terms and conditions to learn what you’ll need to do. Such bonuses tend to be available when you make your first deposit.
- Odds boosts — These bonuses are so common that they are often not identified as promotions, but rather another feature on the app. An odds boost pumps the potential payout on certain bets in favor of the bettor in order to generate interest in wagering. The boost is usually somewhere between 15% and 35%. Odds boosts often have their own tab, possibly separate from the main promotions page.
- Loyalty programs — Most sportsbooks with some sort of brand connection with a larger casino chain let you participate in the company-wide loyalty program. Programs like BetMGM’s MGM Rewards or Caesars’ Caesars Rewards give points and tier placement for every dollar you wager. These points and statuses can often lead to benefits like free meals, free hotel stays and exclusive event invitations. There is no cost to join, and you’ll probably enroll automatically when you register.
10 quick facts about Maryland sports betting
- Maryland legalized sports betting in 2021.
- Lawmakers passed the enabling legislation after an affirmative response from voters in November 2020.
- The law allows for 47 retail sportsbook licenses, 60 online sportsbook licenses and three licenses in reserve in case a major professional sports team relocates to the state.
- The law designated all five of Maryland’s casino locations and its major sports venues as able to offer retail sports betting.
- Retail sports betting began in Maryland in December 2021.
- Online sports betting did not launch until nearly a year later in November 2022.
- The delay was due, in part, to a regulatory effort to meet inclusion and diversity goals within the license award process.
- The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency oversees sports betting in the state.
- The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission performs initial vetting for betting licenses.
- Maryland sports betting law contains no prohibitions on wagering aside from high school sports and certain non-sports events, like the Academy Awards.
Latest Maryland sports betting news
Maryland Sports Betting Taxes Growing As Promos Decline After Launch
The Maryland sports betting industry continues to grow, with the state’s latest figures revealing a record $2.8 million worth of taxes collected in February, according to the Maryland Lottery and…
Maryland sports betting law
The 2018 dismissal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act left sports betting legalization up to individual states. Maryland lawmakers spent the next two years introducing various bills and measures to make sports betting legal in the state. Nothing moved forward significantly until legislators put the question to voters in November 2020.
The people of Maryland voted in support of legal sports betting and spurred lawmakers to draft legislation in 2021. The bill, HB 940, became law in July 2021.
The language of Maryland’s sports betting law set the state up to become an extremely competitive environment for sportsbooks. There are provisions for dozens of both retail and online sportsbooks to secure licenses. Here’s how the law breaks down retail licenses:
Class A-1
Criteria: Casinos with more than 1,000 slots, racetracks and sports facilities.
Specific qualifying facilities, if any:
- FedEx Field
- Horseshoe Casino Baltimore
- Laurel Park/Maryland Jockey Club
- Live! Casino & Hotel
- M&T Bank Stadium
- MGM National Harbor
- Oriole Park at Camden Yards
- Pimlico Race Course
Class A-2
Criteria: Casinos with fewer than 1,000 slots.
Specific qualifying facilities, if any:
- Hollywood Casino Perryville
- Ocean Downs Casino
- Rocky Gap Casino Resort
Class B-1
Criteria: Companies that employ more than 25 people and earn $3 million or more in revenue each year.
Specific qualifying facilities, if any:
- Bingo World
- Greenmount OTB
- Long Shot’s
- Maryland State Fairgrounds/Timonium
- Riverboat on the Potomac
- Rod N’ Reel Resort
Class B-2
Criteria: Any company that falls below the B-1 thresholds
Specific qualifying facilities, if any: none
Class A licensees have one primary advantage over Class B licensees — a certain degree of geographic priority over their immediate areas. In other words, a Class B licensee may not open a sportsbook within a certain proximity of a Class A facility.
Online licenses
There are 60 licenses available for online sportsbooks. Each license allows the bearer a single skin. Both classes of retail licensees can pursue an online license.
10 quick facts about Maryland sports betting
- Maryland legalized sports betting in 2021.
- Lawmakers passed the enabling legislation after an affirmative response from voters in November 2020.
- The law allows for 47 retail sportsbook licenses, 60 online sportsbook licenses and three licenses in reserve in case a major professional sports team relocates to the state.
- The law designated all five of Maryland’s casino locations and its major sports venues as able to offer retail sports betting.
- Retail sports betting began in Maryland in December 2021.
- Online sports betting did not launch until nearly a year later in November 2022.
- The delay was due, in part, to a regulatory effort to meet inclusion and diversity goals within the license award process.
- The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency oversees sports betting in the state.
- The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission performs initial vetting for betting licenses.
- Maryland sports betting law contains no prohibitions on wagering aside from high school sports and certain non-sports events, like the Academy Awards.
Where to bet on sports in Maryland
Several sportsbooks are open at local casinos and businesses. It is anticipated that additional retail betting options will open at Long Shot’s (Betfred), Greenmount Station, FedEx Field (Fanatics), and more. Bingo World was the first non-casino location to open a sportsbook in the state in August 2022. The Riverboat on the Potomac may have a Virginia address and access point, but it is located on Maryland waters.
| Venue | Location | Sportsbook Partner |
|---|---|---|
| Horseshoe Casino | Baltimore | Caesars Sportsbook |
| Hollywood Casino | Perryville | Barstool Sportsbook |
| Live! Casino & Hotel | Hanover | FanDuel Sportsbook |
| MGM National Harbor | Forest Heights | BetMGM Sportsbook |
| Ocean Downs Casino | Worcester County | TwinSpires Sportsbook |
| Bingo World | Baltimore | BetRivers Sportsbook |
| Riverboat on the Potomac | Colonial Beach, VA | PointsBet Sportsbook |
| Greenmont Station OTB | Hampstead | BetParx Sportsbook |
Legal betting options in Maryland
Aside from betting on horse racing and fantasy sports, only retail sportsbooks are open in Maryland at the moment. The first one launched December 9, 2021. Online sportsbooks are not available yet.
Is horse racing legal in Maryland?
Yes. Horse racing in Maryland is overseen by the Maryland Racing Commission. Online pari-mutuel wagering is permitted through sites such as TVG and TwinSpires.
Maryland hosts one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world: the Preakness Stakes. Run at Pimlico Race Course since 1873, the Preakness is the middle leg in the Triple Crown. Winning at the Kentucky Derby is the sport’s crown jewel, but that same horse winning at the Preakness creates the excitement of a Triple Crown contender.
Other racetracks in the state are Laurel Park and Timonium at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, both of which could have sports betting.
Maryland also has a rich history in steeplechase racing going back more than 100 years. The Fair Hill Races are the only US steeplechase event with parimutuel betting.
Popular sports and teams to bet on in Maryland
Maryland is home to one major city — Baltimore. It also has another big metro area — Washington, D.C. — perched just outside its southern border. That means there are professional sports teams in all the major US sports leagues in or near Maryland. Here’s a rundown about all the popular sports and teams to wager on in Maryland:
NFL
The NFL is the most popular league for sports betting, both in Maryland and the US. The NFL season is the busiest time of the year for sportsbooks, and many states have timed their launches to coincide with the opening kickoff. Two teams play their home games in Maryland:
- Baltimore Ravens: M&T Bank Stadium, 1101 Russell St., Baltimore, MD 21230
- Washington Commanders: FedEx Field, 1600 FedEx Way, North Englewood, MD 20785
Betting on NFL games is as straightforward as it comes. Thanks to a host of pregame and in-game wagering options, expect to find hundreds of ways to bet on Ravens and Commanders games.
NBA
The NBA is behind the NFL in popularity, with a sizable following of fans and bettors in its own right. Maryland does not have any NBA teams of its own, but there are two of them in nearby areas for Maryland fans:
- Philadelphia 76ers: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
- Washington Wizards: Capital One Arena, 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20004
Like NFL contests, NBA games are not short on wagers. In fact, the smaller number of team members makes for prop betting on individual athletes.
MLB
Major League Baseball is the oldest of the major professional sports leagues in the country. The slower pace of its games compared to the NFL or NBA creates a popular live-betting draw. The state is home to a single team in Baltimore, but some Maryland residents may also throw their loyalties in with the team in Washington, D.C.
- Baltimore Orioles: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, 333 W. Camden St., Baltimore, MD 21201
- Washington Nationals: Nationals Park, 1500 S. Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC 20003
MLB games offer plenty of wagers. The slower pace favors the placement of numerous in-game bets. Oddsmakers use the run line instead of a point spread, which sets the wager at a standard 1.5 runs. In order to account for the differences in team ability, sportsbooks then vary the odds more dramatically than they would for a typical spread wager.
NHL
There are plenty of fans and bettors who prefer the game on ice. Like Maryland’s situation with the NBA, there are no NHL teams in the state, but there are a couple nearby:
- Philadelphia Flyers: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
- Washington Capitals: Capital One Arena, 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20004
Hockey games generally have the same lower-scoring margins as baseball, so Maryland oddsmakers treat spread bets on hockey games similarly, with the puck line supplanting the run line. Other than the names, the two bets are essentially identical.
NCAA
In-state colleges are often big draws for fans and bettors, and Maryland lawmakers elected not to limit wagering on college sports, so people in the state can bet on both in-state and out-of-state colleges and universities. Although there are many schools in Maryland, the most likely candidates for betting are going to be the teams that play in the NCAA’s Division I:
- Coppin State University
- Loyola University Maryland
- Morgan State University
- Mount St. Mary’s University
- Towson University
- United States Naval Academy
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- University of Maryland
- University of Maryland, Eastern Shore
Of the schools, the University of Maryland and the United States Naval Academy maintain the athletic programs with the highest profiles. However, other Maryland teams have certainly made waves in the past. Coppin State, Morgan State and Mount St. Mary’s are frequent competitors in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament — aka March Madness — and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, left an indelible mark on the tournament as the only 16-seeded team to defeat a No. 1 seed in the first round.
Maryland sports betting history
The events leading up to the dismissal of PASPA in 2018 proved revealing about a number of states’ sentiments regarding sports betting. Some states remained steadfast in disapproval, but others were receptive to expansion. Even before sports betting became a decision for states in May 2018, Maryland had already put itself in the latter camp.
Still, it took several years for sports betting to become legal in Maryland. Many legislative and regulatory hurdles appeared to trip up the momentum. Here is a brief chronicle of the main points of interest:
2022
After almost a year of delays, online sports betting finally launches in Maryland. [number] online sportsbooks open their virtual doors for business in November, and another [number] follow soon after. The launch comes after SWARC identifies 10 sportsbooks, including titans like DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM and FanDuel, as the first applicants for online licenses in Maryland.
Legal sports betting in Maryland saw $497.1 million in combined retail and online handle in December, the first fully legal month. $478.2 million of that total came through Maryland sports betting apps.
2021
Maryland lawmakers advance HB 940 as the enabling legislation for both retail and online sports betting in April. After a signature from Gov. Larry Hogan and a short cooling period, the bill becomes law in July.
A few months later, retail sports betting launches in Maryland at five locations. Four of the state’s five casinos open sportsbooks — the only holdout is Rocky Gap Casino Resort. A fifth book also opens at Ocean Downs, one of the state’s racinos.
Online sports betting remains inactive through the end of the year due to regulatory hesitation. Due to inclusion language in the law, the SWARC seeks to “achieve racial, ethnic and gender diversity when awarding licenses” and studies the issue carefully to accomplish this goal.
2020
Lawmakers begin pursuing sports betting legislation in earnest. They unveil SB 4, SB 58 and HB 225 as potential legislation to allow sports betting in Maryland.
However, infighting among the various stakeholders leads to stripping the legislation down to a referendum question for Maryland voters. Those who enter the ballot booth in November encounter the following:
“Do you favor the expansion of commercial gaming in the state of Maryland to authorize sports and event betting for the primary purpose of raising revenue for education?”
Maryland voters don’t blink. They approve the measure by a margin of roughly 2:1. At that point, legal sports betting becomes a matter of time in Maryland.
2019
Legislative actions to bring sports betting to Maryland never seem to get going. There are discussions among lawmakers about the possibility of legalizing sports betting without amending the Maryland Constitution. However, an opinion from the state attorney general quickly dispels that notion and makes it clear that sports betting will require a change to the state’s fundamental document.
2018
In the wake of the fall of PASPA, Maryland emerges as an unlikely candidate to legalize sports betting. HB 1014, which would put the question to Maryland voters via a referendum, sails through the House and appears poised to move things forward.
However, the bill dies a quick and unceremonious death when it reaches the Senate, and no significant further action on the issue occurs.
2017
The first indication that Maryland lawmakers are interested in sports betting occurs before a favorable US Supreme Court ruling on PASPA becomes likely. Two delegates present HB 989 as a motion to commission a task force to study the impact of sports betting on the state. Although the bill gains little traction, it indicates that at least some Maryland lawmakers already entertain a positive viewpoint about the legalization of sports betting in the state.
Maryland sports betting FAQ
Who oversees betting in Maryland?
The Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency oversees gambling activity in the state. Legislators in Maryland called for a Sports Wagering Application Review Commission to decide which applicants will receive Class B and mobile licenses.
Where can I bet on sports in Maryland?
There are now more than a half-dozen physical sportsbook locations in Maryland. At last check, you could place a wager at the following:
- Bingo World Baltimore
- Greenmount Station OTB
- Hollywood Casino Perryville
- Horseshoe Casino Baltimore
- Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland
- MGM National Harbor
- Ocean Downs Casino
- Riverboat on the Potomac
There are still dozens of licenses available, as well. Expect this list to grow in the coming years.
How old do I have to be to bet on sports in Maryland?
21 or older. Marylanders under the drinking age will have to wait to place a wager. However, Marylanders between 18 and 21 do have the option of placing a wager in Washington, D.C., if they choose.
Is horse betting legal in Maryland?
Yes. In fact, Maryland is a key location in horse racing. Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore plays host to the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the thoroughbred Triple Crown, each year. In addition, there are several other tracks in action around the state:
- Laurel Park — Laurel
- Ocean Downs — Berlin (harness)
- Pimlico Race Course — Baltimore
- Rosecroft Raceway — Fort Washington (harness)
- Timonium Race Track/Maryland State Fair — Timonium
In addition, Marylanders can make use of any number of online horse betting sites. One site of note, TVG, also offers an accompanying broadcast network dedicated to horse racing.
Finally, Maryland is home to several simulcast facilities, including some venues that now double as retail sportsbooks.
Is DFS legal in Maryland?
Yes. In fact, the Maryland government has identified daily fantasy sports contests as non-gambling activities since 2012. Maryland Lottery and Gaming oversees daily fantasy sports in the state and has authorized the following providers as legitimate DFS outlets:
- Bid Ventures
- DataForce Fantasy Football
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- Fantasy Football Players Championship
- FullTime Fantasy
- OwnersBox Fantasy
- RealTime Fantasy Sports
- SportsHub Games Network
- Stat Hero
- SuperDraft
- Underdog Fantasy
- Yahoo Fantasy Sports
Maryland sports betting resources
If you need further information about sports betting in Maryland beyond this page, consult the following resources:
- Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency — The regulator overseeing sports betting and most other forms of gambling in the state.
- Maryland sports betting regulations
- Maryland sports betting law
- Baltimore Sun— Maryland’s largest newspaper.