Maryland has distinguished itself as one of the most democratic sports betting states, allowing local sportsbooks to compete with the big dogs in mobile and retail settings.
Disclaimer: For those outside of Maryland, you may face restrictions on the offers you see on this page.
About Sports Betting in Maryland
"Crab cakes and football, that's what Maryland does!"
This may not have been the most memorable line from the ever-quotable film "Wedding Crashers," but it was a pretty memorable one. And it was likely the most memorable line to Marylanders, who have indeed embraced crab cakes and football with equal vigor. In fact, Marylanders can bet on the Ravens or Terrapins through a locally based mobile app called Crab Sports, which really ties the room together.
Having launched sports betting a bit later than some of its Mid-Atlantic counterparts, Maryland has distinguished itself as one of the most democratic sports betting states, allowing for up to 60 mobile and 47 retail licensees. While it's highly unlikely that all of those licenses will ever be claimed, Maryland regulations ensure that the likes of Crab Sports can compete with DraftKings, or that a neighborhood sports bar can set up a retail sportsbook down the street from one operated within a massive casino.
Up to 47 retail licenses permitted at sites as varied as casinos, racetracks, pro sports stadiums, bingo halls, and neighborhood sports bars.
License fees vary by category, of which there are four, with the cheapest costing $50,000 and the most expensive costing $2 million.
Prop bets on college athletes aren't allowed, but wagering on in-state college teams is permitted.
Up to 60 mobile sports wagering licenses, meaning Maryland could theoretically have 107 licensed sportsbooks at some point.
Sports betting revenue is taxed at a rate of 15%.
Bettors must be at least 21 years of age to wager in Maryland.
Legalization Timeline
Maryland voters approve the legalization of sports betting
November 3, 2020
Marylanders give a thumbs-up to sports betting at the ballot box, clearing the way for the state legislature to formally legalize it.
Governor Hogan signs sports betting legislation
May 18, 2021
Governor Larry Hogan signs HB 940 into law, thus affirming the will of the voters and setting sports wagering in Maryland on a path toward launch.
First sports betting licenses awarded
November 18, 2021
Maryland's Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) awards the state's first sports betting licenses to five casino properties in the state.
MGM National Harbor accepts first retail wager
December 9, 2021
MGM National Harbor accepts Maryland's first in-person sports wager. A day later, Horseshoe Casino and Live! Casino would follow suit.
SWARC approves first mobile sports wagering licenses
November 16, 2022
The SWARC approves licenses for 10 mobile sportsbooks. The next day, it's announced that seven of them will be ready to launch on Nov. 23.
Mobile betting fully launches
November 23, 2022
After a soft launch on Nov. 21 and a day's break for a state regulatory review, online sports betting fully launches in Maryland, with Barstool, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and PointsBet going live.
FAQs
Is sports betting legal in Maryland?
Sports betting is fully legal in Maryland, which launched retail wagering before the online version went live.
Who can bet on sports in Maryland?
Anyone who is at least 21 years of age can bet on sports in Maryland, provided they are physically located within state boundaries.
Who regulates sports betting in Maryland?
Sports wagering is regulated by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (MLGCC), while applications for licenses are reviewed and approved by the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC).
What can I bet on in Maryland?
Bettors are afforded a smorgasbord of sports betting options in Maryland, including: esports, Australian Rules Football, badminton, baseball, basketball, biathlon, bowling, boxing, cornhole, cricket, cycling, darts, Ultimate Frisbee, floorball, football, futsal, Gaelic Games, golf, handball, ice hockey, field hockey, lacrosse, MMA, motorsports, netball, Olympics, pesapallo, pickleball, pool, rodeo, rowing, rugby, sailing, snooker, soccer, softball, squash, surfing, summer athletics, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, water polo, winter athletics, chess, NCAA wrestling, pro mini-golf, and equestrian.
What can't I bet on in Maryland?
You could place pretty much any type of wager on sports above the high school level until Maryland outlawed college player props in 2024. Unlike in some other states, betting is allowed on in-state colleges and player drafts like those held by the NFL and NBA.
Is DFS legal in Maryland?
Maryland was one of the first states to expressly permit daily fantasy sports contests, having done so in 2012. The state also boasts one of the most robust roster of DFS operators, a list that includes the likes of DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog, and Yahoo, as well as several smaller entities.
Is it legal to bet on horse racing in Maryland?
Baltimore's Pimlico Race Course is home to the Preakness Stakes, the middle jewel of Thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown. Pimlico opened in 1870, and the state is home to four additional racetracks: Laurel Park, Ocean Downs, Rosecroft Raceway, and Timonium Race Track. Maryland also boasts several off-track betting locations for simulcast wagering, and horseplayers can gamble from home (or on their phone) through various account-wagering platforms.
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