Maryland gambling laws – A quick overview
Historically, Maryland’s gambling laws have been very up and down, with some persistent changes happening throughout the years. There have been gambling bans implemented only to be lifted some years later. Right now though, in 2026, things are changing for the better with regard to
Maryland gambling, particularly sports betting.
A timeline of historic Maryland gambling law:
- 1791:
Lotteries are legalized.
- 1834:
Lotteries are made illegal.
- 1920:
Racing betting is legalized and the Racing Board is founded.
- 1943:
Slot machines are legalized.
- 1963:
Slot machines are made illegal.
- 1973:
Lotteries are legalized and the Maryland State Lottery & Gaming Control Agency is founded.
- 2008:
The ban on slot machines is lifted
- 2012:
Referendum on casino passes
- 2020:
Vote to lift the ban on sports wagering
- 2021:
Retail sports betting launches
- 2022:
Online sports betting launches
The current state of Maryland gambling legislation
These days, the legal state of gambling in Maryland is far more stable than it once was, as the above timeline will show you.
Is it legal to gamble in Maryland? The broad answer to this question is yes; however, there are some discrepancies, particularly between the online and retail gambling worlds.
Maryland online gambling laws
Maryland is one of many states that has taken progressive steps since the PASPA was lifted following a US Supreme Court case back in 2018. Like the majority of states to make moves, Maryland has first focussed on legalizing online sports betting. However, online casinos and poker rooms remain illegal. Let’s take a look at the legal state of these three forms in a bit more detail:
Online sports betting
In November 2020, Marylanders voted in favor of lifting the state ban on sports betting. Following this, a bill legalizing sports betting in Maryland was officially written into law in April 2021. The first legal retail sportsbook was opened in December 2021, with online sports betting going live 11 months later in November 2022.
Online casinos
While real money casino gambling is available at any of the six land-based resorts in the Old Line State, the online form still remains illegal.
Online poker
As is the case with casinos, online poker is also still illegal in Maryland, just as it is in a number of other US states. While there aren’t as many alternatives for poker, you can still find free sites with poker tournaments available. However, real money poker can only legally be played at tournaments held at a land-based casino.
About the Maryland gambling bill – How online sports betting became legal
As we said above, online sports betting was finally legalized in Maryland thanks to a vote in November 2020. The bill that was officially passed by lawmakers in April now means that up to 60 online sportsbook licenses and 30 retail licenses can be given out by the state.
The Maryland State Lottery & Gaming Control Agency had to finalize and approve the rules, and it is an offshoot of this agency that is now responsible for regulating the industry. Persons aged 21 and older in the state of Maryland can now open a sportsbook account and place a sports bet on mobile and online.
The do’s and don’ts – Our Maryland sports gambling update
The rules of Maryland sports betting are actually pretty liberal, even when compared to some of the more well-established legal gambling states such as New Jersey. Right now, you can place an in-person or online sports wager provided that you are physically located within Maryland state borders and are aged 21 and older. Your account will need to be verified using a photo ID before you can bet, but you do not need to be a Maryland state resident.
When it comes to the sports and markets that you can bet on, there are pretty much no restrictions. Betting on professional and college sports is permitted according to the bill. Additionally, all types of bets, from single-game wagers to pros and parlays, have been given the green light.
Is online gambling legal in Maryland? Yes – Our final summary
The key thing to take away from this article is that online sports betting is now legal in Maryland. You can now make use of our operator and bonus reviews here at TheGruelingTruth in order to find your ideal sportsbook.
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Is Online Gambling Legal in Maryland FAQ
📱 Are gambling apps legal in Maryland?
With things moving as quickly as they are with regard to mobile sports betting in Maryland, it’s important to keep updated. Our experts are on top of everything here at TheGruelingTruth.com, so bookmark our page today.
💸 Can I bet online in Maryland?
A definitive and up-to-date guide telling you what you can and can’t do when it comes to online betting in Maryland can be found right here. This is an expert guide that can definitely be trusted.
🕒 When does online betting go live in Maryland?
You can find the exact launch dates for all forms of online gambling in Maryland right here. We will let you know the minute that they become available – only here at TheGruelingTruth.com.
