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The Grueling Truth - Where Legends Speak / Is Gambling Legal in Maryland in December 2023?

Is Gambling Legal in Maryland in December 2023?

Last Updated on 12/02/2023
Fact checked by: Mike Goodpaster

So is online gambling legal in Maryland? That’s the question that you’ve come here asking – and it’s the one we aim to answer in full.

There is no blanket legislation that fits all forms of gambling, which is why this article will cover everything in detail. There has been some great progression regarding the likes of online and retail sports betting. However, some forms of gambling still remain restricted – particularly online.

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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 2023, 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. There are a couple of alternatives available to all of you casino fans out there in MD though. Sweepstakes and social casinos can be legally accessed, where you can play slots and casino-style games for real money.

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 social casinos and sweepstakes sites with poker tournaments available. However, real money poker can only legally be played at tournaments held at a land-based casino.

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.

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. Online casinos and poker remain illegal in the Old Line State, but you do have alternatives in the form of sweepstakes and social casinos.

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πŸ“± 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.

πŸ’Έ 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.

πŸ•’ 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.

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Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.

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