Online Gambling in Maryland: Find the Best MD Casinos and Sportsbooks

A quick history of gambling in Maryland

Maryland has very much had an on-off relationship with all forms of gambling. There have been multiple times throughout history when gambling bans have been introduced only to be lifted a few years later. Similarly, there have also been occasions when the state has introduced more liberal laws only to then restrict them further down the line.

This started back in 1871, when lotteries were legalized in MD, so long as the proceeds went to causes deemed to be good and charitable. In 1934, lotteries were then made completely illegal.

More recently, we have the Free State’s tumultuous relationship with slot machines. The restrictions on slot machines were lifted in 1943, only for them to be banned again 20 years later in 1963. Then in 2008, they were legalized once more with land-based casino passes being reinstated via a referendum four years after that in 2012.

What’s the current state of Maryland gambling?

So is it legal to gamble in Maryland now? As is the case in most of the US, Maryland is taking an increasingly liberal attitude towards gambling. Since 2008, the only laws that have come into place have been to lift bans, rather than reinstate them. More importantly, modern opinions about gambling suggest that it is highly unlikely that any new liberal gambling laws will become restricted in the future.

What is the legal age for gambling in Maryland?

For the most part, the age for gambling in Maryland is 21. This applies to most legal forms of gambling including retail and online sports betting, as well as retail casinos. The only exception to this rule is the lottery, which Marylanders can play legally from the age of 18.

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Is online gambling in Maryland legal?

The vast majority of you reading this will likely have come here for information about mobile and online gambling in the Old Line State. Since the federal ban on gambling was lifted back in 2018, there has been a domino effect of US states deciding to legalize and regulate some forms of online gambling. Below, we will take a look at the current legal state of the most popular forms of online betting.

Maryland sports gambling online

First and foremost, let’s address the big one – online sports betting. A bill legalizing both online and retail sports gambling in Maryland was signed back in May 2021. The bill permitted 60 online licenses and 30 retail licenses to be permitted in the state. As was the case in most states, retail betting shops were legalized first in early 2022. Online sports betting in Maryland was then launched in late November of the same year.

Maryland online casinos

Like in most other US states, retail casinos are legal in Maryland, with a total of six land-based casino resorts located throughout the Free State. However, real money online casinos in Maryland still remain illegal, with no legislative changes planned in the near future.

Who is responsible for regulating online gambling in Maryland?

Like most states, Maryland used a pre-existing body to create the laws and regulate its online sports betting market. Both retail and online sports betting are regulated by Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA). Initially, it was the state government that created the rules for legal online sports betting, but the MLGCA then had to approve them. Now, the MLGCA is responsible for the 60 online sportsbook licenses as well as the 30 retail ones.

Top Maryland online gambling sites

The only online gambling sites that you will find in Maryland right now are online sportsbooks. Fortunately, there are plenty already available. And with permission to grant as many as 60 licenses, it’s likely that we will see plenty more go live in the very near future. Every time that a new operator goes live in the Old Line State, we will bring you a fair and honest review of both the sportsbook and its welcome bonus.

You can use the reviews found within our comparison tool to find your ideal sportsbook. For now though, let’s take a look at some of our top-rated sportsbooks in the state for fans of different types of sports betting.

Editor’s recommendation – the best betting site in MD

Our top-ranked sportsbook in Maryland right now has to be BetMGM. Fronted by Jamie Foxx, this site has a super-smooth online platform that is complimented by an even better mobile app. The first bet offer for newcomers makes for an excellent welcome offer and the odds consistently rank among the top in the whole of the US.

The best for NFL fans in Maryland

Maryland is a state that is jam-packed with NFL lovers. And it doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of the Baltimore Ravens or the Washington Commanders – these betting sites will suit you. For NFL betting, FanDuel and DraftKings are at the top of our list. Having started life as daily fantasy sports platforms, these two premium brands have everything that you could possibly be looking for when it comes to wagering on the NFL.

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Maryland – Gambling on college sports

One of the big sticking points for many US states that have legalized retail and sports wagering is the question of college sports. Even the progressive online gambling hub of New Jersey has laws that restrict betting on college sports that take place within the state’s borders.

For Marylanders, however, there is good news here. There is nothing in the bill that restricts persons aged 21 and older in Maryland from wagering on college sports, either in-person or offline. You are therefore free to bet on sports teams from the likes of UMBC, Towson and more.

Where can I find the best bonuses for betting in Maryland?

Here on this very page, you can find valid promo codes and information about all of the welcome offers that are currently available for sports bettors in Maryland. From here, you can head straight to the operator’s site and claim your welcome promo today. Alternatively, you can make use of our bonus reviews and compare the top offers in order to find the right one for you.

Our top tips for online gambling in Maryland with real money

Now that online sports betting is legal in the state of Maryland, we want to help ensure that you have a safe and secure experience. If you follow the top tips that our experts have provided below, then you should have a safe yet fun time when wagering on your favorite sports.

What does the future hold for Maryland gambling?

We can never say for sure what will happen in the future with regard to gambling laws in Maryland. One thing that we are confident in is that the new rules for legalized online and retail sports betting aren’t going to be restricted any time soon. The next thing that most of us would like to see is the legalization of online casinos and poker rooms in the Old Line State. There might be nothing in the pipeline yet, but when there is, we will be the first to let you know.

Maryland gambling – A quick roundup

We’ve given you quite a lot of information, tips, and recommendations throughout this article, so allow us to summarize quickly before you go. The key things to take away are that retail and online sports wagering are legal. Meanwhile, real-money casino gambling is only available at one of the state’s six land-based resorts. Remember to make use of our online sportsbook reviews for Maryland here at TheGruelingTruth and to check back in with us for updates.

Maryland gambling FAQ