While all sports betting was legalized at the end of 2021 in the Old Line state, retail outlets opened while online sports betting in Maryland is still not expected to arrive until late 2022 at the earliest.
The start of the NFL season in the fall is the target for online sports betting to begin operations, with a boost in wagering guaranteed to accompany the start of new football campaign. And while the state is thinking big when it comes to online sportsbooks – as many as 60 potential licenses have been discussed – a launch this year is certainly not guaranteed.
For now, it’s only in-person sports betting that is available, with several venues for bettors to wager on leagues like the NFL and NBA. Along with sports betting, the state does have its fair share of land-based casinos, offering slots, roulette, table games, along with a range of poker options.
Betting in Maryland
Sports betting was legalized late in 2021 with BetMGM the first retail sportsbook opened, but online sports betting is yet to be launched.
MD Horse Racing Betting
There are several race courses with one of the US’s biggest races, the Preakness Stakes, run at Pimlico where there is on-site betting. Advance-deposit wagering operators like BetAmerica and TwinSpires are also available.
Maryland Casinos
There are no online casinos but there are a number of in-person venues where you can enjoy slots, roulette, and a variety of table games.
Poker in Maryland
Online poker has not been legalized but live poker is available at some of the state casinos. Offshore sportsbooks are available to Maryland residents but they operate outside US law, so offer no consumer protection.
Maryland DFS
The first state to officially legalize DFS events in 2012, games operated by the likes of FanDuel, Yahoo Fantasy and DraftKings are open to Maryland residents.
Maryland Lottery
The state lottery has been running for nearly 50 years, with tickets available from retail outlets to anyone aged 18 and over; individual lottery tickets cannot be purchased online in the state.
Can I bet online from everywhere in Maryland?
In-person betting is possible from December 2021, while online betting will go live in 2022.
Is it legal to gamble at casinos in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland currently has six operating casinos, each of which provides a plethora of game types. Sports betting is now available at five of these casino locations.
What is the minimum age to gamble in Maryland?
The legal age for gambling in Maryland is 21 year old for casino play and sports betting, with 18 for lottery, DFS and horse race betting.
Who would oversee the Maryland gambling industry?
Gambling in the state is overseen by the Maryland State Lottery & Gaming Control Agency.
I think I have a gambling addiction in Maryland, what should I do?
If you feel you or someone you know has a problem with gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER for help. Maryland residents are also eligible for free problem gambling assessment and treatment through the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling (667-214-2120 ; helpmygamblingproblem.org).
It is also possible to get self-excluded, finde more information at MD Gambling Help or MD National Council on Problem Gambling.