Online Sports Betting Maryland
Betting sports in person and betting sports online is certainly a popular thing to do in the United States. But there are some legal issues to take into account when electing to bet on sports. There are laws enacted at both the state and federal levels which relate to sports betting in person and online. However, there are also legal ways for bettors in the U.S. to wager on sports.
The best sports betting sites accepting Maryland residents are found here. MarylandSportsbooks.com delves into Maryland sports wagering laws and betting ages plus more.
Legal sports betting in Maryland will likely roll out sometime soon. If the state proceeds, legalization likely will include mobile and online sportsbooks. Despite having a rich history in gaming throughout the lottery and horse racing, Maryland was a late bloomer in regards.
Online Sports Betting in Maryland Maryland lawmakers appear to embrace online betting, and will most likely authorize it as a means to remain competitive with other states in the Mid-Atlantic region. Are you looking for legal Idaho sports betting options? Read this guide now to discover the legal gambling options, the current gambling laws and more.
The state of Maryland is surrounded by sports teams from all different leagues, so it's only natural to assume that there is a passionate fan-base that resides within that region. And that would be correct. There are two NFL teams who technically play in the state, in the Baltimore Ravens and the Washington Redskins, as well as other professional and collegiate sports teams in and around the Maryland and D.C. area. And with sports being so popular in the state, betting on sports is also popular.
MarylandSportsbooks.com breaks down all the different online sportsbooks that accept Maryland residents, as the online sports betting industry has taken off over the last decade. In addition to that, find out about the legal status of sports betting in Maryland and more.
Best Online Sportsbooks That Accept Maryland Residents
Residents in the state of Maryland who are interested in betting sports online can rest easy knowing that there are legal online sportsbooks that they can sign up for and join. These sportsbook do not operate in Maryland, or even in the United States for that matter. Some of the top online sportsbooks in the world operate outside the United States, but allow USA bettors to sign up and join.
Maryland bettors can sign up at and play SportsBetting.ag and receive up to a $900 bonus on every deposit that they make. It's what is referred to as a lifetime bonus, where depending on your method of deposit, bettors can receive anywhere from a 15 percent to a 25 percent bonus good for up to $900 each time they fund an account. SportsBetting.ag has all sports betting lines that Maryland residents could want, covering the sports and leagues in the surrounding area. Bet on the odds for the Ravens to repeat as Super Bowl Champions, or for the Terrapins to win the college basketball title.
Does SportsBetting.ag accept Maryland residents?
If you are looking to sign up at SportsBetting.ag as a U.S. citizen and resident of Maryland, you can do so completely legally. Bettors who do sign up must be of legal gambling age for the site and for Maryland.
Operating out of Panama, BetOnline Sportsbook can get prospective sports bettors in the state of Maryland a huge bonus when they make a deposit. In fact, every deposit that a player makes into BetOnline can get a bonus of up to $900. BetOnline accepts Maryland players of legal gambling age to create and account, and wager on all of their favorites players and teams. BetOnline makes it simple and easy to fund your account and get on your way to making some money.
Does BetOnline accept Maryland residents?
BetOnline does not operate in the U.S., but it is legal. Players who live in the borders of Maryland are allowed create an account and place wagers on whatever odds are currently available at the site.
5Dimes Sportsbook offers a two-part sportsbook bonus for Maryland sports bettors, where players can receive a 50 percent bonus up to $200, and plus an additional bonus of up $320 for a total bonus amount of $520. And when you visit 5Dimes and check out the betting lines that they offer players, it's certainly easy to see why bettors choose 5Dimes as their preferred sportsbook. Find hundreds of betting lines every day at 5Dimes, including some that you might not find anywhere else. 5Dimes is certainly unique in the regard, and can provide players with some great betting lines.
Does 5Dimes accept Maryland residents?
Yes, 5Dimes Sportsbook is legal for Maryland players to sign up for an account. Residents must meet the age requirements from the sportsbook as well as the Maryland age to gamble in order to be 100% safe.
More About Maryland Sportsbooks And Legal Sports Betting In Maryland
Are Maryland Residents Accepted At Bovada?
Unforunately, Bovada is not currently open to residents of Maryland. They do not allow any new registrations but Maryland residents that had an account before the switch from Bodog to Bovada are still allowed to get in on the action... at least the last time we were told.
Is sports betting legal In Maryland?
This answer can be twofold because of the fact that there can be different types of sports betting. There is betting sports in person, which is not legal in Maryland, and then there is betting sports online as a resident in Maryland, which is legal at offshore sportsbooks.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Bet Sports Online In Maryland?
To bet sports online in the state of Maryland, players have to be at least 21 years old. Players will have to meet this requirement even if the online sportsbook requires players to be only 18 years old to play at their site.
Maryland Sports Betting Laws
As far as sports-specific betting laws just in the state of Maryland, they follow under the guidelines of the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which sports betting, was outlawed in 46 of the 50 states in the country, including Maryland. Maryland has abided by this federal legislation, and has not pursued at any level to legalized sports betting. One reason cited for this is the University of Maryland, and the NCAA having strict rules on not allowing any events of theirs to be played in a state that has legalized sports betting. Maryland has a recent history with hosting some NCAA-sanctioned event, like the Women's NCAA Regional Basketball tournament.
Will I Go to Jail For Betting Online?
Betting sports online at these US online sportsbooks we have mentioned on this page is a completely legal option for residents. Provided that you are not gambling underage, or operating one of these sites in the state, you are not breaking the law and will not be committed to jail.
Final Thought About Maryland Sportsbooks + Sports Betting
Hopefully you realize that as a Maryland resident, you certainly have some legal recourse when it comes to placing wagers on your favorite teams and sports. Betting at these offshore sites is extremely popular for USA bettors, and the fact that they are legal means that Maryland doesn't have to worry about getting into trouble. Whether or not sports betting will be legalized in Maryland remains to be seen, but it looks like the attitude of the residents and government in the state is fine with the current federal legislation.
Much like every state looking to legalize sports betting, Maryland had flirted with the idea ever since the 2018 US Supreme Court decision. After all, Maryland does have other forms of gambling at horse racing tracks and brick-and-mortar casinos.
Finally, sports betting at those casinos is on the way, as voters voted yes on the legal sports betting question on the November 2020 ballot.
Latest updates
Last updated: Dec. 17, 2020
Penn National Gaming secured operations to Hollywood Casino Perryville for $31.1 million in cash. The plan is to launch a Barstool Sportsbook, both retail and online, pending regulatory approval.
Voters in Maryland said “yes” to legal sports betting in the Nov. 3 elections. Question 2 on the ballot posed legalizing wagering in the state, with the purpose of raising money for local education. Now that it’s a done deal, in all reality, Maryland sports betting could begin in 2021. It all depends on how fast details can get hammered out and when the first bets will actually be taken.
When will Maryland sports betting launch?
The sports betting gears were turning very slowly in Maryland.
After the Maryland Senate passed a full-fledged sports betting bill, the House opted to strip all the language regarding how sports betting would be conducted.
Because of this, voters had to approve sports betting via a November 2020 ballot initiative. They were asked this question:
“Do you favor the expansion of commercial gaming in the State of Maryland to authorize sports and event betting for the primary purpose of raising revenue for education?”
Now that it has passed with a legal vote, conservative guesses would say that sports betting could launch sometime in late 2021.
Remember, lawmakers still have to sit down in 2021 and plan out exactly how sports betting will function in the state. There are regulations, rules, and decisions to make on licenses, a whole host of details to be worked out.
Where will I be able to make legal sports bets in Maryland?
Sports betting traditionally operates via two outlets: physical retail locations and mobile/online wagering.
Maryland is in a perfect position for both. The state has six casinos, three racetracks and several gambling operators that would love a crack at the online market.
Retail locations
As mentioned, Maryland has six land-based casinos, all of which would be capable of opening a retail sportsbook.
- Maryland Live! Casino
- MGM National Harbor
- Horseshoe Casino Baltimore
- Hollywood Casino Perryville
- Ocean Downs
- Rocky Gap Casino Resort
Additionally, there are three racetracks capable of opening sportsbooks.
- Pimlico Race Course
- Laurel Park
- Timonium at Maryland State Fairgrounds
Mobile sports betting apps
Usually, when a property opens a retail sportsbook, it tends to launch a companion app. There are six gambling operators in the state that could go at it alone or partner with other companies to launch apps.
- Caesars Entertainment
- Gaming and Leisure Properties
- Golden Entertainment
- MGM Resorts International
- Saratoga Casino Holdings
- The Cordish Companies
Of course, these are all hypotheticals. Ultimately, who can and will operate sports betting will be determined by the language in the final sports betting bill.
Background to Maryland gambling law
Maryland’s history with gambling dates back to 1947 when four southern counties went over the governor’s head and installed 9,300 gambling machines. When 1968 rolled around, Maryland outlawed slot machines altogether, and the millions generated from these illegal machines dried up.
Four decades later in 2008, residents approved a constitutional amendment to allow slot machines in five designated locations. In 2012, voters again elected to expand gambling by permitting table games and authorizing a sixth casino in the state.
That sixth casino, MGM National Harbor, is right across the water from Washington, D.C.
The six casinos are located in:
- Anne Arundel County
- Baltimore
- Cecil County
- Allegany County
- Worchester County
- Prince George’s County
How old do I have to be to place sports bets in Maryland?
Since there is no sports betting law just yet, the exact age to place a bet is still unknown. However, simply looking at other states with sports betting, it’s safe to assume you will have to be 21 or older to place a wager.
The minimum gambling age in the state is 21; odds are that will apply to sports betting, as well.
The mechanics of getting started
When the laws are finalized, sportsbooks are officially open, and apps and online sites have launched, then you will be ready to start betting.
Make sure you understand sports betting basics and the type of bet you are placing. If you have any doubts, the casino staff can explain.
Typically, you can place a bet in two ways.
The traditional way is to go to a tellerwindow. You pay your money and receive a ticket, which is your record of the bet.
A new way is to use a bettingkiosk. These come with touch screens that display all the available bet types and games. Select your bet, pay with cash or card, and the kiosk will print out your betting ticket.
Keep your betting ticket safe because you will need it if you win. To collect your winnings, go to the teller window and hand over your ticket.
How do I begin mobile sports betting in Maryland?
If law permits, mobile wagering will be a way for customers to place bets without having to travel to a physical sportsbook.
Geolocation will ensure that you are within state borders, and various levels of security will be installed on the apps to make sure you are who you say you are.
However, until that day comes, all of this is hypothetical.
When online sports betting arrives, you can set up a sports betting account in a matter of minutes. In some jurisdictions, such as Nevada, the law states that you must set up your account in person at a casino. There is a chance lawmakers in Maryland might adopt this rule.
You would only need to travel to the nearest physical sportsbook once to set up your account. After that, you would be able to place wagers from anywhere in the state.
Whenever online sports betting launches in MD, we will provide links to all the various brands together with reviews of each operator.
To open your account, follow one of our links and complete the information on the sign-up page. Remember, personal details will be required. This is to prevent any chance of underage gambling.
After you have chosen a screen name and password, you are ready to place your first bets. If you open your account using a mobile device, you will need to download the appropriate app. After that, the process is the same as signing up from your desktop.
Be sure to check out the new customer offers before deciding which online sportsbook to use.
How to make a deposit
Much like an online bank account, you will need money in your sportsbook account in order to place a bet.
Online sports betting operators will offer as many ways as they can to allow customers to make deposits. In some states, the laws even stipulate that operators must accept specific payment methods.
When you place a bet, funds are taken from your sportsbook account, and any winnings will credit to it. The operator will provide a complete transaction history on request.
US deposit methods
There are several options to deposit funds in other legal sports betting states. These options include:
- Credit and debit cards
- Prepaid cards
- Wire transfers
- E-checks
- PayPal, Skrill and Neteller
- Cash
- Check or money order
How to withdraw winnings
Withdrawals are easiest if you can use the same method you used to make your deposit.
Withdrawals are fast compared to the time needed by offshore (or illegal) sites. Because these are not allowed to use the US banking system, it can take weeks to claim your winnings from an offshore operator.
In the US, the process is almost instant if using credit or debit cards or payment processing services.
Other withdrawal methods, such as requesting a check, can take a little longer. You may not withdraw money through PayNearMe.
Easy financial transactions and the security of your account funds are significant reasons to switch from offshore sports betting to the legal market.
Do I have to be in Maryland to bet online?
Short answer — yes. If you set up an online sports betting account in Maryland, you will most likely have to be inside state boundaries to place a bet. The same goes if you are betting in neighboring Pennsylvania or New Jersey.
Online gambling is regulated at the state level, not the federal level, so Maryland law no longer applies when you leave the state. One step across the border, and you are no longer legally allowed to wager on your mobile device with a Maryland licensed operator.
Geolocationtechnology is accurate. If you try to place a bet, the software will refuse to accept it. Of course, all bets you have made before leaving the state remain legal.
Online Sports Betting Maryland
Another frequently asked question is, what if the same operator is in both states? Regardless, you will have to set up separate accounts. You will not be able to use your Pennsylvania account to bet in Maryland and vice versa.
What sports can I bet on in Maryland?
In theory, you most likely will be able to bet on any and all sports in Maryland.
Typically the regulator decides what counts as a sport eligible for betting. Betting on the Oscars may or may not qualify.
However, there is a possibility that lawmakers may adopt a rule that prohibits wagering on in-state college teams, much like New Jersey.
Obviously, there will be no betting on high school sports or any sports involving minors where they are the majority participants.
Can I Bet On Sports Online In Maryland
What types of sports bets will be available in MD?
The law may specify the types of permitted sports bets, but the regulator will probably have a great deal of latitude.
Some of the common bet types are:
- Moneyline:Wagers on which team or player will win.
- Spreads: You don’t bet on the winner of the game; you bet on the difference between the final scores of the two teams involved in the game.
- Totals: Betting on the combined total of both teams’ scores.
- Futures: Futures bets are on something a long way off, such as who will win the NBA championship.
- Parlay: You select the winners of several games, usually all taking place on the same day. If you get one winner wrong, you lose your stake.
- Teaser: This is just like a parlay, but the legs of the parlay are only on totals bets or spread bets, and you can move the line in your favor.
Live betting on MD sports betting apps
Live betting allows you to wager after a game has begun. The data that sports betting operators have now is so good — at least for major events — that they can adjust the odds of bets in response to the action on the field almost instantly.
Live betting, or in game wagering, is where you bet on certain outcomes during a game. Some examples include:
- Will the next play be a run or a pass?
- Will David Johnson run for a TD on the next play?
- Will LeBron James make a 3-point shot on this possession?
- What will the total score be at the end of the next quarter?
Live, in game wagering is rapidly becoming a favorite of bettors. When you have a bunch of friends watching a game together, a few small in-game bets can enhance your enjoyment of the game and give everyone a stake in the outcome.
Which sportsbooks will launch in Maryland?
It’s still too early to know who will be opening a sportsbook in Maryland. But by looking at neighboring states and other jurisdictions that have launched sports betting, we have a good guess as to who might.
The names you will almost certainly see if they can get access to the market will be:
- Kindred
- Kambi
All are already active in the US market, and all will try to find a Maryland sports betting partner.
Does Maryland support other forms of online gambling?
Short answer — no.
Unfortunately, Maryland does not have any other forms of online gambling such as online poker or online casino games.
The state does have charitable, horse-based gambling, a state lottery and land-based casinos.