The Best Online Betting Sites in Maryland to Play Legally in 2024
Maryland, the birthplace of the National Anthem, has something new to sing about: legal online sports betting. This guide will introduce you to all the best Maryland betting sites and explain everything you need to know about how to start betting. Let’s begin by looking at the top betting sites in Maryland:
| Best Betting Sites in The United States | Bonus Offers | Highlights | Rating | Secure Link | T&Cs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Top Maryland Betting Sites
- 🥇 BetRivers ✪ Best MD Betting Site
- 🥈 DraftKings ✪ New Maryland Sportsbook
- 🥉 BetMGM ✪ Best For Horse Racing
Since online sports betting became legal in Maryland in 2022, the state has seen the launch of several safe sportsbooks where you can bet on all your favorite sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more. This guide aims to help you find the best legal online sports betting site in MD, which is why we have split our recommended sportsbooks by category:
| 🏆 Best Betting Site in Maryland | DraftKings |
| 🔍Top New Site in USA | BetRivers |
| 🎁 Best for Bonuses | BetMGM |
| 📱 Top Mobile App | DraftKings |
| 📺 Best for Live Betting | BetRivers |
| 📈 Highest Payout Sportsbook | BetRivers |
| 💳 Best Payment Options | DraftKings |
| 🛡️ Safest Sportsbook | BetMGM |
| 🎮 Best eSports Betting Website | DraftKings |
| ✨ Top for Extra Features | BetRivers |
We hand-picked the above sports betting sites for Maryland sports bettors from our list of online sportsbooks. These are all legal in Maryland and provide an abundance of markets for local and international sporting events. We recommend joining as many online sports betting sites as possible to shop around for the most competitive odds.
List of MD Online Betting Sites: All Legal Maryland Online Sportsbooks
We tested all the legal online betting sites in Maryland to provide our visitors with safe and secure options. Below is a list of Maryland online sportsbooks and their license numbers. You can register an account at any of these recommended betting sites to start placing wagers on your favorite sports.
- Crown Ohio Gaming, LLC – (DraftKings) – License No N/A
- Rush Street Interactive, Inc. – (BetRivers) – License No N/A
- BetMGM LLC – (BetMGM) – License No N/A
These are the best online Maryland betting sites available in 2024. Each has a valid license from Maryland regulators to operate in the state. We explain what criteria we use to compile our list of recommended Maryland betting sites further down this page. But first, let’s walk you through the steps on how to start betting:
How to Start Betting Online in Maryland
You can start betting at Maryland sportsbooks by following the below step-by-step instructions. To register an account, you must be 18 years or older and be a resident of MD. In addition, you will need to provide a valid email address, your contact number, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
Select an online betting site and click ‘Join Now’ to fill out the registration form. You will receive a confirmation email with your account details.
Log into your account and visit the cashier to select your preferred payment method. You will receive your sign-up bonus as soon as you make your first deposit.
Navigate to the betting console and select the sport you want to wager on. You will need to fill out a bet slip by selecting your bet type and betting amount.
First-time registrants may need to upload supporting documents, such as a state-issued ID. However, these will only be requested if your identity cannot be verified. We recommend keeping proof of identity at hand to avoid any delays. You can also contact customer support at Maryland betting sites should you need assistance.
The Criteria We Use to Pick the Best Maryland Betting Sites
We select our recommended Maryland online betting sites by looking at specific factors. Because your safety is our topmost priority, we only select legal sportsbooks with valid licenses from Maryland regulators. The below table includes everything we look at in order to rank Maryland betting websites:
Aside from the above ranking criteria, we rate Maryland sportsbooks by looking at their overall service offering. For example, we will never recommend a sportsbook that does not pay customers promptly. That’s why it is important to choose legit sportsbooks where your money is safe.
Maryland Betting Sites: The Legal Aspect
Sports betting was illegal in Maryland until recently. Before 2021, the only option for die-hard sports bettors was to use illegal betting sites. Many would also travel to neighboring states to catch some of the action during events like the Super Bowl. Signing up to an online sportsbook in Virginia was a popular choice for those wanting to wager legally.
Much has changed since then. Today, Maryland is home to several forms of legal gambling. In addition to legal sports betting, the state allows gambling on horse racing, bingo, lottery games, daily fantasy sports, and in casinos like the famous Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore. Maryland online casinos, however, remain illegal.
Since the legalization of sports betting, we have evaluated each Maryland online sportsbooks by examining aspects such as licenses, taxes, data security, and everything in between. We look at these to provide our visitors with secure Maryland betting sites. Using an illegal online sportsbook is never recommended because there is no guarantee that your money will be safe.
Betting Laws and Licenses
Sports betting in Maryland was legalized in May 2021 when Governor Larry Hogan signed HB 940 into law. Interestingly, he was the first person in Maryland to place a legal bet on sports. In-person sports betting officially launched in November 2021, while legal betting sites in Maryland arrived one year later in November 2022.
Maryland already has many legal sports betting sites and apps available. These are overseen by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. The agency is responsible for regulating all sportsbook operations within the state. Meanwhile, the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) is in charge of issuing licenses for betting sites in MD.
According to sports betting laws in Maryland, state regulators can award up to 60 online sports betting licenses to prospective operators. In addition, the law allows for up to 47 retail sportsbook licenses and another three reserved for any sports teams relocating to the state. All Maryland online betting sites must undergo multiple regulatory checks to obtain betting licenses.
We recommend checking that your preferred betting site in Maryland is licensed and regulated before signing up. The quickest way is to visit the sportsbook of your choice and check the footer for its licensing information. Alternatively, you can visit the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency for a list of licensed betting operators.
Taxes
Maryland considers all sports betting winnings as taxable income . Your tax bill will depend on your annual income and is subject to the progressive income tax structure of MD. The state tax on sports betting winnings is 24% for federal tax and ranges between 2% and 8.75% for state income tax.
There is no 60-day payment requirement for winnings under $500. However, you will have to report your sports betting winnings on your income tax return. If you win over $5,000 at the best Maryland betting sites, operators will automatically withhold a portion of your winnings for federal tax purposes.
Data Security & Encryption
The top online sports betting sites in Maryland protect customers by using advanced digital encryption. The purpose of the technology is to keep your personal and financial information secure. That means you can confidently make deposits and withdrawals without worrying if your money is safe.
Online sportsbooks typically use 128-bit SSL encryption to protect sensitive information. SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer and is used by some of the largest financial institutions in the world. You can look up a sportsbook’s security credentials by clicking the padlock next to their website address in your browser.
Legal Age
No persons under 21 years of age are permitted to gamble at an online betting site in Maryland. State lawmakers are committed to preventing underage gambling, which is why legal sports betting sites may request that you upload verification documents as proof of identity. The legal online betting age in Maryland is in line with other states.
While there are online sportsbooks that claim to accept bets from persons under 21 years of age, it is important to remember that these operators are doing so illegally. Furthermore, these sportsbook operators are not licensed and regulated in Maryland and should be avoided for your own safety.
Responsible Gambling Initiatives
The best Maryland betting sites are all committed to responsible gambling. However, if you know of any persons with compulsive betting problems, then we recommend reaching out for assistance. The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling is one of many resources available for information and support. Alternatively, you can contact 1-800-GAMBLER to speak to a consultant anonymously.
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency also operates a voluntary exclusion program. If any person opts for voluntary exclusion, they essentially ban themselves from participating in all forms of gambling and will not receive any promotional material. Maryland casinos and sportsbooks are not permitted to accept funds from persons on the self-exclusion list.
Certificates
A fundamental part of choosing a Maryland sportsbook is to make sure of their trustworthiness. The easiest way to confirm if a particular sportsbook is trustworthy is to check the web security certificates. We have listed some examples below, so you know what to look for when visiting your preferred sportsbook:
- Cloudflare – Security Certificate
- DigiCert – Security Certificate
- RapidSSL – Security Certificate
- GeoTrust – Security Certificate
Tried and trusted betting operators will additionally promote responsible gambling. We suggest checking for responsible gaming logos on sportsbook websites. Also, many operators will have pages dedicated to player protection with information and links to responsible gambling resources, such as Gamblers Anonymous.
Bonus & Offers
First-time Maryland sports betting will qualify for various promotional offers when joining betting sites. It is not uncommon for operators to compete with one another and, as a result, try to attract customers by offering enticing welcome bonuses. The most popular are deposit match bonuses and free bets.
The table below is where you can compare bonuses from the best betting sites Maryland has available. You will also find the wagering requirements, validity period, and minimum deposit for each bonus to help you select the one that compliments your style of betting.
| Maryland Betting Site | Welcome Bonus | Deposit Features | Rating | Secure Link | T&C’s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 DraftKings | Bet $5 & Get $200 in Free Bets | 1x, 7 days, N/A | Bet Here! | T&Cs Apply. New customer offer. Always gamble responsibly. 21+ | |
| 🥉 BetRivers | Up to $500 In Free Bets | 1x, 14 days, -200 | Bet Here! | Full T&Cs Apply! New customer offer. Please gamble responsibly. 21+ Make your first-time deposit with code SPORTS and place your first sports wager with real money. If your first wager loses, receive a Free Bet, equal to your stake, up to a maximum of $500 ($100 max in NY). Free Bet will be awarded within 24 Hours of your qualifying wager settling as a loss and expire 14 days after issuance. |
|
| 🥉 BetMGM | Up to $1,000 In Free Bets | 1x, 7 days, -200 | Bet Here! | T&Cs Apply. New customer offer. Always gamble responsibly. 21+ |
While these bonus offers look attractive at first glance, we always recommend that you read the terms and conditions. You need to make sure that you understand everything before accepting bonuses and promotions to avoid disappointment at a later stage. Other factors you should consider are the payment methods available and whether your preferred betting site has the most competitive odds.
Average Payout, Odds, and Lines at Sportsbooks
Expert bettors will often compare the average payout ratio for the best Maryland betting sites before joining. Simply put, the higher the payout ratio, the more money you will receive when you make accurate bets. The payout rate is calculated as follows: 100% minus the sportsbook fee.
The fee betting sites charge for handling bets is often referred to as the vig and will vary based on the odds – which is why line shopping for the most favorable odds is always recommended. Here are the average payout rates for some of the top Maryland online betting sites:
- DraftKings – 95.69% Payout Rate
- BetRivers – 97.20% Payout Rate
- BetMGM – 96.01% Payout Rate
Keep in mind that the payout rates at sportsbooks will vary depending on the betting option you select. Each bet you place will have true odds vs. the odds that the sportsbook sets, which is why line shopping is essential to your betting strategy, no matter if you are a novice or expert bettor.
Live Betting sites
Live betting, also known as in-play betting, is the most interactive way to enjoy your favorite sports. It allows bettors to place wagers throughout live events rather than only at the start, which causes the odds to adjust based on what’s happening during a game. Live betting is considered more profitable than traditional betting markets. However, it requires more skill too.
Live betting usually requires punters to make split-second decisions. As a result, we recommend never betting on live sports that you do not watch. Expert bettors will often study team statistics and other factors, such as the weather conditions and previous results, to try and make accurate predictions. Also, it’s not uncommon to find bonuses specifically for live betting. Here is our top pick:
Best Live Betting Bonus
- Bonus Code: SPORTS
- Minimum Odds: -200
- Wagering requirement: 1x
- Validity: 14 days
Welcome Bonus
Ongoing Offers Parlay Profit Boost
Live Promotions Live Profit Boost
-
Full T&Cs Apply! New customer offer. Please gamble responsibly. 21+ Make your first-time deposit with code SPORTS and place your first sports wager with real money. If your first wager loses, receive a Free Bet, equal to your stake, up to a maximum of $500 ($100 max in NY). Free Bet will be awarded within 24 Hours of your qualifying wager settling as a loss and expire 14 days after issuance.
The above is just one example of live betting bonuses at Maryland online sportsbooks. These are often available in conjunction with sporting events, such as World Cup tournaments. As always, we recommend reading the terms and conditions to understand the wagering requirements. You will need to fulfil them before you can make a withdrawal.
As far as live betting goes, the options are limitless. Sportsbooks in MD provide access to hundreds of live events throughout the year. That means you will never run out of opportunities to try and beat the odds. What’s more, online sportsbooks provide live betting odds on all popular sports, including college and professional leagues.
Payments
You will need to fund your sports betting account to start placing wagers online. Fortunately, Maryland betting sites provide a multitude of reputable payment methods. The options available will vary between sportsbooks, so choosing a betting site where your preferred payment method is available will go a long way.
When rating the payment methods at the top Maryland online sports betting operators, we typically consider aspects like the deposit limits and processing fees. While betting sites do not charge fees to transfer funds, it’s important to remember that your payment provider may. Here are the top payment options:
| Payment Method | Type | Deposit Limits | Deposit/Withdrawal | Payment Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa | Debit Card | $10 – unlimited | Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
| Mastercard | Debit Card | $10 – unlimited | Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
| PayPal | eWallet | $10 – unlimited | Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
| Bank Transfer | Bank Transfer | $10 – unlimited | Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
| Apple Pay | Mobile Payment | $10 – unlimited | Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
| Skrill | eWallet | $10 – unlimited | Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
| Play+ | Prepaid Card | $10 – unlimited | Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
| Neteller | eWallet | $10 – unlimited | Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
| Cheque | Cheque | $10 – unlimited | Available for Deposits / Not Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
| PayNearMe | Cash & Wallet | $10 – unlimited | Available for Deposits / Not Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
The above table shows that Maryland online sports betting sites have a wide selection of payment options. These are safe and secure and will allow you to fund your betting account instantly. Keep in mind that each payment option has its pros and cons, which may include not being able to make deposits and withdrawals using the same method.
Furthermore, online sportsbooks aim to process withdrawals as quickly as possible. While the processing time will vary between payment methods, the average time it takes for funds to appear in your account is usually between 1-5 business days. However, we suggest visiting the cashier of your preferred betting site for information on the withdrawal process.
Best Payment Method
From paying with eWallets to Prepaid Cards, bettors have plenty of reliable options at online sportsbooks. Out of all the payment methods available, our top choice is PayPal. Not only is this payment method convenient, but you can use it to make deposits and withdrawals at the best online betting sites Maryland provides.
PayPal has many advantages as a payment option for online sports betting. First and foremost is its reliability. PayPal has a high success rate for online transactions and is widely accepted at Maryland sports betting sites, not just DraftKings. You can create a PayPal account within minutes and fund your betting account within minutes.
Betting Apps
Betting apps in MD make it possible to place wagers anywhere, anytime. Since the advent of legal sportsbooks in the state, several quality betting apps have landed and provide instant access to betting markets for local and international events. Check out our top choice for mobile app betting below:
Now that multiple mobile betting apps are live in Maryland, it’s important to understand what we look for when we rate them. We typically want to see fast loading speeds and user-friendly interfaces, while the variety of betting markets and competitive odds pricing are paramount to a quality betting experience.
The mobile apps from the best online Maryland betting sites are free to download on the latest Android and iOS devices. You can also use your existing account details to switch between any Maryland sports betting app and your desktop computer for added convenience.
Customer Service
No person truly enjoys talking to customer support. However, when you absolutely must, you want to know that the person on the other side is able to assist you. Customer support services play an integral part in your overall betting experience, which is why we focus on the customer support channels available at online sportsbooks.
The top betting sites Maryland has to offer provide fast and professional customer support across various channels. The standard options are live chat and email, while some will include a phone number. These support channels are usually available 24/7 to assist bettors with general and technical queries.
Many betting sites also have comprehensive help sections with information on various topics, such as registration, account access, deposits and withdrawals, and sports rules. Sportsbook members can access these help sections to try and find information related to a specific problem by selecting the most relevant topic.
New Betting Sites in Maryland
The recent legalization of online sports betting opens the door for several new betting sites in Maryland – with many more coming soon. These legal sportsbooks are among the top in the US and make it possible to place wagers on all your favorite sports. Here are three of our recommended new online betting sites:
| New Maryland Betting Site | Bonus Offer | Active from | Rating | Secure Link | T&C’s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | Bet $5 & Get $200 in Free Bets | 2022 | Bet Here! | T&Cs Apply. New customer offer. Always gamble responsibly. 21+ | |
| BetRivers | Up to $500 in Free Bets | 2022 | Bet Here! | T&Cs Apply. New customer offer. Always gamble responsibly. 21+ | |
| BetMGM | Up to $1,00 in Free Bets | 2022 | Bet Here! | T&Cs Apply. New customer offer. Always gamble responsibly. 21+ |
The Maryland sports betting market is still in its infancy, so we expect a few more new operators to launch in the coming year. The good news is that Marylanders already have multiple first-class sportsbooks to choose from and can start betting on local and international events immediately.
According to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, sports fans have placed over $478 million in bets in the opening month of legal sports betting. Not only does this prove the growing demand for new sportsbooks to enter the market, but it demonstrates that sports betting is here to stay. Make sure to check back regularly for updates on any new arrivals.
Illegal Betting Sites in Maryland
There will always be a few bad apples among the good ones, and the same goes for online sports betting sites. We recommend avoiding the following illegal sportsbooks, which include offshore sportsbooks not regulated in Maryland. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, which is why you should only bet at legal betting sites in Maryland.
- ⛔ Riverbet
- ⛔ Premiumbull
- ⛔ digiBet
- ⛔ Bigbetworld
- ⛔ All Horse Racing
- ⛔ Gamebet
- ⛔ 21Bet
- ⛔ 1xBet
- ⛔ 12BET
One of the main reasons to avoid illegal betting sites is the question of safety. Illicit sites have no legal obligation to protect your personal or financial information, nor do they have a statutory duty to pay punters promptly. In other words, sports betting at illegal operators is fraught with unnecessary risks that can easily be avoided by choosing legit sportsbook operators.
The History of Gambling in Maryland
It may seem hard to believe today, but Maryland once had its very own “Little Vegas” when modest Waldorf in Charles County became a vibrant gambling town where slot machines paid in cold, hard cash. Gambling was legalized in Charles County in the 1940s, which ignited a gambling boom in Waldorf that would last two decades until slots were banned in the 1960s.
However, the history of gambling in Maryland started long before the rise of “Little Vegas.” Today, Maryland is among many states in the US where online sports betting is legal. We walk back in time to look at some of the moments in history that led to the launch of the first betting sites in Maryland in 2022:
not changed. While there is no timetable to launch casino gambling websites in Maryland, many of the surrounding states, including New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, currently allow online casino operators to accept bets on slots, video poker, and other games.
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency began operating in 1973 and oversees all casino and sports betting programs in MD. The commission has seven members appointed by the state. Since May 2021, the commission has had the added responsibility of regulating sports wagering and fantasy sports competitions in Maryland.
FAQ
This section is dedicated to answering frequently asked questions about the best Maryland betting sites. We have listed them below should you need any additional information on where to bet safely and legally in Maryland. Each answer includes a link to the relevant section of this guide, where we go into more detail.
🥇 What is the best betting site in Maryland?
Maryland has a variety of legit online sportsbooks where you can wager on sports. We suggest jumping to our list of best Maryland betting sites to see our recommended options. The online sportsbooks in this guide are all licensed and regulated in MD and provide betting markets for college and professional sports leagues.
🔎 Are there any new betting sites in Maryland?
Due to the recent legalization of online sports betting in Maryland, the state has several new betting sites to explore. Other new betting sites are expected to launch in Maryland in the near future, so check back regularly for more options. Our list of new online sportsbooks includes trustworthy operators that generally receive positive reviews online.
📜 Is there a list of the Maryland betting sites?
Yes, you can view our list of Maryland betting sites and select the operator of your choice. We only list licensed and regulated sports betting sites to provide our visitors with safe and secure options. The legal sports betting sites in this guide all accept Maryland bettors.
🛡️ Are Maryland betting sites safe?
Yes, Maryland online sports betting sites are safe and must adhere to strict state laws to obtain their licenses. You can read more about safety and security in this guide for an overview of how Maryland betting sites protect sports betting fans.
💵 How does Maryland make money from betting sites?
Maryland earns revenue from sports betting activities in the state. Sports betting operators are taxed at a rate of 15%, while your sports betting winnings are seen as taxable income, too. How much you need to pay will depend on your annual income. We recommend reading our section on state taxes for more information.
⚖️ Is online betting in Maryland also legal?
Yes, online betting on sports is legal in Maryland. Governor Hogan signed House Bill 940 into law in May 2021, thereby legalizing online sports betting in the state. The first online sports betting sites arrived in Maryland in November 2022. You can read more about Maryland betting laws in the laws and licenses section of this guide.
👮 How can I solve a dispute with a Maryland online sportsbook?
The best way to solve disputes is by contacting the customer support team. Maryland online betting sites provide various support channels, which include live chat and email. Alternatively, you can take up your dispute with Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency for assistance.
Conclusion
Legal sports betting has officially come to Maryland. Marylanders already have a quality selection of legal betting sites to check out, with more coming soon. This guide features the best Maryland betting sites where patrons can place wagers on college and professional sports leagues, such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL.
Marylanders can also download sports betting apps from legit sportsbooks in the state. These provide instant access to local and international sporting events from anywhere. However, if you are not from Maryland and wish to check out legal betting sites in your region, we recommend visiting our guide to sports betting sites for a look at legal operators.