Maryland Sports Betting

Maryland bettors are well on the way to having access to legal online sports betting. State voters approved sports betting at the ballot box in Nov. ’20, creating the potential for several nationally-known sportsbooks to take a slice of the pie. How the industry will eventually look will largely be determined by the licensing process, which is ongoing but should be wrapped up soon.

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After the referendum to add sports betting to the Maryland Constitution was enacted by voters in November 2020, the legislature took that mandate and passed legislation to fully legalize the activity. Retail betting launched in December 2021, but mobile betting has taken a long time for regulators to figure out, much to the frustration of bettors and even the Governor, who has implored the state regulatory agency to act with more urgency.

Legal Sports Betting in Maryland

There is no completed regulatory structure for sports betting in Maryland yet, but most of the heavy lifting is already done. The state required a public vote before any form of gambling can grow. The public approved sports betting in 2020 and the legislature passed a bill to authorize it and set up the regulatory framework. Regulators are currently finalizing the rules and regulations that will govern mobile and retail sports betting in the state.

Under HB 940, which was signed into law in spring 2021, the state’s casinos, racetracks, and sports teams all qualify for sports betting licenses. Additionally, mobile operators like FanDuel can apply for a mobile license without having to partner with a retail facility in the state.

The Maryland law specifically encourages women and minorities to get involved in sports betting, which should lead to many non-traditional facilities end up with sports betting licenses. All in all, by 2023 we should see many different sportsbooks operating in Maryland, including all the major ones and possibly some mom-and-pop retail locations. It could end up being one of the more innovative states.

When Will Mobile Betting Launch in Maryland?

Retail sports betting is up and running, with six locations currently accepting wagers. That’s the good news. The bad news is that the regulatory process is taking far longer than expected and mobile betting is not available yet. There is no certainly when Marylanders will be able to wager on their phones. This page will be updated when mobile betting launches in the state, which could be sometime in fall 2022.

Eligibility

Sports betting is something for which each state can establish its own requirements, so rules vary between jurisdictions. Maryland seems likely to finalize sports betting with the following eligibility requirements:

• Players must be 21 and older to bet.
• As with all states with legal online betting, you must be physically located in Maryland to bet using a Maryland-branded online sportsbook site or app. Your location will be tagged when you’re wagering with a sportsbook: more on that later.
• Members of gambling institutions or sports teams are barred from wagering.
• If you’ve made use of any responsible gaming initiatives to restrict yourself from betting or “cool-off”, you won’t be able to place wagers again until your cooling off period has elapsed.

Possible Maryland Online Sports Betting Sites & Apps

Since the rules and regulations are still being pieced together, we don’t know exactly how many sportsbooks will make it to MD yet. With a sizable population in relation to its size, Maryland will be a target for all major online bookmakers eager for a piece of the mid-Atlantic. Several of these operators are doing business already in neighboring states like Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Once the market matures after a couple years, we expect all the major operators to be in Maryland. We’ve already seen six retail partnerships start up, and we expect those six sportsbooks to operate mobile betting when they are allowed to do so. Here are the sportsbooks that are already in the state and others that we expect to come to Maryland soon.

FanDuel

FanDuel is champing at the bit for Maryland to go live with both daily fantasy sports and online sports betting. This operator has a solid reputation for good user incentives and boosted bets.

FanDuel signed a strategic partnership agreement with The Cordish Companies in 2019 which led to a partnership with Cordish-owned Live! Casino and Hotel in Hanover, MD to offer sports betting both in-person and online.

DraftKings

DraftKings has made a name for itself in online sports betting with its intuitive design, portability, and a wealth of markets.

At the moment, there’s no clear indication of who DraftKings will partner with to offer their services, but it’s rumored that Maryland State Fairgrounds is looking for a partner for sports betting there.

Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook has made great strides in the United States sports betting market. Now, it’s looking like the operator will be one of the first to enter Maryland.

Horseshoe Casino is a Caesars-owned property in Baltimore that has already opened a Caesars retail sportsbook and will allow Caesars Sportsbook to open online in the state once mobile betting launches.

PointsBet

PointsBet is a unique service dreamed up by Aussie sports fans and is now making waves in the U.S. In addition to traditional sports wagers, PointsBet has also pioneered “PointsBetting”. PointsBetting allows you to increase your potential payout based on the accuracy of your bets. The closer your pick is to a given real-life outcome, the higher your payout can potentially be. It works both ways though. If a PointsBetting wager goes wrong, it can go very wrong. The potential for big wins (or losses) makes it very entertaining.

PointsBet has partnered with Riverboat On The Potomac to bring both retail and mobile betting to Maryland. The retail location is currently open and, once again, the PointsBet app will be available in Maryland once mobile betting launches in the state.

BetMGM

BetMGM is one of the most expansion-focused and well-funded sportsbooks in the country. We’re expecting the service to be one of the first in line for a MD license. This betting platform brings you the experience of a huge name in worldwide gambling and entertainment, hosting a wide variety of bets and markets.

The MGM National Harbor was the site of an impromptu fireworks display in November 2020, announcing the enactment of legal sports betting in Maryland. It was also one of the first locations to open up a retail sportsbook, doing so in late 2021. The BetMGM app will follow, yes, once mobile betting launches in the state.

Unibet

Unibet started in the UK as a fan-created book looking to offer sports bets over the phone, and almost immediately got into the newly growing world of internet betting. Now that it’s legal in the states, Unibet has made an impression in several jurisdictions like New Jersey and Indiana. Heavy on the stats and easy on the eyes, Unibet will be a player to beat when it goes live.

FOX Bet

FOX Bet is the betting arm of FOX Sports, one of the biggest names in sports media and entertainment. The operator has a potential pathway to the state through an association with the Stronach Group, parent company of the Laurel Park, Rosecroft, and Pimilco Raceways. Stronach was the owner of Horse Racing TV until it was purchased by Flutter Entertainment, parent company of FOX Bet.

TwinSpires (retail only)

Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI) owns Ocean Downs Casino & Racetrack and operates a retail sportsbook at the location. It was once expected that the TwinSpires app would be available in Maryland, but CDI has shut down the app, so it is unknown which mobile sportsbook will partner with the horse racing company.

BetRivers

BetRivers is a Rush Street Interactive (RSI) brand with legal sports betting and online casino games being offered in numerous states. Know for their ludicrously easy-to-clear welcome offer, BetRivers is popular wherever it has hit the market. A strong presence in both neighboring PA and VA increases the likelihood of activity in Maryland.

In August 2022 BetRivers announced a retail and mobile partnership with Bingo World, a Baltimore-based bingo emporium. A BetRivers retail sportsbook is now open at Bingo World and the BetRivers app will soon follow.

Betfred

In August 2022, Betfred announced a partnership with Long Shot’s, an off-track betting facility in Frederick, Maryland. The partnership includes a retail sportsbook at the facility and mobile betting as well.

Barstool Sportsbook

Barstool is one of the nation’s most popular sports blogs and a growing force in online sports betting. Penn National Gaming (PNG), purchased a stake in the company in order to use it as its primary iGaming brand of the future.

Hollywood Casino in Perryville, MD is owned by Gaming and Leisure Properties, which is a part of Penn National Gaming. Hollywood Casino already has a Barstool Sportsbook retail location and will be the licensing partner for the mobile sportsbook as well.

Washington Football Team’s Proposed Sportsbook

Washington Football Team’s owner Dan Snyder has expressed interest in a sports betting kiosk or lounge at the team’s stadium. FedEx Field is currently located in Prince George’s County, MD, about 5 miles away from Washington, D.C. Snyder has even gone so far as to say he would relocate the team, if necessary, to pursue sports betting on site.

The Football Team has FedEx leased through 2027, but beyond that their plans are unknown. D.C., Virginia, or staying in Maryland remain options. If a new stadium isn’t in the cards, significant renovations to FedEx may be on the agenda – including the addition of sports betting infrastructure for game days.

Maryland Online Sports Betting Platforms

Online sports betting in Maryland will be available on a variety of tech platforms. This includes mobile devices of all shapes, sizes, and operating systems – as well as on computer through a web browser.

iOS

Bettors with Apple devices will have access to Maryland sports betting apps through simple downloads via the iOS app store. Maryland sports betting apps are fast, convenient, and can follow you throughout the state. You will have to grant the app access to your phone or tablet’s location services though, so it can verify you are in the state.

Android

Android users will have access to the same features and bonuses as iOS and browser users. Direct app downloads will be available on your chosen sports betting website, plus Android app stores are expanding their iGaming horizons.

Additionally, as with iOS devices, make sure you’re sharing your location through the app whenever you’re making a legal wager: you must be in Maryland to do so.

Browsers

While on a computer, fire up your favorite web browser and visit your favorite MD sports betting website. Real money betting will be supported through all major browsers, Chrome, FireFox, Edge, Safari, etc.

You’ll need to download and enable a geotagging plugin when wagering real money using the browser version of a given online sportsbook. This is to ensure you’re physically in the state when wagering.

Other than that, the process of betting is much the same as it would be on a mobile device, with the added bonus of viewing the site on a larger screen. Betting from a web browser via a computer is a little less portable, though – and requires a stable WiFi connection.

Bet Types and Markets Coming to Maryland

This is the meat of the issue: when Maryland online sports betting goes live, what kind of bets will you be able to place, and on which sports? It’s expected that you’ll be able to bet on all major sports in a bunch of different ways. This includes the Washington Football Team, the Baltimore Orioles, the Baltimore Ravens, and any other local fan favorites.

Variety of Bets Available

The whole spectrum of bet types will be available on Maryland online sports betting sites. Whether you’re new to sports betting or you’re a seasoned veteran, you’ll be able to access variety that includes:

• Moneyline bets, such as a wager on the Orioles to win a game against the Jays.
• Spread betting, like betting on the favored Ravens to beat the Steelers by more than 4 points (-4).
• Totals (over/under), where you’d bet on the total number of points scored in a game.
• Parlays, which allow you to place multiple bets across markets and games for a higher potential payout, but all legs must win for you to win.
• Live betting which occurs in real-time, as the game progresses.
• Prop betting, allows you to bet on so-called “propositions” not related to the outcome of the game. For example, a prop bet might be a wager on the Wizard’s Russell Westbrook to record a triple-double against the Lakers.

Leagues and Markets

When sportsbooks go online in Maryland, you can expect to bet on a good variety of popular national and international sports leagues, potentially including:

• NFL
• NBA
• NCAA Football
• NCAA Basketball
• MLB
• NHL
• Cycling
• Boxing
• MLS and international soccer
• UFC/MMA
• Motorsports, including F1 and NASCAR
• Golf
• Tennis
• Rugby League & Union

This list is subject to change, but no matter your sporting passion, the odds indicate you’ll be able to put some money on it in MD.

Payment and Withdrawal Methods

Legal online sportsbooks offer a good selection of available banking methods. When you’re getting online with a new service, the first thing you’ll want to do is fund your account. Of course, making withdrawals is always fun, too.

When sites go live online, some or all of the following payment methods will be available:

• Credit / Debit Cards (including Visa and Mastercard)
• VIP Preferred
• Online Bank Transfer
• PayPal
• Skrill
• Play+ Prepaid Cards
• PayNearMe
• Cash at Cage, offering banking in-person at eligible retail casino locations

Benefits of Using Legal, Regulated Sites and Apps

Unlicensed offshore betting sites located in other countries often advertise “legal” bets for U.S. customers, but are best avoided. These offshore websites are infamous for having security and safety protocols that are lacking. If you’re looking to bet online, legal is the way to go, which is why it’s great news that sports betting is now on the Maryland Constitution. Overall, regulated sites are better because of:

• Security: Online sports betting is overseen by a state-run committee in order to ensure the safety and security of its users. Not only does legal betting offer you access to responsible gaming initiatives, but you can also rest assured that your identity and banking details are safe. All online sportsbooks are required to use industry-standard SSL technology to encrypt user data.
• Payouts & Support: These are more options, more reliability, and faster service when it comes to banking. Plus, legal sportsbooks offer much better customer service. You always have access to your money, and knowledgable help.
• Legality in general: it’s been said that prosecutors tend to go after the offshore operators themselves and not clients, but why would you risk it when you can bet legally and have a better, more reliable platform?
• More Promotions: More sportsbook options equates to more competition for your action. This competition results in extra promotions, bonuses, and overall value.

Retail Betting Locations in Maryland

Six retail sportsbooks are currently open in the state, with many more to come. These include:

• MGM National Harbor in Forest Heights, MD (BetMGM)
• Live! Casino and Hotel in Hanover, MD (FanDuel)
• Hollywood Casino in Perryville, MD (Barstool Sportsbook)
• Bingo World in Baltimore, MD (BetRivers)
• Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore, MD (Caesars Sportsbook)
• Ocean Downs Casino & Racetrack in Berlin, MD (TwinSpires – retail only)

Coming soon:

• Long Shot’s in Frederick, MD (Betfred)
• Riverboat on the Potomac in Colonial Beach, VA (PointsBet)

There are also several race track locations that will be eligible for licenses:

• Pimilco Race Course in Baltimore, MD
• Laurel Park Racetrack in Laurel, MD
• Rosecroft Raceway in Washington, MD
• Fair Hill Fairgrounds in Elkton, MD
• Maryland State Fairgrounds in Lutherville, MD

Additionally, sports teams such as the Baltimore Ravens and the Washington Commanders will be allowed to offer sports betting kiosks at their stadiums.

History of Betting in Maryland

Horse Racing

Maryland was an early bastion of horse racing in the country, and to this day is home to the second jewel of the Triple Crown: the Preakness States. Since 1870, this internationally famous race has been the proving ground for numerous Crown winners, including War Admiral and Secretariat.

Lotteries & Casinos

No stranger to gambling, wagering in various forms has been available in Maryland since the 19th century. Lottery games have been available under the state’s commission since the 70’s, but casinos didn’t see the light of legislation until 2008. That year, voters approved a measure for slot machines.

In 2012, casinos became more fully realized in the state. A November decision allowed table games to be hosted at local casino locations. The following year, 2013, saw over $600 million in casino revenue. This beat local estimates by over $70 million and proved the worth of taxable, legal gambling in the state.

FAQ

Why do sportsbooks need my location and SSN?

All legal and regulated sportsbooks in the country are required to prove that customers are of legal betting age when using the service: this requires the last four digits of your SSN. Additionally, they must show that customers are only placing real-money wagers from inside their state.

For example, if you’re betting underneath the Maryland section of the BetMGM website or the MD version of the BetMGM app, you can only wager within MD state lines. You can access your account from anywhere, you just won’t be able to bet.

Who is allowed to bet using online sportsbooks?

If you’re not barred by employment or self-imposed gaming restrictions, you’ll be able to bet as long as you’re 21+. As mentioned above, users can download the apps and access their account from anywhere. However, users can only engage in Maryland online sports betting from inside the state borders.

How do I know my money is safe?

Make sure you’re only betting with a provider that’s licensed with the MLGCA. Once you’ve signed up with a licensed, regulated provider, you can be sure that your money is safe.

All sportsbooks are required by state and federal law to offer numerous layers of security and user protection. Additionally, checking your location and having the last four digits of your SSN helps state regulators protect your identity.

When will online sports betting be available in Maryland?

While we’re still putting the pieces together, the puzzle currently points towards a mobile betting launch in late 2022.