Online Gambling In Maryland has Launched!
Maryland online gambling is officially here! Seven sportsbooks are now accepting mobile betting: DraftKings Maryland, Caesars Maryland, BetMGM Maryland, FanDuel Maryland, BetRivers Maryland, and Barstool Maryland.
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) announced the kickoff for Maryland online gambling at its Nov. 17 meeting. That means numerous Maryland sports betting apps are up and running, with many more on the way.
Maryland sports betting saw approval last year, and the gambling industry has started to roll out in the state. Maryland retail betting is available at six facilities. Recently, regulators approved 10 Maryland mobile betting licenses as part of this initial rolling launch. BetFred Maryland, Fanatics Maryland, and Parx plan to launch in the weeks ahead too.
Online gambling in Maryland is overseen by multiple governing bodies. The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission approves businesses that apply for a sports betting license in Maryland. This includes license distribution to retail locations and mobile platforms.
Through the application process, additional review and qualifications are handled by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (MLGCC) and MLGCA. Specific duties vary based on the application process.
In the end, up to 47 retail sports betting licenses and 60 mobile licenses can be issued in Maryland. State regulators expect the annual Maryland online gambling industry revenue to jump to about $542 million within the next years.
It’s certainly an exciting time to be a sports fan in the Old Line State!
Maryland Online Gambling Offers – September 2023
To stand out among the sports betting competition, Maryland sports betting apps offer special bonus promotions to new users. Maryland online sportsbooks are no different. Sports betting bonus offers are great to use when first getting started with sports betting and can help add winnings to your bankroll. In addition, new users can claim bonus offers from multiple sportsbooks, but they can only claim one offer on each platform.
Overall, there are plenty of fantastic bonuses out there that Maryland sports bettors should take advantage of. Here’s a breakdown of various top sportsbooks in the industry and the current Maryland sports betting promo offers they feature:
| 📱 MARYLAND SPORTSBOOK | 🎁 BONUS OFFER | 💰 BONUS CODE |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | Up to $1,400 in Bonuses | Claim Now! (No code necessary) |
| Caesars | Up to $1,500 on Caesars or a $100 Bet Credit | SHARPBETPICS |
| BetMGM | $1,000 in Bonus Bets | SHARP |
| FanDuel | Up to $200 No Sweat First Bet | Claim Now! (No code necessary) |
| BetRivers | 2nd Chance Bet up to $500 | SHARPRIV |
These sportsbooks were among the first mobile apps to become available when Maryland online sports gambling launched in November 2022. State officials expect up to 21 Maryland sports betting apps to be available by the 2023 NFL Season, so check back often as more will launch!
Top Maryland Online Gambling Apps
Best for Overall Experience
Up to $1,400 in Bonuses at DraftKings MD
Available On: Android, iOS, Web Browser
States Allowed: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, OH, PA, VA, WV & WY
Best for Overall Experience
DraftKings Maryland
Free Bets
$250
Licensed By
MLGCA
Maryland Partner
Simply put, DraftKings is one of the best mobile sportsbook apps available! The odds and lines are easy to read, and the app has a very user-friendly interface and a lag-free experience for all users, even on big game days. The top of the screen has a wide variety of major menus with which you can quickly find all the betting markets you might want to access.
Maryland’s DraftKings launch offer features three opportunities just for signing up on launch, providing up to $1,400 in combined bonuses. The main offer is provides $200 in free bets instantly after you bet $5 on a first wager.
Additional terms and conditions apply.
DraftKings is known for its generous offers, as well as regular odds boosts that can help add winnings to your bankroll. In addition, the customer service team at DraftKings is very helpful and known for fast response times. So reach out to the customer service team on the app if you ever encounter an issue. Overall, sports bettors in Maryland will be pleased with what DraftKings has to offer.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Pros
- Intuitive user interface
- Dynamic betting markets
Cons
- Some app glitches
Terms and Conditions Apply. 21+
Best For First-Time Bettors
for up to $1,500 Back or $100 in Bet Credit at Caesars MD
Available On: Android, iOS, Web Browser
States Allowed: AZ, CO, IN, IA, IL, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA & WV
Best For First-Time Bettors
Caesars Sportsbook Maryland
Up to
$1,500
Alternate Promo
$100 Bet Credit
Caesars Promo Code
SHARPBETPICS
Licensed By
MLGCA
Caesars is an international sportsbook operator that has already started making its way into Maryland to strengthen its United States presence. In fact, Caesars Maryland was one of the first apps to launch in the state.
Last year, Caesars Maryland announced a multi-faceted partnership with the Baltimore Ravens to become the premier sports betting partner of the team. The Caesars Sportsbook app offers fantastic betting markets and odds for both US and international sports, plus an easily navigable interface and a good opening bonus.
For the launch of online gambling in Maryland, Caesars Sportsbook Maryland is offering two options: $1,500 on Caesars (get your full stake back in the form of a bet credit if your first bet loses) or $100 in bet credit. At least a $20 wager is required to get this offer. Use Caesars Maryland Promo Code: SHARPBETPICS.
Pros
- Comprehensive rewards program
- Retail casino located near M&T Bank Stadium
Cons
- Betting markets don't have as much variety
Terms and Conditions Apply. 21+
Best For Betting Market Variety
$1,500 in Total Bonuses
Available On: Android, iOS, Web Browser
States Allowed: AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MS, NJ, OH, NV, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV & WY - Note: Offer not available in DC, MS, NV or NY
Best For Betting Market Variety
BetMGM Maryland
Bonus Bets
$1,500
BetMGM Maryland Bonus Code
SHARP
Licensed By
MLGCA
Maryland Partner
BetMGM is one of the biggest betting brands in the sports betting industry. It offers live stream betting and a high-quality rewards program that gives you bonuses the longer you use the app. It also features wide-ranging betting markets for international and European sports like soccer and rugby. Its American sports selection is great as well. Popular leagues include the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL.
BetMGM Maryland has a welcome bonus for new users. Get Bonus Bets of up to $1,000 on the initial bet. Use BetMGM Maryland bonus code SHARP to get the special offer. Additional terms and conditions apply.
BetMGM Maryland has a relationship with the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. A retail BetMGM Sportsbook opened at the facility last winter. The sportsbook also announced a partnership with the Baltimore Ravens last year, the franchise’s first agreement with a sportsbook.
Pros
- One of the largest variety of odds
- Live streaming of select sports, including soccer and tennis
Cons
- Some glitches on website; slow sportsbook app
- Not as easy to use as other sportsbooks
Terms and Conditions Apply. 21+
Best For Bonus Flexibility
Up to $200 No Sweat First Bet at FanDuel MD
Available On: Android, iOS, Web Browser
States Allowed: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV & WY
Best For Bonus Flexibility
FanDuel Maryland
Bonus Offer
Up to $200
Licensed By
MLGCA
Maryland Partner
FanDuel Sportsbook has a similar presence and features as its main competitor, DraftKings. Bettors can use both the daily fantasy and sportsbook platforms and share their winnings across both. Note that initial deposits are limited to the platform that is initially selected. At FanDuel, bonus money received is the most flexible compared to other sportsbooks. FanDuel Sportsbook is featured at Maryland Live! Casino in Hanover.
Available now at FanDuel Sportsbook Maryland: New users in the state can sign up and get bonuses up to $200. See terms and conditions for more details, including expiration dates.
Pros
- Bonus money has one-time playthrough, high flexibility
- Clean user interface
- Fast loading and navigation on website, mobile app
Cons
- Markets are limited in variety, parlay ability
- Deposited funds cannot be transferred between daily fantasy and sportsbook platforms
Terms and Conditions Apply. 21+
Best For Profit Boost Promos
for 2nd Chance Bet up to $500 at BetRivers MD
Available On: Android, iOS, Web Browser
States Allowed AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MI, OH, NJ, NY, PA, VA & WV
Best For Profit Boost Promos
BetRivers Maryland
2nd Chance Bet
Up to $500
BetRivers MD Bonus Code
SHARPRIV
Licensed By
MLGCA
Maryland Partner
BetRivers Sportsbook isn’t as popular as some of the other larger brand names, but the platform has plenty of exposure across the United States in established markets. A simple sportsbook interface provides a fast experience for live betting and watching select event streams. The bonus of a second chance bet up to $500 is available in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MI, OH, NJ, NY, PA, VA & WV. If your first wager loses, receive a bet credit equal to your stake up to $500.
BetRivers has market access in Maryland through Penn Entertainment and launched a retail sportsbook at Bingo World in August. BetRivers Maryland launched in November for mobile bettors.
Pros
- Simplified betting layout online and mobile
- Consistent promotions for profit boosts in many popular sports
- Live streaming availability for select events, including NHL
Cons
- Design can be cluttered on website
- Scrolling newsfeed doesn't add much to experience
- Not as competitive in promos and bonuses
Terms and Conditions apply. 21+
Maryland Sports Betting Updates
At long last, Maryland mobile sports betting is available. All sports betting licensing in Maryland is operated by the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC). In total, 17 retail locations were designated in the Maryland sports wagering law. These include casinos, horse tracks, sports facilities, off-track betting locations, and bingo halls.
Maryland online gambling launched Nov. 23 after a two-year wait. In late October, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission approved the qualifications of 10 businesses seeking mobile sports betting licenses. Expect many more to launch in the months and years ahead.
The Maryland online gambling business that received a mobile sports betting license in 2022 are:
- DraftKings Maryland
- Caesars Maryland
- BetMGM Maryland
- FanDuel Maryland
- PointsBet Maryland
- Barstool Maryland
- BetFred Maryland
- Fanatics Maryland
- Parx Interactive
- Rush Street Interactive
- Bally Bet
- WynnBET
Additionally, sports fans can place their wagers at five land-based casinos in Maryland. They are:
- Horseshoe Casino Baltimore
- MGM National Harbor
- Maryland Live! Casino & Hotel
- Hollywood Casino Perryville
- Ocean Downs Casino
In addition to these retail casinos, sports fans can now place wagers at Bingo World in Baltimore, Riverboat on the Potomac, Greenmount Station, and Long Shot’s. Bingo World partnered with BetRivers to make it its official sports betting operator, and the facility was awarded a sports wagering license earlier this year. The facility began accepting sports wagers in early August.
Riverboat on the Potomac, Greenmount Station, and Long Shot’s all opened this fall in Maryland.
With mobile and retailing options now available, Maryland residents can now bet on the final weeks of the NFL regular season and college football bowl games. Maryland bettors will also undoubtedly want to place their wagers on Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023. Further information on approval and meetings by the SWARC can be found on their official website.
Maryland Gambling News
SuperBook and Crab Sports Approved for Maryland Sports Betting Licenses
February 16, 2023
Maryland Live! Casino Could Expand in Near Future
February 14, 2023
Biggest Maryland Sports Betting Bonuses for Super Bowl 57: Thousands in Promos Available
February 12, 2023
Maryland Casino Gaming Revenue Tops $167 Million in January
February 8, 2023
How to Bet on the Super Bowl in Maryland: Eagles vs. Chiefs Matchup is Set
January 30, 2023Maryland Online Gambling Overview
Since both retail and online betting became legal in Maryland, lawmakers have scrambled to hash out details. Retail betting has been available since last winter, and Maryland mobile betting began Nov. 23. With the Maryland online gambling industry launched, bettors can look for individual mobile sportsbooks to go live on a rolling basis rather than a universal launch date. However, a number of popular sportsbooks are available on Day 1.
The state legislature’s approved sports betting bill includes all of the details about how mobile betting will operate in Maryland. Some of the key provisions include:
- 10 retail licenses for Maryland’s casinos, Pimlico and Laurel Park racetracks, the state’s three professional sports teams, larger OTBs, and electronic bingo halls. This will allow these entities to operate retail sportsbooks onsite.
- 37 retail licenses for bars, restaurants, smaller OTBs, and amusement centers to also operate retail sportsbooks onsite.
- Up to 60 mobile sports betting licenses by competitive bid, allowing operators to launch apps and online betting sites. State regulators approved 10 licenses at its Nov. 16 meeting.
SWARC held its first public meeting in August 2021. The designated 17 Class A and B locations were noted in the Sports Wagering Law for investigation by the MLGCC. Different classes are based on establishment size and application fee. The license application process began for these establishments in September 2021.
Other businesses not listed will need to go through a background investigation that takes approximately one to two years. 30 Class B retail licenses are available under the current law.
Seven Maryland mobile sports betting apps were available at the November 2022 launch. Three others, BetFred, betParx, and Fanatics, told state lottery regulators that they would launch at a later date. In December, Bally Bet and Wynn Sportsbook were both granted licensure.
History Of Maryland Gambling
Maryland gambling has had a unique history. In fact, there was a 21-year period from 1947-1968 during which slot gaming was fully legal in Maryland. It wasn’t until 2008 when five of the major casinos currently in the state were allowed to provide table and slot games once again. Table games were added only a few years later in 2012.
There are currently six casinos operating throughout Maryland. The most recent casino, MGM National Harbor, opened in 2016.
But while retail casino wagering may be fully on the books, the Maryland online gambling scene is in its infancy. In November 2020, Maryland voters approved sports wagering across the state. Since that time, retail betting has become available at five retail casinos and one non-casino site (Baltimore’s Bingo World). The mobile wagering launch went live on Nov. 23, 2022.
Timeline Of Online Gambling In Maryland
- Dec. 14, 2022: SWARC approves licenses to Bally Bet and WynnBET.
- Nov. 23, 2022: Maryland gambling for mobile sports apps began.
- Nov. 16, 2022: SWARC regulators began awarding mobile sports wagering licenses.
- Nov. 2022: Long Shot’s, a partner of Betfred, becomes the state’s newest retail betting location.
- Oct. 2022: Greenmount Station (betParx) opens as a retail betting location.
- Oct. 2022: The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (MLGCC) approved the qualifications of 10 businesses seeking mobile sports betting licenses.
- Sep. 2022: SWARC began accepting online sports betting applications.
- Aug. 2022: Bingo World in Baltimore became the sixth retail facility and first non-casino to offer sports betting.
- May 2022: Barstool Sportsbook announced it will open a retail sportsbook in Maryland at Hollywood Casino Perryville. The location began accepting sports wagers on June 6.
- Apr. 2022: Two more retail sportsbooks based in Maryland received sports betting licenses: Greenmount Station in Hampstead and Riverboat on the Potomac.
- Dec. 2021: In-person betting went live at multiple casinos throughout the state. MLGCC awards two establishments that have met qualification standards and licensure is currently pending.
- Nov. 2021: SWARC officially approved licenses and qualifications at five establishments.
- Oct. 2021: Multiple casinos began receiving qualifications for a sports betting license.
- Aug. 2021: SWARC held first public meeting, advanced sports gambling licensees to pending review from the state lottery commission.
- July 2021: MLGCA approved betting regulations.
- June 2021: PointsBet and Riverboat on the Potomac reached an agreement for online and retail sportsbook.
- May 2021: Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan signed off on the legislation.
- Apr. 2021: State legislature approved House Bill 940.
- Nov. 2020: Residents voted to legalize sports wagering by amending the Constitution.
- Jan. 2020: Sen. Chris West pre-filed SB 58, which eventually legalized sports wagering in Maryland.
Maryland Online Gambling FAQs
Yes. Mobile betting and retail betting are both operational in Maryland. Maryland currently has six operating casinos, each of which provides a plethora of game types. Five casino locations offer sports betting: Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, MGM National Harbor, Maryland Live! Casino & Hotel, Hollywood Casino Perryville and Ocean Downs Casino. In November, mobile betting also launched. Now, Maryland sports fans will be able to bet from the comfort of their own homes.
Mobile sports wagering in Maryland began on Nov. 23, 2022. State regulators recently approved 10 online sports betting licenses, and seven of those apps went live immediately on November’s kickoff day. There are no options for online casino gaming for real money.
Yes. The Maryland lottery is state-run and it can only be played in person. Bettors must be at least 18 years old to play all Maryland Lottery games. The Maryland Lottery emphasizes encouraging responsible play.
You need to be 21 years of age or older to gamble at casinos in Maryland. This is also the age you need to be to place any sports bets in the state. This age restriction applies to both retail and mobile betting. At retail betting locations, you will need to provide identification to verify your age.
Absolutely. Each casino is professionally run and has great security for its users. Furthermore, any sportsbooks partnered with casinos will have excellent online security to protect your personal information. These facilities are regulated by several organizations in the state that help to ensure your information is safe.
Every available sportsbook has an offer out in Maryland. Sportsbook apps are offering new users a special bonus offers in Maryland. Terms and conditions apply.