Sports Betting

Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Maryland

Maryland sports betting has become one of the most competitive markets on the East Coast since launching in November 2022. Between FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, bet365, BetRivers, ESPN BET, Crab Sports, LetsBetMD, betPARX, and Bally Bet, new Maryland bettors can claim over $7,400 in combined welcome bonuses. Maryland sports betting revenue skyrocketed 260% from 2023 to 2024, and the state collected $117.3 million in tax revenue in 2024 alone. At Shurzy, we keep it real: Maryland's bonuses are solid, but that tax increase could change things.

Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Maryland

Is Sports Betting Legal in Maryland?

Yes, sports betting is fully legal in Maryland if you're 21 or older. Maryland voters approved Question 4 on the November 2020 ballot, authorizing the legislature to legalize sports betting. The Maryland General Assembly passed enabling legislation in April 2021, and the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency spent 2022 reviewing license applications.

You can bet in person at retail sportsbooks at MGM National Harbor, Horseshoe Baltimore, Ocean Downs, and other locations, or you can bet online from anywhere in Maryland. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency oversees all operations. Geolocation tech confirms you're in Maryland before accepting any wagers.

Here's what you need to know:

Must be 21+ and physically in Maryland
Can bet on pro sports and college games (University of Maryland, Navy)
Maryland allows full college player props with no restrictions on in-state teams
Maryland taxed mobile betting at 15% from launch through May 31, 2025
Effective June 1, 2025, mobile tax increased to 20%

Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Maryland

Maryland has 12 legal sportsbooks. Here are the top six.

1. BetMGM Maryland - Up to $1,500 First Bet Offer (Code: SI1500 or COVERS)

BetMGM offers the biggest welcome bonus in Maryland. Sign up using promo code SI1500 or COVERS, deposit at least $10, and place your first bet. If it loses, you get back up to $1,500 in bonus bets. For bets under $50, you get a single bonus bet matching the stake. For bets of $50 or more, you receive five separate bonus bets, each worth 20% of the original stake. Bonus bets expire in seven days. You'll auto-enroll in M life Rewards.

Best for: Biggest safety net bonus and MGM Rewards.

2. Fanatics Sportsbook Maryland - Up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash OR Bet $50, Get $250

Fanatics offers the highest total value in Maryland with two options. Option 1: Place a $1 bet each day for 10 days. If any bet loses, you get up to $200 in FanCash per day (total $2,000). Option 2: Bet $50, Get $250 in FanCash guaranteed. Place a cash bet of $10+ on any market with odds of -500 or longer within seven days, and receive $250 in FanCash. Use FanCash for bonus bets or redeem it for Ravens, Orioles, and Terrapins gear.

Best for: Maximum total value and merch rewards.

3. DraftKings Maryland - Bet $5, Get $300 + 3 Months of NBA League Pass

DraftKings delivers solid value in Maryland. Sign up, deposit at least $5, and place your first $5 bet. If it wins, you get $300 in bonus bets (twelve $25 tokens) plus three free months of NBA League Pass. DraftKings also offers a 20% deposit match up to $1,000, but unlocking the full amount requires significant depositing and wagering. Bonus bets expire in seven days.

Best for: $300 bonus bets plus NBA League Pass.

4. FanDuel Maryland - Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins

FanDuel is the most popular sportsbook in the U.S. Sign up, deposit at least $5, and place your first $5 bet. If it wins, you'll get $150 in bonus bets within 72 hours. Bonus bets expire in seven days. FanDuel offers same-game parlays, live betting, daily odds boosts, and one of the smoothest mobile experiences in the game. No promo code required.

Best for: User-friendly app and $150 guaranteed if you win.

5. Caesars Sportsbook Maryland - Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 20 Bets (Code: COVERS20X or ACTION20X)

Caesars flips the script with a creative bonus structure. Sign up using promo code COVERS20X or ACTION20X, deposit at least $10, and place your first $1 bet. You'll unlock 20 Profit Boost Tokens that double your winnings on your next 20 bets, up to $2,500 each. That's a potential $50,000 in value if you max out each boost. Each token is valid for 14 days. You'll auto-enroll in Caesars Rewards.

Best for: Maximum potential value through profit boosts.

6. bet365 Maryland - Bet $5, Get $200 Win or Lose OR $1,000 First Bet Safety Net (Code: COVERS)

bet365 is a global betting giant. Sign up using promo code COVERS, deposit at least $10, and place your first $5 bet. Option 1: Get $200 in bonus bets guaranteed, win or lose. Option 2: Choose the First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000. Bonus expires in seven days. bet365 offers deep betting markets and competitive odds.

Best for: Guaranteed rewards or maximum safety net.

How to Choose Your Maryland Sportsbook

With 12 legal options, here's how to decide:

Compare welcome bonuses. BetMGM offers the biggest safety net at $1,500. Fanatics stacks up to $2,000 in FanCash. bet365 gives you a guaranteed $200 win or lose.
Check app speed. FanDuel and DraftKings run smoothly during live games when timing matters.
Look for loyalty perks. BetMGM's M life Rewards and Caesars Rewards turn your bets into hotel stays, meals, and free play.
Match your sports. If you're into football and basketball, DraftKings and FanDuel dominate. Soccer or international leagues? bet365 is your move.

Shurzy tip: Maryland's betting market exploded 260% from 2023 to 2024. Operators are competing hard, which means bonuses stay competitive.

How to Claim a Sportsbook Bonus in Maryland

Claiming your bonus is quick. Here's the breakdown:

Step 1: Pick a licensed sportsbook. Choose from BetMGM, Fanatics, DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, or bet365.
Step 2: Create your account. Visit the sportsbook's website or download the app. Enter your name, address, date of birth, email, phone number, and the last four digits of your SSN.
Step 3: Enter promo codes (if needed). For BetMGM, use code SI1500 or COVERS. For Caesars, use code COVERS20X or ACTION20X. For bet365, use code COVERS. FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics don't require a code.
Step 4: Fund your account. Most books require $5 to $10 to qualify. Use a card, PayPal, Venmo, or online banking.
Step 5: Place your qualifying bet. Follow the bonus terms. Some promos require minimum odds or a specific bet type.

Shurzy tip: Bonus bets usually expire within 7 to 14 days. Don't let them sit there gathering digital dust. Use them on games you're actually watching, not random overseas soccer at weird hours.

Sports Betting Tips for Maryland Bettors

Maryland's market is strong. Here's how to navigate it smart:

Leverage college player props. Maryland allows full college player props with no restrictions. Take advantage of extra betting options on Terrapins and Navy games.
Watch Ravens games for live betting. Baltimore games tend to have solid line movements. If you're comfortable with live betting, Ravens games offer chances to find value mid-game.
Stack Caesars' profit boosts strategically. With 20 tokens worth up to $2,500 each, save them for games where you've done your homework. Don't waste them on random Tuesday bets.
Use Fanatics' 10-day offer if you're patient. Placing a $1 bet each day for ten days is low-risk. Even if you lose a few, you're banking FanCash that turns into free bets or Ravens gear.
Shop lines across multiple books. With 12 operators, you've got options. A half-point difference on a spread can change your payout, especially on favorites.

Responsible Betting in Maryland

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency oversees responsible gaming programs. All regulated sportsbooks offer deposit limits, self-exclusion, and timeout features.

Maryland offers the Voluntary Exclusion Program allowing you to ban yourself from Maryland casinos and online sportsbooks for one year, five years, or lifetime. Contact the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling at (667) 210-8016 or visit mdproblemgambling.com.

If you need help, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700, available 24/7.

Final Take

Maryland sports betting offers over $7,400 in combined welcome bonuses from 12 legal sportsbooks. BetMGM ($1,500), Fanatics ($2,000), DraftKings ($300+), FanDuel ($150), Caesars (up to $50K profit boosts), and bet365 ($200-$1,000) all compete aggressively for Maryland bettors. Maryland's 260% tax revenue growth from 2023 to 2024 demonstrates the market's explosive growth.

However, the June 2025 tax increase from 15% to 20% could reduce promotional offerings over time. Sign up for multiple accounts, claim the bonuses, and shop lines before placing your bets. If you're betting on the Ravens on Sunday, Orioles through the summer, or Terrapins on game day, Maryland sportsbooks deliver.

Shurzy tip: No spreadsheets, no stress. Just fast picks, good promos, and wins you can flex. That's the Shurzy way.

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