Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Maryland?

Online Sports Betting Maryland: When It Launched

Sports betting became law in 2020 after a statewide referendum. Retail sportsbooks opened first in December 2021. A year later, on November 23, 2022, online sports betting online officially went live.

The timing was perfect, launching right before Thanksgiving weekend and the NFL betting stretch run. Maryland quickly established itself as one of the strongest markets on the East Coast.

Read more: Looking for the ultimate guide to NFL betting this season? We've got you covered right here!

Is Sports Betting Legal Online in Maryland?

Yes. Sports betting legal online is fully active across Maryland. Bettors must be 21 or older and physically within state lines. Licensed apps use geolocation to confirm this before bets are placed.

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) regulates the industry. It licenses operators, tracks revenue, and enforces responsible gaming rules. This ensures safe betting compared to offshore sites.

Online Sports Betting Apps in Maryland

Maryland has one of the most competitive markets in the region. As of 2025, about 12 sportsbook apps are live, including:

• DraftKings
  
  
• FanDuel
  
  
• Caesars
  
  
• BetMGM
  
  
• bet365
  
  
• Fanatics
  
  
• ESPN BET
  
  
• Crab Sports
  
  

Example: A Ravens fan can log into DraftKings, place a bet on Baltimore to win outright, add a Lamar Jackson rushing yards prop, and parlay it with the over on total points. That wager is legal and easy through an app.

Competition between online sports betting apps means constant promos, odds boosts, and welcome offers. Maryland bettors benefit from this crowded marketplace.

Online Sports Betting How To: Step by Step

If you’re new to Maryland’s market, here’s how to get started:

1. Pick a licensed sportsbook app from the state’s list.
   
   
2. Download it on iOS or Android.
   
   
3. Create an account and verify your identity.
   
   
4. Deposit funds with debit, PayPal, or bank transfer.
   
   
5. Browse sports markets—NFL betting, NBA spreads, MLB totals, or NCAA football.
   
   
6. Choose your wager type: moneyline, spread, prop, or parlay.
   
   
7. Confirm and place your bet.
   
   

It’s quick and secure. With regulation in place, every bet placed through licensed apps is safe.

Taxes, Regulation, and Market Growth

Maryland taxes online sports betting revenue at 15%. This funding supports state programs, education, and responsible gaming efforts.

The market is thriving. By 2024, monthly handles regularly hit between $400 million and $500 million. NFL betting season drives the biggest numbers, but March Madness and NBA playoffs add major spikes.

Maryland’s success shows how online sports betting USA continues to grow, especially in states with strong regulation and multiple sportsbook operators.

What You Can Bet On in Maryland

Maryland allows betting on professional and college sports, including in-state programs like Maryland Terrapins football and basketball. Popular markets include NFL betting, NBA games, MLB, NHL, and international soccer.

Restrictions are minimal:

• No bets on high school sports.
  
  
• College player props may face tighter rules in the future.
  
  

Otherwise, Maryland bettors have a wide menu of choices that matches most other sports gambling legal states.

Maryland Compared to Other Sports Gambling Legal States

Maryland stacks up well against nearby states like Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. With 12 sportsbook apps, it offers more variety than smaller markets like Delaware.

The tax rate of 15% is higher than some but still allows operators to compete effectively. Compared to other sports betting legal online states, Maryland’s market feels balanced—strong oversight for safety but enough flexibility to keep apps competitive.

This makes Maryland a standout among mid-sized online sports betting USA markets.

Online Sports Betting Example: Ravens Game Day

Imagine it’s Sunday afternoon, and the Ravens are playing the Steelers. A bettor in Baltimore opens FanDuel, takes Ravens -4.5 against the spread, adds Mark Andrews anytime touchdown, and parlay it with the game total over 44.5.

That three-leg bet is legal in Maryland. NFL betting is one of the state’s biggest drivers, and with multiple apps live, bettors can shop around for the best odds before locking in their picks.

Challenges and Recent Headlines

While the market is strong, there have been challenges. In 2025, the city of Baltimore filed a lawsuit against DraftKings and FanDuel, claiming their marketing practices encouraged addictive behavior.

This highlights how sports betting legal online growth brings both economic gains and new debates around responsibility. Maryland regulators continue to emphasize consumer protections while balancing market growth.

The Future of Online Sports Betting Maryland

Maryland’s market is expected to keep growing. More sportsbook apps may join, local partnerships could expand, and player safety rules may tighten.

The MLGCA remains committed to keeping the industry fair and transparent. With steady demand from NFL betting and college sports, Maryland is set to stay one of the East Coast’s busiest sports gambling legal states.

Final Thoughts on Online Sports Betting Maryland

Online sports betting Maryland is legal, active, and thriving. With retail sportsbooks, 12 online sports betting apps, and strong regulation, bettors have plenty of safe options.

From NFL betting to college hoops, the choices are wide. Maryland has balanced competition, regulation, and growth, making it a model for other sports gambling legal states.

Check out our full betting toolset to start spotting profitable lines.