NBA Betting in Maryland: Best Sportsbooks & Promos for Basketball

Maryland legalized online sports betting on November 23, 2022, and the Old Line State built one of the most competitive markets in the country. With 12 licensed sportsbooks, a moderate 15% tax rate (though 20% has been proposed), and permissive college basketball betting regulations, Maryland created a premium NBA betting environment. If you're watching the Washington Wizards from nearby or building parlays on national TV games, Maryland's got you covered with serious line shopping opportunities.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland legalized sports betting on May 18, 2021, when Governor Larry Hogan signed HB 940 into law. Retail sportsbooks opened on December 9, 2021, and online betting launched on November 23, 2022.

Here's what you need to know:

• Governing body: Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA). They regulate everything, so if a sportsbook has their approval, you're good.
• Licensed operators: 12 online sportsbooks (DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365, BetRivers, ESPN BET, Fanatics, Crab Sports, Bally Bet, LetsBetMD, betPARX).
• Retail locations: 13 retail sportsbooks at casinos and racetracks.
• Minimum age: 21. No exceptions.
• Tax structure: 15% online (20% proposed legislative increase under consideration).
• Licensing structure: Maximum 60 mobile licenses and 47 retail licenses available.
• College betting rules: Maryland prohibits betting on in-state college teams EXCEPT in tournament formats (like March Madness). College player props are prohibited. High school betting is completely banned.
• Geolocation requirements: Every app uses GPS tech to confirm you're in Maryland before accepting bets. Cross state lines and your app won't work.
• Proposed legislative changes: A January 2025 bill proposes restricting in-play betting and doubling the tax rate to 40%, though passage remains uncertain.
• Offshore sites: Avoid them. They're not regulated, offer zero consumer protections, and if something goes wrong, you're screwed.

Shurzy Tip: Maryland has 12 sportsbooks, which is elite line shopping territory. The difference between DraftKings offering Wizards -3 and FanDuel offering Wizards -2.5 could be the difference between a push and a loss. Open accounts with 4-6 books, check odds before every bet, and always grab the best number. Your bookie hates this, but your bankroll loves it.

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

Top Sportsbooks for NBA Betting in Maryland

Maryland has 12 licensed sportsbooks. Here are the best for NBA betting:

DraftKings Sportsbook Maryland

DraftKings delivers one of Maryland's deepest NBA betting experiences. The app is fast, the Same Game Parlay builder is stupid easy, and they drop daily odds boosts on NBA games. Their partnership with NBA League Pass adds serious value if you're streaming games while betting.

Best for: Same game parlays, daily odds boosts, player props, NBA League Pass

FanDuel Sportsbook Maryland

FanDuel offers the cleanest live betting interface for NBA games. Odds update in real time during games, perfect for hammering live unders or fading teams losing momentum.

Best for: Live in-game betting, single-game parlays, clean interface

BetMGM Sportsbook Maryland

BetMGM delivers strong NBA odds and comprehensive player props. The MGM Rewards loyalty program extends across their nationwide casino properties. Official partnership with the Baltimore Ravens demonstrates local commitment.

Best for: Loyalty rewards, comprehensive NBA markets, Ravens partnership

Caesars Sportsbook Maryland

Caesars combines extensive NBA betting markets with the valuable Caesars Rewards program applicable to casinos nationwide. Regular profit boosts on basketball games make them a weekly stop.

Best for: Rewards program, profit boosts

bet365 Sportsbook Maryland

bet365 brings international expertise to Maryland with competitive NBA odds. Early cash-out options and extensive live betting markets make them a favorite among sharp bettors.

Best for: Cash-out options, live betting depth

Fanatics Sportsbook Maryland

Fanatics lean into their merch dominance. The FanCash rewards system lets you earn credits toward official NBA gear with every bet.

Best for: Merch rewards, FanCash program

BetRivers, ESPN BET, Crab Sports, Bally Bet, LetsBetMD, betPARX

Additional licensed operators provide solid NBA markets and competitive alternatives for Maryland basketball bettors.

Shurzy Tip: Maryland is close to Washington D.C., which means the Wizards get heavy regional betting action. When the Wizards play on national TV, public money floods in based on local pride. Sharp bettors often find value on the opponent if the line gets inflated by DMV (D.C./Maryland/Virginia) homer bias.

Best NBA Betting Bonuses in Maryland

Maryland sportsbooks throw money at new users. Here's how to grab it:

• Fanatics: Up to $2,000 in FanCash. The biggest welcome offer in Maryland, though it requires qualifying wagers across multiple days. Plus FanCash rewards toward NBA gear.
• DraftKings: Bet $5, Get $200 + 3 Months NBA League Pass. Multiple bonus pathways. Bet $5 on any NBA game, get $200 in bonus bets if it wins, PLUS three months of NBA League Pass.
• BetMGM: Up to $1,500 First Bet Offer. Substantial safety net. Drop $1,000 on an NBA spread, and if it loses, you get $1,000 in bonus bets back.
• FanDuel: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins. Clean, straightforward offer. Perfect for new bettors.
• Caesars: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Next 20 Bets. Lowest entry point in Maryland. Extended value across multiple weeks of NBA action.
• bet365: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets. Competitive odds and live betting excellence make this a solid grab.

Shurzy Tip: Maryland has a proposed 40% tax increase on the table (currently 15%). If that passes, sportsbooks will slash promos to protect margins. Stack bonuses now across multiple books while the market's still competitive. Once taxes double, welcome offers will shrink fast.

Read more: Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Maryland

NBA Bet Types You'll Actually Use

Maryland sportsbooks offer every NBA bet type imaginable. Here are the ones that matter:

• Moneyline Bets: Pick which team wins straight up. Wizards -180 vs. Hornets +150 means you bet $180 on Washington to win $100, or bet $100 on Charlotte to win $150.
• Point Spread Bets: The most popular NBA bet. If the Wizards are -5.5 favorites, they need to win by 6+ for your bet to hit. If you bet the Hornets +5.5, they can lose by 5 or fewer (or win outright) and you cash.
• Totals (Over/Under): Bet on the combined score. Wizards vs. Hornets total is set at 218.5? Bet the over if you think both teams combine for 219+ points.
• Player Props: Points scored (Jordan Poole Over 20.5 Points), rebounds (Daniel Gafford Over 8.5 Rebounds), assists (Tyus Jones Over 6.5 Assists), threes made (Kyle Kuzma Over 2.5 Threes), double-doubles, blocks, steals. Remember: No props on college athletes in Maryland, only pros.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

• Team Props: First team to score 20 points, highest-scoring quarter, first basket scorer, halftime leader, winning margin ranges.
• Same Game Parlays (SGPs): Combine multiple bets from one game. Example: Wizards Moneyline + Jordan Poole Over 20.5 Points + Game Total Over 220.
• Futures: NBA Finals champion, conference winners, MVP candidates, team win totals.
• Live In-Game Betting: Odds update in real time during games. Bet on next team to score, quarter winners, adjusted spreads.

Shurzy Tip: Maryland permits betting on in-state college teams during tournament formats (March Madness), but not regular season games. That means you can bet Maryland Terrapins during the NCAA tournament but not during the regular season. Use your college hoops knowledge during March to understand player development when those players reach the NBA.

How to Start Betting NBA Games in Maryland

Here's the step-by-step:

• Step 1: Pick a licensed sportsbook. Choose from Maryland's 12 licensed platforms. Open accounts with 4-6 to stack bonuses and compare odds.
• Step 2: Register. Download the app or visit the site. You'll need your full legal name, date of birth (21+), last four digits of your SSN, Maryland address, email, and phone number.
• Step 3: Verify your identity. Upload a government-issued ID. One-time verification.
• Step 4: Deposit. Fund your account with debit/credit card, bank transfer (ACH), PayPal, or e-wallets.
• Step 5: Claim your promo. Activate any welcome bonuses before placing your first bet.
• Step 6: Find NBA markets. Open the basketball section. Browse games, odds, and bet types.
• Step 7: Place your bet. Add picks to your bet slip, enter your stake, confirm.
• Step 8: Withdraw winnings. Request payouts through the app. Most Maryland sportsbooks process withdrawals in 24-72 hours (e-wallets) or 2-3 business days (bank transfers).

NBA Betting Strategies That Actually Work

1. Line shop across multiple books. With 12 sportsbooks, Maryland is line shopping heaven. A half-point on a spread or 10 cents on a moneyline compounds over 82 games. Check 4-6 apps before every bet.
2. Track injury reports religiously. Star players missing games change everything. Follow official reports every afternoon.
3. Bet unders in defensive matchups. When two top defensive teams play (Celtics vs. Heat, Bucks vs. Knicks), totals tend to stay under.
4. Manage your bankroll. Bet 1-2% per game. Never chase losses.
5. Use advanced stats. Check offensive/defensive ratings, pace factors, net ratings. NBA.com/stats and Cleaning the Glass provide free data.
6. Respect line movement. When lines shift significantly, sharp money is behind it. Understand why before betting against it.
7. Exploit March Madness crossover. Maryland permits betting on in-state college teams during tournament formats. Use that knowledge to understand player development when Maryland Terrapins alumni reach the NBA.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

Bet Responsibly (For Real)

Maryland Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537, 24/7, confidential, call/text). Maryland offers a Voluntary Exclusion Program, peer support specialists, and free counseling for Maryland residents. All Maryland sportsbooks offer deposit limits, loss limits, time limits, cooling-off periods, and reality checks. Betting should make games more fun, not create stress.

Final Word

Maryland is a premier NBA betting destination with 12 licensed sportsbooks, robust promotional competition, and comprehensive basketball betting markets. Licensed platforms provide security and competitive odds that offshore sites can't match. Line shops aggressively across multiple operators and bet smarter all season.

Too lazy to research? You're in the right place. Now go bet smarter.