Q: Is sports betting legal in Maryland?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Maryland. Maryland voters approved both retail and online sports betting during the November 2020 election. The enabling sports betting law was signed by Gov. Larry Hogan in May 2021. In-person sportsbooks first opened in December 2021, while online sports betting took a bit longer to get started. Maryland’s first online sportsbook apps finally made their debut on Nov. 23, 2022.

Q: Do I have to be in Maryland to bet on sports?

Yes. You must be physically inside Maryland in order to bet on a Maryland sportsbook app. Be prepared to verify your location through each app or site’s geolocation verification software. The apps will simply use the onboard GPS from your mobile device to track you. It’s possible that you will have to download a tracking program if you use a computer.

Q: Will I be able to bet on Maryland sports teams?

Yes. Maryland law does not limit sports betting on professional and collegiate games in the state. However, high school sports games remain prohibited, as they are across the US.

Q: Do I have to be a Maryland resident to bet on Maryland sportsbook apps?

No. You don't have to be a Marylander to bet in Maryland. You only need to be of age and located within the state.

Question 1

Is sports betting legal in Maryland?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sports betting is legal in Maryland. Maryland voters approved both retail and online sports betting during the November 2020 election. The enabling sports betting law was signed by Gov. Larry Hogan in May 2021. In-person sportsbooks first opened in December 2021, while online sports betting took a bit longer to get started. Maryland’s first online sportsbook apps finally made their debut on Nov. 23, 2022.

Question 2

Which Maryland sportsbook apps launched first?

Accepted Answer

DraftKings, Caesars, FanDuel, BetMGM, BetRivers, PointsBet and Barstool were the first sportsbooks to launch on Nov. 23, 2022.

Question 3

What is the difference between a sportsbook app and an online sportsbook?

Accepted Answer

An app is a program for mobile devices; an online sportsbook is accessible via a browser. We use the terms interchangeably as a shortcut, but that may be a bit misleading. It is possible that some sportsbooks will have different versions of their offerings on the two formats. In some cases, the app will be a pared-down version of the site. In others, there won’t even be a site — the entire sportsbook exists as an app.

Question 4

Who regulates sports betting in Maryland?

Accepted Answer

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency regulates the activity of sports betting in Maryland. However, in a bit of an unusual twist, the state’s sports betting law created a separate entity — the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission — to consider any license applications first before Maryland Gaming looks at the requests.

Question 5

Do I have to be in Maryland to bet on sports?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You must be physically inside Maryland in order to bet on a Maryland sportsbook app. Be prepared to verify your location through each app or site’s geolocation verification software. The apps will simply use the onboard GPS from your mobile device to track you. It’s possible that you will have to download a tracking program if you use a computer.

Question 6

Will I be able to bet on Maryland sports teams?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Maryland law does not limit sports betting on professional and collegiate games in the state. However, high school sports games remain prohibited, as they are across the US.

Question 7

Do I have to be a Maryland resident to bet on Maryland sportsbook apps?

Accepted Answer

No. You don't have to be a Marylander to bet in Maryland. You only need to be of age and located within the state.

Question 8

How do I know if a sportsbook site is legit?

Accepted Answer

Legal online sportsbooks are now available in Maryland. However, illicit offshore sites can still be accessed as well. Betting at such sites involves substantial risks, and we do not recommend it. The best thing to do if you are unsure whether or not a site is legal is to contact Maryland Gaming directly. You can also check the bottom section of the app’s main lobby for clues that things are on the up and up. Mentions of responsible gaming, the appearance of the Maryland Gaming logo and a US-based office location are all signs that you’ve found a legitimate site. Of course, you can also rely on this page. PlayMaryland never covers any online sportsbooks that are anything short of legal and regulated.

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