Maryland Sports Betting
Maryland sports betting is alive and thriving with 11 different online sportsbooks plus numerous retail sportsbooks across the state. With so many options, there are plenty of Maryland online sportsbook bonuses and promotions available as the sites compete with one another.
Here we have all the latest Maryland sports betting news and other information you can use. We share our picks for the best Maryland sports betting sites and how to get started wagering at FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, and other sites including Maryland’s own Crab Sports. We also cover how to claim Maryland sportsbook welcome bonuses, what sports and wagering opportunities are available, and everything else you need to know when betting on sports in the Old Line State.
Best Maryland online sportsbooks April 2025
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Latest Maryland sports betting updates
Updated July 26, 2024
- The start of July also brought the launch of another Maryland online sportsbook. Veterans Service Corporation debuted its LetsBetMD online sportsbook on July 1. For a short period of time, it gave Marylanders 12 online sports betting options.
- However, the SuperBook Sportsbook announced it was leaving several jurisdictions, including Maryland. Its online sportsbook will only be available in Nevada, where it has a brick-and-mortar presence at the Westgate Las Vegas.
- Regulators released June’s sports betting data, reporting that Maryland operators handled $348.6 million during the month. Those figures are down 19.6% from May, thanks mainly to a reduced sports schedule as the calendar moves into the summer. On the other hand, it’s a whopping 51% increase from June 2023. The sportsbooks combined to net $5.3 million from Maryland bettors.
Maryland sports betting news
Our top Maryland sports betting sites
Of the many Maryland online sportsbooks currently live, some stand above the rest. We recommend you explore each option and make your own decision. If you’re curious, however, here are our top picks.
FanDuel Sportsbook
Best feature(s): Navigation, same-game parlays
Why we like FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook Maryland has become one of the mainstays of online sports betting in recent years. The DFS pioneer has emerged as a top brand in multiple states and is often the leader in many areas. Part of the draw of FanDuel is its smooth, intuitive app design. FanDuel is also a leading provider of same-game parlay options, and ongoing profit boosts and other promotions come frequently. For the NFL season, FanDuel is offering discounts on Sunday NFL Ticket, a big perk for football fans.
Sign up at FanDuel Sportsbook Maryland using our links and you can take advantage of their current welcome offer. Deposit at least $10 and make an initial bet of at least $5, and you get back $250 if your bet wins. The bonus bets can be used in any increments you like, but you’ll have to use them within seven days or they will expire. Winning wagers made with bonus bets earns you the winnings but not the stake amount back.
Download the FanDuel Sportsbook Maryland app
Caesars Sportsbook
Best feature(s): Promotions
Why we like Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook Maryland needs very little introduction as the face of one of the world’s biggest gambling companies. In Maryland, Caesars has operated Horseshoe Baltimore for several years. Perhaps in a nod to the opulence of the brand’s identity, the best thing about Caesars Sportsbook is the various promotions for which bettors can qualify. Additionally, you can accrue points for redemption within the Caesars Rewards loyalty program.
New sign-ups at Caesars Sportsbook Maryland who enter bonus code PLAYMDDYW when creating their accounts are eligible to receive profit boosts that double their next 10 wagers after they bet at least $1.
Download the Caesars Sportsbook Maryland app
Fanatics Sportsbook
Best feature(s): Merchandise discounts
Why we like Fanatics Sportsbook
Fanatics has humble origins as a purveryor of licensed sports merchandise. Now, it’s a licensed sportsbook as well. It’s available in Maryland and offers a holistic and seamless sports betting experience. Thanks to its acquisition of PointsBet US, Fanatics had a headstart in providing a top notch platform.
When you first join Fanatics sportsbook with our links—no promo code required—you’ll get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets
Download the Fanatics Sportsbook Maryland app
BetMGM Sportsbook
Best feature(s): Edit My Bet, MGM Rewards
Why we like BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM Sportsbook Maryland is the online sports betting brand for MGM Resorts, the international casino chain. MGM also owns and operates the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill. BetMGM’s option to edit your open bets gives an extra degree of flexibility. BetMGM also allows bettors to accrue points in the MGM Rewards system, the company-wide loyalty program that offers comps, discounts, and other benefits.
In addition to the above promotion, new users are eligible for another bonus, too. Sign up with the promo code PLAYMD for up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if your first bet doesn’t win. Note that with bonus bets if you win you receive the winnings but not the stake amount back. The bonus bets expire in seven days, and each new customer can only claim one offer. Additional terms may apply.
Download the BetMGM Sportsbook Maryland app
Crab Sports Sportsbook
Best feature(s): Every Day SGP Bet Insurance, Parlay Boosts
Why we like Crab Sports Sportsbook
Crab Sports Sportsbook is exclusive to Maryland, and the locally-run online sports betting site has a lot to offer in addition to its cool logo and name. Crab Sports offers wagering on all the major sports with plenty of markets to choose from including lots of props and futures. You’ll also find a lot of less common sports at Crab Sports, just as you do at the larger sites. There are also frequent promos at Crab Sports, including the “Everyday SGP” promo that gives you 50% bet insurance on your same game parlay wagers, the “Parlay Booster” that boosts your payout as you add legs to you parlay, and the ongoing refer-a-friend bonus.
The welcome offer at Crab Sports Sportsbook is a good one, a “second chance” offer that awards you a refund of a bonus bet worth up to $500 should you lose your first wager on the site. Be sure to use promo code PLAYMD when signing up to take advantage of the welcome offer.
DraftKings Sportsbook
Best feature(s): Sports betting pools
Why we like DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings Maryland has moved beyond its reputation as both a DFS provider and upstart gambling company to become one of the top sports betting outfits in the country. It has routinely been one of the first to offer its services once a state legalizes sports betting. The DraftKings Sportsbook app is notable for its betting pools, which allow for a tournament-like experience that is rare at other books. It’s also a great option for live betting and has as many markets available as anyone.
DraftKings Sportsbook also has a great multi-part welcome offer that gives new sign-ups a chance at claiming up to $1,250 in bonuses.
Download the DraftKings Maryland app
What online sportsbooks are available in Maryland?
There are 11 Maryland online sportsbooks. These include many of the top sports betting names in the industry as well as the Maryland-exclusive Crab Sports site.
Here are the 11 currently operating:
- Caesars
- BetMGM
- FanDuel
- BetRivers
- DraftKings
- Fanatics
- ESPN Bet
- Betfred
- SuperBook
- Crab Sports
- betPARX
The newest online sportsbook in Maryland is betParx which launched in Aug. 2022. PointsBet Sportsbook had been operating in Maryland until the end of Jan. 2024 when it was closed following PointBet’s acquisition by Fanatics.
What new sportsbooks could launch in Maryland?
Maryland law allows for up to 60 online sportsbooks to be licensed in the state. With just 11 currently up and running, that leaves a lot of room for others.
Right now both Betr and Bally Bet are expected to be launching soon in Maryland. Meanwhile, Queen Sportsbook and Bee-Fee are both moving through the licensing process and could launch soon. Others such as Bet365, Tipico, and Circa Sports could eventually make their way to the state but aren’t currently in the pipeline.
How online sportsbook bonuses work
Sportsbook bonuses are a ubiquitous feature of online sports betting. Here we list the best bonuses at Maryland online sportsbooks.
| Sportsbook | Bonus Offer | Play Now |
|---|---|---|
| FanDuel Sportsbook Maryland | Bet $5 Get $250 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins | Play Now! |
| Caesars Sportsbook Maryland | Double your winnings on your next 10 wagers | Play Now! |
| BetMGM Sportsbook Maryland | Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win | Play Now! |
| Crab Sports Sportsbook Maryland | Up to $500 in Bonus Bets | Play Now! |
| DraftKings Sportsbook Maryland | Up to $1,250 in Bonus Bets | Play Now! |
Common types of bonuses include the following:
- No deposit bonus: The sportsbook places bonus dollars into your account once you register. Even if you don’t plan on using a particular book, there’s no reason not to try to use the cash.
- Deposit bonus: Deposit bonuses match a portion of your deposit amount as an additional bit of money. The exact percentage of the match and the maximum amount of bonus money you can extract varies, but be prepared to bet a certain multiple of your bonus amount before it converts into cash (known as a ‘playthrough requirement’).
- Bonus bet: The sportsbook will compensate you for any losses on certain wagers or during certain time periods. For instance, if the sportsbook offers a bonus first bet, and the first bet you place loses, you’d receive a refund as a bonus bet or bets.
- Odds boost: The boost raises the potential payout on certain wagers between roughly 15% and 35%. However, the boosts are usually on wagers that have not been drawing much betting. In other words, there’s often a reason that no one is biting, so be aware of this before you jump on an odds boost deal.
- Loyalty program: Receive points based on your wagering activity. You can then redeem the points for benefits and comps on both the app itself and, potentially, at any land-based locations associated with the online sportsbook.
How to get started betting online in Maryland
No matter which online sportsbook you choose, the procedure for signing up will be pretty similar. It also should only take a few minutes. Here is a brief primer on how to get started:
- Head to the sportsbook site, register for an account, and verify it.
- If you plan to do any betting via a mobile device, download and install the app.
- Add money to your account.
Once the sports betting site is available in Maryland, you can start placing bets.
Notes about the process
- When you register for a Maryland sports betting account, be prepared to submit your name, email, phone number, street address, Social Security number (or part of it), and your birthday to create your account. You will also have to select a username and password so that you may log back into your new account.
- You also may need to enter a bonus code to qualify for any welcome promotions from the sports betting site.
- Sometimes the welcome bonus won’t require a code, in which case you can often qualify by using a link from this site to access the online sportsbook and sign up.
- Make sure to check both the deposit and withdrawal pages to ensure that you have ways to add money to your account and get it back.
What sports can you bet on in Maryland?
In addition to the sports and leagues you’d expect, such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, PGA Tour, and college sports, Maryland is known for its vast array of quirky sports betting options.
Maryland is one of the only states in which you can bet on professional mini-golf. Also on the menu is NCAA lacrosse, a sport particularly popular in Maryland. Chess, pickleball, badminton, and surfing are also approved markets.
And unlike some states, there are no restrictions on betting on in-state college teams, so the beloved Maryland Terrapins are fair game. However, in Mar. 2024 the state stopped allowing prop bets on college players.
Responsible gambling and sportsbook apps
Perhaps the most underrated advantage associated with Maryland sports betting apps is the ability to set limits for yourself. Retail sportsbook workers are trained to look for problem gamblers. With an online sportsbook, you can instruct it to limit the amount of money that you can deposit within a certain timeframe, the amount of money that you can wager, and the time you spend on the app.
Setting those restrictions for yourself is a good first step if you are suffering from a compulsion to play. Maryland also offers several resources to pair you with the help you need. If you are struggling, call the Maryland Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-426-2537. Counselors are available 24 hours a day to connect you with treatment services and other resources in the state. There is no cost to Marylanders for these services, so don’t wait if you’re in trouble.
For more information about responsible gambling resources in Maryland, visit this informational page.
Retail vs. online sports betting
In many ways, Maryland sports betting is superior to retail sports betting. Placing your wagers is easier, more intuitive, and more flexible online than it can ever be with an in-person environment. Here is a breakdown of the benefits of online sports betting in Maryland:
- Convenience: The most obvious advantage of a Maryland betting app is the fact that you no longer have to travel to one of the sportsbook locations in the state to place a wager. If you have a mobile device or laptop, a stable internet connection, and are located in Maryland, you will be able to place a bet.
- Line shopping: Individual books may have slightly different odds and lines for the same game. Because online sportsbooks are seconds away from one another at all times, it is both easy and good practice to shop for the best odds and lines. Shopping for lines in a retail setting is much more difficult.
- Bonuses: Another benefit of online sports betting in Maryland is the competition. It is easy and fast to switch between sportsbooks online and each offers bonuses to attract and keep your business. You’d be hard-pressed to find a similar group of deals at retail books, as they are not nearly as concerned about you switching over to the competition right away.
- Live betting: Finally, the betting options online outnumber what you’ll find at retail sportsbooks. This is due primarily to bets you can place after the game begins. It’s not uncommon to find more than 100 bets on a single game. Because of the practical considerations involved with in-person wagering and the logistics of trying to offer in-play bets in person, it’s almost impossible to do.
However, there’s no denying that the experience of being inside a sportsbook is superior to playing on your mobile device. The ability to lounge in comfortable chairs, watch games on huge screens, consult the multi-colored display board, and order artery-clogging food is something that no sportsbook app can match. So, if you want to travel to a sportsbook for those reasons, it makes sense.
Retail sportsbooks in Maryland
Maryland law permits as many as 50 retail sportsbook licenses. Several of these slots are reserved for specific entities, such as the state’s casinos, racetracks, and off-track betting locations. Thirty of the 47 initial licenses are set aside for unrelated businesses to offer onsite sports betting, such as restaurants and bars. Three more are reserved for potential NBA, NHL, or MLS teams that might relocate to Maryland.
It’s not clear exactly how many of these licenses the population of Maryland could support. For now, the following locations in the state have active sportsbooks:
| Location | Sportsbook | Owner/Operator | Retail Launch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hollywood Casino Perryville | Barstool Sportsbook | Penn National Gaming | December 2021 |
| Horseshoe Casino Baltimore | Caesars Sportsbook | Caesars Entertainment | December 2021 |
| Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland | FanDuel Sportsbook | Cordish Company | December 2021 |
| MGM National Harbor | BetMGM Sportsbook | MGM Resorts International | December 2021 |
| Ocean Downs Casino | TwinSpires Sportsbook | Churchill Downs, Inc. | December 2021 |
| Bingo World Baltimore | BetRivers Sportsbook | Rush Street Interactive, Inc. | August 2022 |
| Riverboat on the Potomac | PointsBet Sportsbook | Penny Flanagan | September 2022 |
| Greenmount Station OTB | betPARX Sportsbook | Greenwood Gaming & Entertainment | October 2022 |
| Long Shot's Frederick | Betfred Sportsbook | Betfred Group | November 2022 |
| FedEx Field | Fanatics Sportsbook | Fanatics, Inc. | January 2023 |
Be sure to call ahead for your chosen book’s hours of operation.
How Maryland sports betting came to be
Maryland lawmakers proactively introduced HB1014 in February 2018 to legalize sports betting in the Old Line State. This was ahead of the decision on PASPA which was not expected until mid-2018. HB1014 overwhelmingly passed the Maryland House, though it died a quick death in committee upon reaching the Senate. A similar effort the following year, HB1132, did not progress as far as its predecessor.
Lawmakers finally found some traction in 2020. A Senate effort, SB4, passed by unanimous vote in the upper chamber. Rather than hitting a wall like the last two attempts, it met only moderate resistance in the House. After some tinkering and negotiating, both chambers agreed to put the question to Maryland voters in November 2020.
Voters supported the measure by a 2:1 ratio. Legislators then passed the aforementioned HB0940 as an enabling measure in May 2021. Retail sportsbooks across the state began accepting wagers in December 2021.
As of Nov. 23, 2022, Marylanders are now also able to participate in online sports betting.
While HB0940 ultimately allows for up to 60 online sportsbook apps in Maryland, the launch occurred with seven initial operators. In total, 21 sports betting apps have applied for a license.
Here are several Maryland sports betting milestones:
- Voters approve MD sports betting referendum: November 2020
- Legislatures pass the bill to legalize sports betting: April 2021
- Gov. Larry Hogan signs the bill: May 2021
- Debut and discuss sports betting regulations: July 2021
- The open application process begins: September 2021
- Application reviews take place: October-November 2021
- Regulatory approval of selected applications begins: November 2021
- Sports betting retail launch takes place: December 2021
- The Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency starts its disparity study: March 2022
- The open mobile application process takes place: September-October 2022
- The approval of selected mobile applications begins: Nov. 16, 2022
- Online sportsbooks launch: Nov. 23, 2022
FAQ about Maryland sports betting
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.
DraftKings, Caesars, FanDuel, BetMGM, BetRivers, PointsBet and Barstool were the first sportsbooks to launch on Nov. 23, 2022.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.