Microbetting Operators See Opportunity With DraftKings Acquiring Simplebet
Steve Bittenbender - Sep 20, 2024
Maryland sports betting has been available online and on mobile apps since 2022. Choosing the best Maryland sportsbooks isn't easy, but with our comprehensive guides, you can stay updated on the latest news and claim over $5,600 in sportsbook offers.
Whether you're new to sports wagering or eager to learn more, our detailed guides on Maryland sports betting are designed to enrich your wagering experience. Additionally, don't miss out on exclusive Maryland sportsbook offers, such as the ones listed above.
Legal Maryland sports betting went live on December 9, 2021 when retail sports betting began takings bets. This took place just seven months after then-Gov. Larry Hogan signed HB 940, though online sports betting would need to wait until November 23, 2022 to launch.
✅ Is Maryland Sports Betting Legal? | Yes (Online, Mobile, Retail) |
📔 Total Betting Licenses: | 107 |
🏈 Total Live MD Sportsbooks: | 11 |
🔞 Legal Gambling Age: | 21+ |
🏛️ MD Gambling Regulator: | Maryland Lottery And Gaming Control Agency |
📞 Problem Gambling Help Line: | 1-800-426-2537 |
Although there are currently 11 Maryland sportsbooks currently taking wagers, our experts believe these 8 sports betting sites stand out above the rest. Here are our latest Maryland sportsbook rankings for November 2024:
Sportsbook | Top Feature |
🥇 BetMGM MD | Best Maryland Sportsbook for New Bettors |
🏆 Caesars Sportsbook MD | Top Ranked Maryland Sportsbook |
📊 Fanatics Sportsbook MD | Best Maryland Sportsbook for Unique Features |
🏈 DraftKings MD | Best Maryland Sportsbook Betting Interface |
👍 FanDuel MD | Most Trusted Maryland Sportsbook Brand |
🦀 Crab Sports MD | Sole Local Maryland Sportsbook |
🎁 BetRivers MD | Best East Coast Sportsbook Brand |
👑 ESPN BET MD | Best Maryland Sportsbook for Ongoing Promos |
📆 Last Verified: | November 6, 2024 |
As more Maryland sportsbooks launch, our experts will continue to reevaluate which betting operators earn the top spots on our list of the best operators in the state, based on an overall app experience, Maryland sportsbook promos, user reviews and more.
BetMGM Maryland offers a fantastic mobile betting experience and does a great job of featuring local sports for you to bet on. If there is an event related to any team in Maryland, you can almost guarantee you'll see it placed prominently on the BetMGM home screen.
The MGM brand has ties to legal gambling spanning several decades and is one of the most trusted operators in the space. Legal in over 20 states, BetMGM is a top choice for Maryland sports bettors, instilling confidence in their selection. The company was also the first official gaming partner of the Baltimore Ravens.
An iconic name in the gambling industry. Caesars Sportsbook Maryland gets the top spot on our list of best Maryland sportsbooks.
Not only does Caesars have a fantastic welcome offer, but you will also find daily ongoing bonuses to take advantage of as an existing customer. Combining this with an app that is easily navigated and has top-notch odds, it's easily one of our favorite options for Maryland online sports betting.
The newest Maryland sportsbook in town is Fanatics Sportsbook Maryland. What's the best way to get new users to join your new mobile sports betting platform? Create a promotion worth their sign up – and the apparel company turned operator does exactly with their Bet and Get Up To $1000 in No Sweat Bets offer.
On top of that, the Fanatics experience promises to be innovative in comparison to its peers.
The DraftKings Maryland Sportsbook is no doubt the go-to sportsbook for bettors looking for a wide variety of betting options and markets. This online sportsbook does a great job of balancing a seemingly endless amount of Maryland sports betting options with a user-friendly interface. Because of that, the app is a great platform for new and experienced bettors alike.
If you're into player props, you'll find the most expansive prop markets here. If live betting is your thing, this operator leads the industry there as well with its lightning-fast response time and numerous wagering markets.
The Maryland FanDuel Sportsbook is one of the leading mobile sports betting operators in each state it is legal in and MD is no different.
Offering one of the most comprehensive betting experiences out there, you'll be hard-pressed to find many flaws here. The app is visually appealing, very easy-to-use, and is perfect for new and experienced bettors. If you play daily fantasy sports (DFS), you can link your accounts and share funds.
If you are fan of staying true to local brands, look no further than Crab Sports Sportsbook Maryland. This is the only local Maryland sportsbook brand and has gained an incredible reputation for offering a lot to bettors.
The brand might be small, and only in Maryland, but it is sure mighty. You will find a well rounded platform with everything you might need to bet on your favorite games. The rewards program is very unique and gives you points that can be used on your favorite local brands. Don't miss this Maryland sports betting site!
While the BetRivers Maryland Sportsbook new user promo offer may fall short of other bonuses in the state, BetRivers more than makes up for it with its ongoing specials.
As one of the lesser-known brands in the industry, bettors who don't give it a chance are missing out. This platform stacks up incredibly well with the bigger brands, offering competitive odds, easy-to-use app, and unmatched ongoing promos. Available in more than a dozen states, this is by far one of our favorite Maryland sports betting options.
Our experts rank ESPN BET Maryland as one of the most dynamic sportsbooks with the best ongoing promos. Featuring exclusive odds boosts, custom offers, and top-notch features, this Maryland sportsbook guarantees fast load times, secure transactions, and seamless navigation
ESPN BET Welcome Bonus:
Top Features
In addition to the top eight Maryland mobile sports betting operators we recommend, there are currently three other sportsbooks live and taking action in Maryland:
Bally Bet Maryland is the latest sports betting operator to launch after going live on July 29. This sportsbook has been quietly expanding across the US and is bound to be a favorite among Maryland bettors.
Lets Bet is one of the newer Maryland sportsbooks to go live, with a mobile app (LetsBetMD) and online sports betting site (letsbetmd.com), Lets Bet is a partnership between online sports betting and casino platform developer Bee Fee and Veterans Services Corporation.
Getting its start with physical casino locations, betPARX launched its mobile app in 2022 and joined Maryland in 2023. The brand has now expanded to five states.
As noted earlier, Maryland online sports betting legislation allows for up to 60 mobile licenses. Currently, there are two additional providers who have been approved for licenses but have yet to launch. WynnBET was part of this group but has recently decided to cease operations in the majority of states where it was active.
Betr Sportsbook Maryland is expected to be among the next online sportsbooks to go live in the Old Line State. Betr has passed one hurdle by receiving an initial approval from the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency but has to receive approval from the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission and then final approval from the MLGCA before launching.
Maryland sports betting is legal and online sportsbooks are officially live in the Old Line state. Below you'll find a list of additional news and the latest updates impacting Maryland sports betting.
Each day our experts track updates breaking in the world of sports betting and list them here. Be sure to bookmark this page and check back regularly to stay up-to-date with the most important news surrounding sports betting in Maryland.
Yes, Maryland sports betting is legal. Gov. Larry Hogan signed HB 940 into law back in May 2021, which legalized sports betting, but the Maryland sports betting launch was delayed till late November of 2022 when mobile sportsbooks finally began accepting bets.
Yes, you can legally sports bet in Maryland. Maryland sportsbooks are available on mobile or in person at state casinos, off-track betting facilities, and other locations. Maryland sports bettors can place bets on all of the top sports leagues including the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, college sports, and more.
The legal sportsbooks in Maryland include ESPN BET, FanDuel, Caesars, DraftKings, BetMGM, BetRivers, Fanatics, Crab Sports, betPARX, LetsBetMD, and Bally Bet. Also, Betr has been approved to offer sports betting but has not yet launched in the Old Line State. There are even more sportsbooks awaiting regulatory approval after filing for applications.
Yes, online sports betting is available in Maryland. It has been available in Maryland since November 23, 2022. This came more than a year and a half after sports betting legislation passed, allowing up to 60 online sports betting licenses. There are currently 11 MD online sportsbooks available and several others that are planning to launch at a later date.
Local Maryland sports betting ambassadors have not been announced; however, we know some of the big sportsbooks will bring with their personalities to kick off game nights. Look out for Chris Johnson, a former Tennessee Titans Running Back, Comedian Jamie Foxx, actress Hallie Berry and more.
Maryland sports betting is licensed and regulated by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA), which also oversees the state’s six casinos and lottery operations.
The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) also plays a role in the licensing process by reviewing sports betting applications prior to approval by the MLGCA.
You can bet on sports in Maryland using mobile sportsbooks or in person at casinos, off-track betting facilities and at FedEx Field near Washington, DC.
Yes, you can bet on sports in Baltimore at several locations in and near the city. The sportsbook at Horseshoe Casino Baltimore offers the closest Baltimore sports betting experience for Ravens fans, being located just down the street from M&T Bank Stadium. Bingo World, just a 15-minute drive from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, also offers a Maryland retail sportsbook. Finally, the sportsbook at Live! Casino is a 20-minute drive from Baltimore.
Yes, you can bet on sports in Washington DC. We have a page dedicated to Washington DC sports betting to answer any and all questions related to wagering in the District of Columbia.
Maryland sportsbooks are located on mobile platforms, in the state's casinos, FedEx Field, off-track betting facilities and at Bingo World in Baltimore. Retail sportsbooks are also planned at additional sports stadiums throughout Maryland.
Here is a list of all retail sportsbooks in MD:
*Sportsbooks are not yet open
This map and list will be updated every time there is a new betting location for you to explore.
There are currently 11 mobile sportsbooks and 8 retail sportsbooks in Maryland. The number of online operators could grow to 60; whereas, retail sportsbooks could grow to 30 if all of the available licenses are granted. Although it is unlikely all of those licenses will be granted, this still positions Maryland as one of the most robust sports betting states.
Yes, you can place a bet in person while in Maryland if you're over the age of 21. Retail sportsbooks across the state are available to place an in-person bet. Most of Maryland's retail sportsbooks will be tied to a casino, but we could see in-person options at professional sports stadiums as well.
Most if not all licensed online sportsbooks will offer Maryland betting apps for its users. Users can navigate the operators' site or head to the Apple App Store and the Android Google Play Store and download the mobile version for their favorite Maryland sportsbooks. The apps are generally very similar to the websites in terms of usability and line offerings.
Retail sports betting is when a bettor goes to a physical location to place action. Mobile sports betting is when a bettor can place action on their phone or computer. The pros of betting in person is a bettor can enjoy the sportsbook experience and pay cash. The pros of betting on a mobile device is that bets can be placed anywhere in Maryland.
Our staff of veteran gambling reporters keeps you up-to-date with the latest news on Maryland sports betting. We pride ourselves on bringing you breaking stories and analysis of all developments in the world of sports betting. You will find our latest news and updates for all things impacting betting below. Want more? Just click on the "view more news" button.
Betting was officially legalized in the state of Maryland in May of 2021. Below is a general timeline for sports betting legislation in Maryland:
Maryland sports betting was officially legalized in the state in May of 2021. Initially, only retail sports betting was legalized immediately, but Maryland also granted licenses for online sportsbooks as well. Maryland voters heavily supported sports wagering in a 2020 general election ballot measure, and the groundwork was laid for legalizing online sports betting.
In January 2021, Maryland legislators reconvened to discuss the topic, and by May 18th, the bill was signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan. It is only a matter of time until all the licenses are distributed since online sports betting is legal in Maryland.
Whether it's betting on the NFL, MLB, or college sports, Maryland sports betting includes all the major sports as betting markets launch.
With two NFL teams, one baseball team and some major college athletic programs littered throughout the state, there is a plethora of Maryland sports teams to bet on. Before you make the move, you will need to know how to bet on sports in Maryland.
There are several sports betting promos offered to all users in Maryland. These start with welcome promos and continue all year long. Users can also take advantage of pre-launch offers that are now available from a few of the larger Maryland sports betting sites. Ravens playoff chances
Another common promotion offered by a sportsbook is a deposit match. A deposit match is when a sportsbook issues the same amount of money a bettor deposits into their account. Normally, deposit matches are only valid for a first deposit. A pro of a deposit match is that a sportsbook will give a bettor funds just for depositing, but a con can be that these funds may be only site credit and must be bet before they can be withdrawn.
It is imperative for bettors to make accounts on all Maryland online sports betting platforms because each site will offer different promotions and odds on events.
Placing a bet at better odds will make a bettor more money, and taking a bet at less vig will lose a bettor less money. Finding the best line available is one of the easiest, yet most often overlooked way for a bettor to gain an edge.
One of the easiest, yet often overlooked, way to gain value in the betting market is to download multiple Maryland online sports betting sites and shopping around for the best available line.
While lines will often be very similar across most books, there is more value in taking a bet that is listed at -105 compared to -110. By having access to more Maryland sports betting sites, bettors can ensure they are getting the best line available to get the most value.
Not all MD sportsbooks offer the same events, and not all events have the same odds associated with them. Some betting sites use the same software to generate their odds, but not all sportsbooks do, so odds will differ from book to book.
Also, not all sportsbooks offer the same bets in the live betting and futures market. Having multiple books will allow sports bettors to find different bets at better prices just by having multiple sports betting apps available to them.
Before even creating an account and depositing money to an MD sportsbook, user can almost always play around with the user interface. This is great because it allows users to get an understanding of the odds and helps with navigating the website.
It is encouraged that Maryland bettors take a look at all the operators available to them since there may be something available that is not offered elsewhere.
Betting sites are not uniform when it comes to how they grade events. Different books have different payout styles, odds, and maximum bets allowed on certain markets. For example, BetMGM pays golf props when there is a tie.
Another example is a two-way market on a bet that isn't always offered that way. Bet365 offers a two-way market on no touchdowns scored in the NFL games, meaning a user can bet yes, there will be touchdowns, or no, there will not. This is important because, at a book like DraftKings where there is no two way market, they will refund any time touchdown bet if none are scored. But, since Bet365 offers a two way market, bets will not be refunded.
Another example is odds on bets like teasers. Some sportsbooks offer two-team six-point teasers at -120 while others offer it at -130. Over time, taking bets at -120 compared to -130 will make a bettor more money rather than paying an extra 10 cents in vig every time.
Below you'll find a breakdown of the most popular bet types the top sportsbooks offer.
Sports betting in Maryland is live. Here are some other options and details on whether or not they are available.
Maryland already has daily fantasy sports readily available. People 21 and older in Maryland can hop on and play daily fantasy sports right now.
Horse racing tracks were automatically granted licenses for retail sports betting. Bettors in Maryland can go to a horse racing track and begin taking bets on horses. The most popular horse race that takes place in MD is the Preakness Stakes, which is held annually at Pimlico Race Course.
No, it is not legal to bet on the election in Maryland. There is no option to bet on politics at all. This may change in the future, but for now, betting on politics in Maryland is not legal.
Bettors cannot wager on pop culture ceremonies legally in Maryland. While this could change, it is not expected at launch. These ceremonies could make for a tremendous market someday.
One of the newest betting markets around is betting on eSports. Maryland bettors can bet on online sporting events. eSports is quickly becoming an emerging market in the industry.
Maryland sports betting law allows for 60 mobile sportsbook licenses, 47 retail sportsbook licenses and 3 reserved licenses in the case that a major professional sports team relocates to the state. Although Maryland online casinos are not legal yet, the law allows all 5 of Maryland’s retail casinos and major sports facilities to offer retail sportsbooks.
State officials estimate Maryland sports betting could generate up to $20 million a year in tax revenue.
Both lawmakers and the November 2020 ballot measure explicitly stated that the primary purpose of this revenue will be to fund public education. This is one of the ways sports betting can be beneficial to a state.
To learn more about how much revenue is being generated in the Old Line State, check out our Maryland Sports Betting revenue report page.
Maryland is home to the highest median household income in the United States. It also has 6 million residents; of which 3.7 million are over the age of 21. Next to Maryland is Washington D.C., which has legalized betting, but the options are not great.
These demographics, plus sports teams like the Baltimore Orioles and Baltimore Ravens, make Maryland a sports betting haven. Industry experts suggest it might be one of the most lucrative markets in the U.S.
The tax rate on operators is 15% for major retail vendors as well as online sportsbooks. There is a secondary retail license given out which is taxed at 13%. However, 15% is a fair rate and is on par with most other states.
To calculate how much you will owe in taxes, visit our Maryland gambling tax calculator. At the moment, the state with the highest tax rate is New York with 51%.
Maryland bettors can deposit money into mobile sports betting apps by credit card, PayPal, ACH, or check. It is safe to deposit money with online sportsbooks as they are trusted brands. Not all sportsbooks offer the same deposit options, so make sure to check the options before making an account.
It is also very important that sportsbooks payout winning bettors. Withdrawing funds takes longer than depositing. Sportsbooks generally have a 48-96 hour window for withdrawals to hit accounts.
VISA | Instant Deposits | 1-5 Day(s) Withdrawals |
MasterCard | Instant Deposits | No Withdrawals |
American Express | Instant Deposits | No Withdrawals |
Venmo | Instant Deposits | 2-5 Day(s) for Withdrawals |
PayPal | Instant Deposits | 2-7 Day(s) Withdrawals |
Bank Transfer | 1-3 Day(s) for Deposits | 3-7 Days for Withdrawals |
Maryland is set to give out a vast number of retail and mobile sports betting licenses to operators. This is great for the state's sports betting market since users will have a ton of options to get action down.
Maryland will grant licenses to 60 operators, while New York only has 9. It's a simply process to sign up for an account for the apps.
We would recommend avoiding offshore sportsbooks for a number of reasons.
If that is not enough to convince you to avoid offshore sportsbooks, consider that your money goes out of the United States. By betting at regulated sports betting sites in Maryland, the money supports the local and national economy and children's education.
Sports betting sites are live in the Old Line State and Maryland bettors no longer have to cross state lines to wager. By keeping gambling dollars in state lines, initiatives through taxes can be set forth.
For example, Maryland has a set 15% tax rate for sportsbooks. The taxes are going towards the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, a 10-year early childhood, and primary and secondary education funding and expansion plan.
Whether you're a novice bettor or a seasoned pro, there's never been a better time to join the excitement. Maryland's sports betting sites are eagerly awaiting your bets.
Explore our guides, reviews, and exclusive offers to make informed decisions, then place your wager and start winning big today!
Most Maryland sportsbooks have a responsible gambling section on their websites and apps. These are detailed sections with self-assessments for problem gaming as well as other resources. Other resources include the national problem gaming hotline.
Yes, you can bet on the Olympics in Maryland. In fact, most Olympic events can be bet on with Maryland sportsbooks. You can find a full list of approved wagers in MD at https://www.mdgaming.com/maryland-sports-wagering/.
Author
Eric Pauly is a betting analyst with BetMaryland.com. He has used more betting apps than most people could name and has become a trusted source in the online sports betting industry.Eric's expert reviews of the top Maryland sportsbooks are as valuable as they come. He breaks down everything bettors need to know, from the top Maryland sportsbook promo codes to legislative updates in MD.
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