Sports betting is legal in Maryland for both online and retail wagering, regulated by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) under HB 940, signed by Governor Larry Hogan in May 2021. Retail betting launched December 9, 2021, and online/mobile betting launched November 23, 2022, making Maryland one of the mid-Atlantic’s most active betting markets. This page covers Maryland’s legal sportsbooks, retail locations, sports betting laws, tax information, and the latest updates from the Old Line State.
Quick Facts: Sports Betting in Maryland
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal — retail and mobile |
| Launch Date | December 9, 2021 (retail); November 23, 2022 (mobile) |
| Minimum Age | 21+ |
| Regulatory Body | Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) |
| Number of Online Operators | 12 active (up to 60 possible) |
| Tax Rate on Operators | 15% (retail); 20% (online, effective July 1, 2025) |
| Mobile Betting | Yes |
| In-Person (Retail) Betting | Yes |
Top Sportsbooks in Maryland
Maryland bettors have access to 12 licensed online sportsbooks, with major national brands and unique local operators all competing for market share. Here are the top-rated options available right now in the Old Line State.
Online Sportsbooks Available in Maryland
Twelve online sportsbooks are currently licensed and operating in Maryland, with the state’s framework allowing up to 60 mobile licenses. All platforms require users to be 21 or older and use geolocation technology to verify bettor location within state lines.
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel is one of the leading sportsbooks in the Maryland market, offering a polished mobile app with extensive betting markets, strong live betting, and consistent promotional offers. The platform consistently ranks among the top operators in Maryland by monthly handle and is known for its same-game parlay functionality and early cash-out options.
- Operator Type: Commercial online sportsbook
- Notable Feature: Same-game parlays and extensive live betting markets
- Live Betting: Yes
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings is one of Maryland’s top-performing sportsbooks by monthly handle and offers a comprehensive sports betting experience with deep markets, live in-game wagering, and innovative tools like betting pools. DraftKings has a retail presence at Maryland facilities and is a consistent market leader in the state. Note: The City of Baltimore filed suit against DraftKings and FanDuel in April 2025 over alleged deceptive practices targeting vulnerable gamblers.
- Operator Type: Commercial online sportsbook
- Notable Feature: Industry-leading live betting and betting pools
- Live Betting: Yes
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM is a top-tier option in Maryland, with a strong retail presence through its casino partnerships and a feature-rich mobile app. The platform offers one of the most competitive first-bet welcome bonuses in the state, the popular Edit My Bet feature for live wager adjustments, and a robust suite of same-game and multi-sport parlays.
- Operator Type: Commercial online sportsbook
- Notable Feature: Edit My Bet live wager adjustment and strong retail presence
- Live Betting: Yes
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook launched in Maryland at the opening of mobile betting in November 2022 and integrates its industry-leading Caesars Rewards loyalty program for Maryland bettors. The platform offers competitive odds, a wide variety of sports markets, and regular odds boosts across major events. Caesars is also available at Maryland retail sportsbook locations tied to its casino properties.
- Operator Type: Commercial online sportsbook
- Notable Feature: Caesars Rewards loyalty integration and strong casino presence
- Live Betting: Yes
ESPN Bet (theScore Bet)
ESPN Bet, operated by Penn Entertainment and formerly known as theScore Bet, launched in Maryland and leverages the ESPN brand to deliver a content-rich betting experience. The platform integrates ESPN scores, news, and analysis directly into the wagering interface, making it a natural fit for Maryland sports fans already engaged with the ESPN ecosystem.
- Operator Type: Commercial online sportsbook (Penn Entertainment)
- Notable Feature: ESPN content integration and daily odds boosts
- Live Betting: Yes
bet365
bet365 officially joined the list of legal Maryland sportsbooks in August 2025, bringing its world-class live betting interface and international sports coverage to Old Line State bettors. The platform is widely regarded as the best live betting sportsbook in the industry and offers live sports streaming, a superior in-play experience, and competitive pricing across all major sports.
- Operator Type: Commercial online sportsbook (international operator)
- Notable Feature: Best-in-class live betting and sports streaming
- Live Betting: Yes
Fanatics Sportsbook
Fanatics Sportsbook entered Maryland with its distinctive merchandise-rewards model, allowing bettors to earn FanCash on every wager redeemable for sports apparel, collectibles, and gear across the Fanatics marketplace. The platform continues to grow its Maryland market share with competitive odds and ongoing daily promotions.
- Operator Type: Commercial online sportsbook
- Notable Feature: FanCash rewards redeemable for sports merchandise
- Live Betting: Yes
Crab Sports
Crab Sports is the only Maryland-based local sportsbook brand and has built a strong reputation among residents who prefer supporting homegrown businesses. The platform offers competitive odds, a unique rewards program redeemable at local Maryland brands, and has expanded its retail presence with sportsbook locations including the Canton Greene Turtle partnership. Crab Sports is exclusively available to Maryland bettors.
- Operator Type: Local Maryland sportsbook
- Notable Feature: Local rewards program and Maryland-centric promotions
- Live Betting: Yes
Retail Sportsbooks in Maryland
Maryland has 11 retail sportsbook locations as of late 2025, following the closure of Canton Gaming’s two locations in December 2025. The retail market is anchored by Maryland’s major casinos and anchored by the five licensed commercial gaming facilities:
| Facility Name | City/Area | Operator/Brand |
|---|---|---|
| MGM National Harbor | Oxon Hill | BetMGM |
| Live! Casino & Hotel | Hanover | FanDuel / theScore Bet |
| Horseshoe Casino Baltimore | Baltimore | Caesars |
| Hollywood Casino Perryville | Perryville | ESPN Bet (Penn) |
| Rocky Gap Casino Resort | Flintstone | Multiple |
| Ocean Downs Casino | Berlin | Multiple |
| Bingo World | Baltimore | Crab Sports |
| Long Shot’s (Frederick) | Frederick | PureWager |
| M&T Bank Stadium (licensed) | Baltimore | FanDuel (retail eligible) |
| Camden Yards (licensed) | Baltimore | Caesars (retail eligible) |
| Northwest Stadium (licensed) | Landover | Multiple (retail eligible) |
History of Sports Betting in Maryland
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 14, 2018 | U.S. Supreme Court overturns PASPA in Murphy v. NCAA, clearing the way for states to legalize sports betting. Maryland legislators begin drafting legislation. |
| November 3, 2020 | Maryland voters heavily support a constitutional amendment authorizing sports and event wagering in a general election ballot measure. |
| April 12, 2021 | HB 940 passes through the Maryland State Legislature and is sent to Governor Hogan. |
| May 18, 2021 | Governor Larry Hogan signs HB 940 into law, officially legalizing sports betting in Maryland. |
| December 9, 2021 | Maryland retail sports betting launches. Governor Hogan places the first official wager at MGM National Harbor. |
| November 23, 2022 | Online and mobile sports betting launches in Maryland, initially with FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and several other operators going live. |
| 2024 | Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency bans proposition bets on individual college athletes, aligning Maryland with similar restrictions in other states. |
| July 1, 2025 | Maryland’s mobile sports betting tax rate increases from 15% to 20% as part of Governor Wes Moore’s 2026 budget. The change is estimated to generate an additional $32 million annually for the state. |
| August 2025 | bet365 officially launches in Maryland, expanding the active operator count to 12 licensed online sportsbooks. |
Sports Betting Laws and Regulations in Maryland
Maryland legalized sports betting through HB 940, signed by Governor Larry Hogan on May 18, 2021, following voter approval of a constitutional amendment in the November 2020 general election. The initial legislation authorized retail sports betting immediately, with online licensing to follow.
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) is the primary regulatory body overseeing all sports betting in the state. The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) reviews and approves license applications before the MLGCA formally issues them.
Maryland’s licensing structure is tiered based on the type and scale of operation:
- Class A-1 Licenses: Casinos with 1,000+ slots, racetracks, and major stadiums. Initial fee: $2 million; annual renewal: $500,000. Includes MGM National Harbor, Live! Casino, Horseshoe Baltimore, M&T Bank Stadium, Camden Yards, Northwest Stadium, Laurel Park, and Pimlico.
- Class A-2 Licenses: Casinos with fewer than 1,000 slots (Hollywood Casino, Ocean Downs, Rocky Gap). Initial fee: $1 million; annual renewal: $300,000.
- Class B-1 Licenses: Businesses with 25+ employees and $3M+ revenue, including OTB facilities and Timonium Fairgrounds. Initial fee: $250,000; annual renewal: $50,000.
- Class B-2 Licenses: Smaller businesses with fewer than 25 employees and under $3M revenue. Initial fee: $50,000; annual renewal: $10,000.
Key provisions of Maryland sports betting law:
- Minimum age: 21 for all sports wagering
- Betting on professional and college sports is permitted; individual college athlete proposition bets are prohibited (as of 2024)
- Online sports betting operators are subject to a 20% tax on gross sports wagering revenue (effective July 1, 2025)
- Retail sports betting operators are taxed at 15% on gross sports wagering revenue
- Geolocation verification required for all online wagers
- Revenue from sports betting flows primarily to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund for public education
- Up to 60 mobile licenses and 47 retail licenses may be awarded under current law
Pending changes (2026): HB 1343, introduced in February 2026, would legalize online casinos in Maryland. If passed, it would represent a significant expansion of gambling revenue for the state. The MLGCA also proposed in August 2025 to cap promotional play deductions at 5% (down from 20%) of prior-year revenue, a change under regulatory review as of early 2026.
Taxes on Sports Betting Winnings in Maryland
Maryland has a state income tax that applies to all gambling winnings, including sports betting payouts. Maryland income tax rates range from 2% to 5.75% depending on your income bracket. All sports betting winnings must be reported on your Maryland state income tax return, regardless of the amount.
At the federal level, all gambling winnings are taxable income regardless of amount. Sportsbooks are required to issue a W-2G form for winnings of $600 or more (when the payout is at least 300 times the wager). Federal income tax withholding of 24% may apply to winnings of $5,000 or more. Maryland bettors are responsible for tracking all gambling income — wins and losses — and reporting it accurately on both state and federal tax returns.
Sports betting tax revenue in Maryland is primarily directed to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which supports public education. The 2025 tax rate increase from 15% to 20% on mobile operators was enacted as part of Governor Moore’s 2026 budget and is estimated to generate approximately $32 million in additional annual state revenue.
Latest News on Sports Betting in Maryland
| Date | Update |
|---|---|
| March 2026 | Maryland sportsbooks generate $7.3 million in tax revenue on $515.6 million in total wagers in February 2026, according to MLGCA monthly reports. |
| February 2026 | HB 1343 is introduced in the Maryland House and assigned to Ways & Means, proposing the legalization of online casinos (iGaming) in the state. |
| January 2026 | Maryland records $615.8 million in sports betting handle for January 2026, generating $10.9 million in tax revenue. 98% of all wagers are placed through online apps. |
| December 2025 | Maryland sets a new monthly record for sports betting tax revenue at $19 million from a $720 million handle in November 2025. Canton Gaming closes both retail locations (Pikesville and Canton), reducing the retail count to 11 locations. |
| October 2025 | Maryland sets a new all-time monthly handle record of $736.6 million in October 2025, generating $14.1 million in tax revenue for the state. |
| August 2025 | bet365 officially launches in Maryland, becoming the 12th licensed online sportsbook in the state. Maryland becomes one of the most competitive online sports betting markets in the U.S. |
| July 2025 | Maryland’s mobile sports betting tax rate increases from 15% to 20%, effective July 1, as part of Gov. Moore’s 2026 budget. The first month under the new rate generates $9.2 million in state revenue on $403.8 million in wagers. |
| November 2022 | Online and mobile sports betting launches in Maryland on November 23, 2022, with FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and several other platforms going live simultaneously. |
FAQs About Sports Betting in Maryland
Is sports betting legal in Maryland?
Yes. Sports betting is fully legal in Maryland for both mobile and retail wagering. Retail betting launched December 9, 2021, and online/mobile betting launched November 23, 2022, following the signing of HB 940 by Governor Hogan in May 2021.
What sportsbooks are available in Maryland?
Twelve online sportsbooks are currently licensed and operating in Maryland: FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN Bet (theScore Bet), bet365, Fanatics, Crab Sports, BetRivers, betPARX, LetsBetMD, and Bally Bet. All are available statewide via mobile app or desktop.
What is the minimum age to bet in Maryland?
You must be at least 21 years old to place a sports wager in Maryland, whether through a licensed mobile app or in person at a retail sportsbook location.
Can I bet on sports from my phone in Maryland?
Yes. Mobile betting is fully legal and available statewide in Maryland. You must be physically located within Maryland state lines when placing a wager, verified by geolocation technology on your device. Mobile betting accounts for approximately 98% of all wagers placed in Maryland.
Are sports betting winnings taxable in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland has a state income tax ranging from 2% to 5.75% that applies to all gambling winnings, including sports betting. Federal taxes also apply — all winnings are taxable income, W-2G forms are issued for qualifying wins, and 24% withholding may apply for large payouts. Bettors are responsible for accurate reporting on both Maryland state and federal returns.
Can I bet on college sports in Maryland?
Yes. Betting on college sports is permitted in Maryland, including on games involving Maryland Terrapins and other local college teams. However, individual player proposition bets on college athletes are prohibited under 2024 MLGCA regulations, aligning Maryland with similar restrictions in other states.
Do I have to be a Maryland resident to bet?
No. You do not need to be a Maryland resident to bet legally in the state. Any person 21 or older who is physically located within Maryland can register with and use licensed sportsbooks to place wagers.
Responsible Gambling in Maryland
Maryland directs a significant portion of sports betting tax revenue toward problem gambling prevention, treatment, and education. The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling and the Maryland Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700) provide free resources, counseling referrals, and support for individuals struggling with gambling issues. Bettors can also visit mdgamblinghelp.org for state-specific resources and treatment options. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All 12 licensed Maryland sportsbooks are required to offer responsible gambling tools including deposit limits, self-exclusion options, cool-off periods, and reality checks, accessible at any time through your account settings.