Maryland Sports Betting: Legality, Access, and How to Get Started

Photo by Leo_Visions on Unsplash

Introduction: Maryland Sports Betting Legality

Sports betting is fully legal in Maryland . After voters overwhelmingly supported legalization in the November 2020 ballot, the Maryland General Assembly passed comprehensive legislation (HB 940) that was signed into law by then-Governor Larry Hogan in May 2021. This law paved the way for both in-person and online sports wagering, making Maryland one of the most accessible states for sports bettors in the region. Whether you’re interested in betting on the NFL, NBA, MLB, college sports, or other events, Maryland offers a wide array of legal options for residents and visitors alike [1] [2] [3] .

How Sports Betting Became Legal in Maryland

The legalization of sports betting in Maryland followed a public referendum, known as
Maryland Question 2
, during the 2020 general election. Maryland voters were asked whether to expand commercial gaming to include sports and events betting. The measure passed by a wide margin, reflecting the state’s long-standing support for various forms of gambling, including casinos and horse racing [1] .

Following the referendum, the Maryland legislature established a robust regulatory framework for both retail and online sports betting. The first retail sportsbooks opened in December 2021, and online/mobile sports betting officially launched statewide on November 23, 2022 [2] [3] .

Where and How You Can Legally Bet on Sports in Maryland

Maryland sports betting is available:

Online and mobile apps (statewide access)
At licensed casinos
At off-track betting (OTB) locations
At select pro sports venues and racetracks

Online betting is especially popular, with legal platforms including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, ESPN BET, bet365, and several others already licensed and operational. Additional sportsbooks may be added as the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) continues to review and approve applications [2] [3] .

To place a legal wager, you must be at least 21 years old and physically located within Maryland state lines at the time of your bet. Location verification is required by all legal online platforms using geolocation technology.

Types of Sports Bets Allowed in Maryland

Maryland allows a wide range of betting options, including:

Moneyline bets
Point spreads
Over/under (totals)
Parlays
Futures
In-play (live) betting

College sports betting is permitted, but with some restrictions. You cannot place bets on individual college athletes’ performances (such as player props). Wagering is still allowed on outcomes such as final scores and team results, but betting limits may be lower for college events compared to professional games [3] .

Licensing and Regulation: Ensuring a Safe Betting Environment

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) is responsible for regulating all gambling activities, including sports betting. They issue licenses to operators only after thorough background checks and ongoing compliance evaluations. The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) further reviews and approves sports betting license applications. Licensed sportsbooks are subject to regular audits, and violations can result in license suspension or revocation [3] .

Maryland law allows for up to 40 retail sportsbook licenses and up to 60 online sportsbook licenses. This broad licensing approach encourages competition and consumer choice. The majority of major national sportsbook brands have established a presence in Maryland.

How to Start Betting on Sports in Maryland: Step-by-Step Guidance

Choose a Legal Sportsbook: Research and select an online or retail sportsbook that is licensed in Maryland. You can verify a sportsbook’s legal status by checking with the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) website or by searching for “Maryland legal sportsbooks” using official state resources.
Create an Account: Sign up with your chosen sportsbook, providing your name, address, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number for identity verification.
Verify Your Location: For online betting, enable geolocation on your device to confirm you are physically in Maryland.
Deposit Funds: Fund your account using available methods such as bank transfer, credit/debit card, PayPal, or other approved options.
Place Your Bet: Browse available sports and markets, choose your bet type, enter your stake, and confirm your wager.
Withdraw Winnings: If your bet wins, you can request a payout using your sportsbook’s withdrawal options. Most legal operators process withdrawals via bank transfer, ACH, or e-wallets.

If you have questions about the process or encounter issues, you can contact the sportsbook’s customer support via phone, email, or live chat. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency is also available for regulatory questions.

Responsible Gaming and Consumer Protections

Maryland requires all licensed sportsbooks to offer responsible gaming resources, including self-exclusion programs, deposit limits, and links to problem gambling support services. For support, you can contact the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling or call the national helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.

If you suspect a sportsbook is operating without a license, report it to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. Only bet with verified, legal operators to ensure your funds and personal information are protected.

Potential Challenges and Alternative Approaches

While Maryland’s sports betting market is robust, users may face challenges such as:

Limited access in certain rural areas due to geolocation issues.
Bank restrictions on gambling-related transactions (some banks may block deposits to betting sites).
Confusion over college sports betting restrictions.

Solutions include using alternative payment methods, consulting sportsbook customer service for technical issues, and familiarizing yourself with betting rules before placing wagers. As the market matures, more resources and support channels are likely to emerge.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Maryland Sports Bettors

Sports betting is legal and regulated in Maryland , available both online and in-person through a growing selection of licensed sportsbooks. The state’s licensing and regulatory framework ensures player protection and market integrity. To participate, bettors must be at least 21 years old and physically present in Maryland. By using legal sportsbooks and following responsible gaming practices, you can enjoy a safe and dynamic sports betting experience.