Maryland Sports Betting: Best Maryland Betting Sites in 2024

Is Online Sports Betting legal in Maryland?

Yes. Governor Larry Hogan signed HB 940 – a legal Maryland sports betting bill – into law on May 18, 2021, paving the way for retail, online, and mobile operators to launch in the Old Line State. Although retail sportsbooks opened soon after in locations like Ocean Downs Casino and Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, online sports betting operators had to wait until November 2022. 

But to understand the Maryland online sports betting industry properly, we must start from the beginning. The state is notable for being one of the only jurisdictions where residents were encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns for legal sports betting, following other places like Colorado. 

A referendum held in 2020, directly expressing the state’s intention to “authorize sports and even betting for the primary purpose of raising revenue for education”. Maryland sports bettors and non-wagering residents emphatically approved the intention to open a legal sports betting market by two to one – much more assured than Colorado’s 51:49 split in favor. 

Maryland’s attitude towards legal sports betting is one of the most progressive across the US, with the Maryland State Lottery & Gaming Control Agency and Sports Wagering Application Review Commission pausing the online sportsbook rollout to ensure they “achieve racial, ethnic and gender diversity when awarding licenses”. 

It’s this care and diligence that makes the Old Line State one of the best locations for legal sports betting, especially as residents know the tax revenue will go straight back into state amenities and education. Maryland sports betting has so far earned close to $750,000,000 in revenue since 2022, generating well over $60,000,000 in taxes. 

And the popularity of Maryland online sportsbooks is no surprise either, especially with the likes of Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel, and DraftKings offering their services. The state has the potential capacity to accommodate 30 different online sportsbook brands as long as they partner with a retail location, so Maryland bettors are set for a great future. With major league franchises like the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Commanders, and Baltimore Ravens in action, there’s also no shortage of local betting options. 

Maryland Sports Betting Updates & Timeline

The process towards legal Maryland sports betting was smooth, but residents still had to be patient. The Old Line State had one of the longest rollouts across the US, with over a year between the initial legalization and online sports betting launch. Check below for a timeline featuring the most significant milestones: 

• December 2022 – Maryland sports betting handle hits $497.1 after the first full month of online wagering. 
• November 2022 – Maryland online betting sites are finally authorized to launch, with major players FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook all opening alongside a few other brands. 
• June 2022 – Governor Larry Hogan complains to the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission, stating that the legal online sports betting rollout is taking far too long. 
• December 2021 – Retail sportsbooks launch in five locations, including Ocean Downs Casino.  
• May 2021 – HB 940 passes through the House and Senate relatively seamlessly, setting up Governor Larry Hogan to sign the bill into law in May. Lawmakers set up the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission to safeguard equality principles within the industry and keep Maryland bettors safe from rogue applicants. 
• April 2021 – Legislators decide on HB 940 as the primary legal Maryland sports betting bill, drawing up the conditions for retail and online sportsbooks. 
• November 2020 – Maryland residents vote in favor of legal sports betting in a referendum, setting concrete foundations for legal sportsbooks to arrive after ironing out legal details. 
• April 2020 – Lawmakers propose SB 4, SB 58, and HB 225 to create the legal landscape for sports betting in Maryland 
• March 2019 – Initial discussions to make sports betting legal in Maryland are stumped by Attorney General Brian Frosh, who confirms that a legalization effort would need voter approval. 
• May 2018 – States are allowed to formulate their own legal sports betting laws after the US Supreme Court rules that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act violates the Tenth Amendment.

Best Sports Betting Sites Currently Available in Maryland

Our experts undergo in-depth research to pinpoint the best Maryland online sports betting platforms currently on the market. Here is a breakdown of the five top choices:

Caesars Sportsbook Maryland

Caesars Sportsbook is far from a simple Vegas spinoff. Part of the original wave of US betting operators, the Caesars Entertainment-owned platform is regularly touted as one of the best on the market. New customers can claim $1,000 in bonus bets if their first wager loses, but this is just the tip of the iceberg regarding promos. 

Our experts also enjoyed several profit boost offers of up to 50% alongside an opportunity to win a VIP trip to Augusta during the review process. Aside from the bountiful ongoing promo selection, Caesars also has a superb rewards program. Collect Caesars Rewards Credits by placing wagers and spend them on everything from Caesars resort discounts to dining or free casino play.  

The Caesars Sportsbook design is another key selling point, with abundant menus and search filters making it easy to navigate the exhaustive odds selection. We particularly enjoy the live sports betting suite, with handy graphics showing how the odds for each market are fluctuating – essential information for advanced betting tactics. 

FanDuel Sportsbook Maryland 

FanDuel started life as a Daily Fantasy Sports platform before expanding into the American sports betting market after 2018. The operator enjoys the largest market share, establishing itself as the online sportsbook to beat with a host of industry-leading features, including the best mobile app on the Maryland sports betting market. Over 1,200,000 App Store users have given the iOS application a 4.8 out of 5 average rating – extremely impressive considering the number of reviews. 

But it’s not just a Maryland mobile sports betting giant. FanDuel Sportsbooks also has one of our favorite same-game parlay builders, with the most potential options for NFL and NBA games, in particular. We’re also huge fans of the Parlay Hub, a dedicated area with the most popular SGPs and regular parlays available as pre-constructed wagers. 

The operator has recently flipped the script with its welcome bonus, offering a bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets promo if your first wager wins. Most Maryland sportsbooks go the opposite route and offer free bets if your first wager loses, but FanDuel’s promo can be more effective if used correctly. 

BetMGM Sportsbook Maryland 

BetMGM is another brand forged in Las Vegas taking the US sports betting market by storm. The operator has one of our favorite unique features with the Select Your Squad option, giving Maryland bettors personalized updates and promos depending on their favorite NFL and NBA franchises. There’s no better way to follow the Baltimore Ravens or Washington Commanders, especially combined with the top-rated BetMGM app for updates on-the-go. 

And this is far from the only BetMGM Sportsbook highlight. Our experts also love the pioneering “Edit My Bet” feature. BetMGM is the only Maryland online sportsbook offering this functionality, and bet365 Sportsbook is currently the only other US betting site to do so. Sports bettors can change wager characteristics like stake amounts or parlay legs for live and pre-match markets, generating market-leading versatility. 

New BetMGM customers can claim $150 in bonus bets by placing a $5 wager win or lose – a simpler offer than FanDuel, but offering slightly less bonus funds. Elsewhere, the BetMGM Rewards scheme is exceptional, providing discounted hotel stays and more. 

DraftKing Sportsbook Maryland

If you value almost endless betting markets and an unbeatable focus on major leagues like the NFL and NBA alongside rarer international sports, including curling and volleyball, DraftKings is arguably the top option. The operator started life as a Daily Fantasy Sports platform, providing extensive foundations for sports data analysis that now supports a genuine US sports betting titan. 

There are several high-profile reasons behind DraftKings’ success since 2018. Maryland sports bettors benefit from some of the most competitive odds on the market, with the operator generally having less juice than alternatives like BetMGM or Caesars. The DraftKings Social channel is also a welcome option, helping bettors enjoy a more communal sports wagering experience. 

Ultimately, however, our favorite DraftKings Sportsbooks characteristic is the outstanding focus on sports betting promos. Most competitors focus their strategy on regular odds boosts or bet insurance offers, but DraftKings has both in abundance. The mystery NBA up to 100% profit boosts are the most alluring, but this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Fanatics Sportsbook Maryland 

Fanatics Sportsbook is quickly establishing itself as the top Maryland mobile sports betting platform, diverting its entire efforts into a sportsbook app for now. The lack of a desktop website won’t trouble many bettors, and the tradeoff is more than worth it. 

The design team has taken inspiration from social media applications and other top-rated mobile sportsbooks, resulting in a uniquely innovative approach. Our favorite Fanatics Sportsbook feature is the tailored “For You” feed, using AI to suggest specific betting markets based on your past wagering activity. The mobile app has comprehensive live streaming options, including the NFL, which you cannot find at many other Maryland online sportsbooks. 

Fanatics Sportsbook also has a top-tier approach to sports betting promos, kicking things off with a bet $20 get $200 in bonus bets welcome offer. The real highlight, however, is the FanCash Rewards scheme, offering a percentage cashback in bonus funds on every wager you make on the platform. Same-game parlays have the largest percentage, with 5%

Maryland Sportsbooks Hoping to Launch Soon 

Maryland sports betting law can accommodate up to 30 online sportsbooks, so there’s definitely scope for more operators to launch in 2024 and beyond. bet365 Sportsbook is a notable name that could enter the market soon, and we’ll be the first to know if this is the case. Check back here for regular updates regarding new Maryland sports betting sites.

Best Sportsbook Promos in Maryland 

Starting your online Maryland sports betting journey with the most effective welcome bonus is crucial to getting off to a good start. Our experts have closely examined the options available to find the best options. Here are the current two most beneficial Maryland online sports betting promos

Caesars Maryland: $1,000 in Bonus Bet if Your First Bet Loses

Caesars Maryland currently has the most generous welcome bonus, although it comes with the caveat that your first wager must lose for you to claim the bonus bets. New MD bettors can wager up to $1,000 and receive their stake back as a bonus bet if it loses. Here are the main guidelines: 

• Qualifying wager must be placed within 30 days of registration 
• Maximum $1,000 bonus bet refund (given as a single bonus bet) 
• First stake must lose to trigger bonus bet 
• Bonus bet must be used within 14 days 

This welcome bonus is particularly appealing for sports bettors wanting to take risks, although beginners might prefer the guaranteed bonus bet promos offered elsewhere. Additionally, bear in mind the bonus is paid out as one individual bonus bet.

FanDuel Maryland: Bet $5 Get $200 

FanDuel recently broke the mold with its new welcome bonus, offering first-time Maryland sports bettors $200 in bonus bets after a winning $5 wager. There’s slightly more jeopardy than the standard first bet safety net-type promos, but the tradeoff is $200 in bonuses in exchange for just $5. Check below for the main terms: 

• $10 minimum deposit 
• $5 minimum triggering wager 
• $200 in bonus bets if your wager wins (awarded with total flexibility) 
• Bonus bets valid for seven days 

The main characteristic setting the FanDuel bonus apart from the competition is the impressive versatility regarding the bonus funds. Bettors can toggle a bonus funds to real-money bankroll ratio on the betslip, giving unprecedented flexibility – just make sure your first bet wins! 

Requirements to Play at Maryland Sports Betting Sites

Maryland sports betting sites have similar requirements to most other states. Check below for the most important: 

• 21+ 
• Must have geolocation and be inside Maryland state boundaries 
• Must have a valid Maryland sports betting account 

Popular Sports & Leagues to Bet on in Maryland

Maryland sports bettors have numerous local major league franchises to support, including the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Commanders. Several other teams are also within touching distance in Washington DC and Philadelphia. We’ll run you through the most popular options below: 

Maryland Sport Leagues

The most popular leagues for Maryland sports betting include: 

Maryland Teams to Bet On

Maryland online sportsbooks provide odds on several local teams: 

• Baltimore Ravens (NFL)
• Baltimore Orioles (MLB)
• Washington Commanders (NFL)

Further afield, the following major league franchises are only a stone’s throw away: 

• Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
• Washington Wizards (NBA)
• Washington Nationals (MLB)
• Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
• Washington Capitals (NHL)

Sports betting in Maryland is also notable for the flexible rules regarding college sports betting. Some of the main teams at NCAA I level include Coppin State University, University of Maryland, and Towson University.

What You Can't Bet On In Maryland

Maryland online sportsbooks take wagers on a wide range of markets – more than most states. Nevertheless, a few restrictions remain: 

• No betting on high school sports or athletes under 18 
• No election betting 

Other Types of Gambling in Maryland

Sports bettors in Maryland can also enjoy other forms of gambling: 

• Land-Based Casinos – Maryland legalized land-based casinos in 2008. Residents have six choices, including MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino and Horseshoe Casino Baltimore. 
• Sweepstakes Casinos – Lawmakers in Maryland could pass legal online casino legislation over the next few years, but it remains illegal for now. Sweepstake casinos offer a great alternative, providing legal iGaming options with virtual currency and no purchase necessary.  
• Horse Racing Betting – Maryland has a popular horse racing betting landscape, with the Pimlico Race Course hosting the famous Preakness Stakes.

Upcoming States to License Online Sports Betting Sites

Sports bettors across the US can enjoy a rapidly expanding legal environment. Here are some recent states to offer legal sports betting licenses: 

• North Carolina – The Tar Heel State legalized sports betting in March 2024, setting the scene for legal North Carolina betting sites. 
• Vermont – The Green Mountain State brought in 2024 with a bang, authorizing three Vermont betting sites to launch on January 1. 
• Florida – The Sunshine State originally launched online sports betting in 2021, but legal issues forced Hard Rock Bet to close. Florida betting sites are now back up and running as of December 2023. 

Overview of Maryland Sports Betting Sites

Now you’re acquainted with the Maryland sports betting fundamentals, there’s only one thing left to do – choose a sportsbook and get started. This page offers expert insights into the best Maryland sportsbooks, bonuses, and more. Use our links to head to your chosen platform, create an account, claim the welcome bonus, and place wagers. 

Maryland Sports Betting FAQ