Sports betting in Maryland on the rise
Maryland is one of a growing number of states in the US that has legalized sports betting. Since the PASPA was repealed in 2018, each state is able to put their own legislation in place with regard to betting on sports online. This covers the use of both website and apps. Let's take a look at what Maryland has to offer.
Legalization of sports betting in MD
Sports betting in Maryland was legalized in 2020. The Governor, Larry Hogan, signed the HB 940 into law in May 2021, to ensure sports betting was fully legalized in the state. However, it wasn't until November 2022 that the legislation was actually enacted and the first sports books were made available to players. From that point on, things continued apace, with more sports books joining the MD online betting scene. Currently, there are more than 11 different sports books available, and more are on the way.
Impressively, gambling revenue has been on the up since its launch. In 2024, sports books generated $37 million in revenue, with the number increasing in subsequent years. By February 2025, the revenue has risen to $55 million.
While there are various legalized sports books, there are still some that are not. However, through the swift and timely intervention of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, many illegal online gambling operators have been shut down. Other sports books, such as Caesars, have enjoyed a great experience in Maryland, and has now opened its third retail sports book within the state.
Accessing sports books online
Not only does Maryland have retail and online sports books, but there are many Maryland sports betting apps to enjoy as well. These apps can be easily downloaded from the sports book websites, which means that players have greater access to the different betting options. These apps do require players to be within the borders of Maryland though. And, like accessing the desktop versions of these sites, requires geolocation to be turned on. This means that players are tracked when using the app to ensure they are within the state.
What can you bet on?
Not only are there desktop and mobile sports books, but there are legal state casinos, retail sports books and off-track betting options in Maryland. Essentially, you've got a full complement of betting options. And, many different sports are available. You can bet on football, basketball, hockey, and baseball with the greatest of ease. Thanks to a wide array of top sports books, many of which operate in Europe, you can also access sports from around the world. Top sports books in Maryland offer hundreds of betting markets covering leagues from around the world.
Some of the popular sports books available in Maryland include DraftKings, Caesars, FanDuel, BetMGM, and BetRivers to name a few. With more on the way, there's a growing number of sports betting sites awaiting regulatory approval which will only see Maryland's gambling sector grow.
Whenever you choose to play at an MD sports betting site though, make sure you do so in a responsible manner.