Best Maryland Sports Betting: Top Legal Sportsbooks and Betting Apps

Top 6 Maryland sports betting apps reviewed

There are provisions in the Maryland law that there could be as many as 60 online sports betting apps before the market reaches its zenith. 

Crab Sports, Fanatics, and DraftKings all joined the party in 2023, making it increasingly difficult to single out the best sportsbooks in the Old Line State. However, I have registered with each of the Maryland sports betting apps to give you the best insight possible. I reviewed the quality of their odds, the functionality, and the features of their mobile apps and evaluated the best Maryland sportsbook promos for new users.

1. FanDuel Maryland 🔵

For a good reason, FanDuel boasts the largest betting handle in Maryland. Bettors flock to FanDuel Maryland due to its superb app design, usability, and the same-game parlay (SGP) introduction to the U.S. betting market. FanDuel then expanded the feature with SGP+, allowing bettors to group legs from multiple games together for an even bigger potential payout. The feature adds entertainment value to the world’s biggest competitions, like the FIFA World Cup and the NFL, NBA, and MLB postseasons.

FanDuel has recently partnered with MLB to broadcast its games via its FanDuel TV+ streaming service, further bolstering the in-game betting experience. 

New users can nab a bet $5, win $300 in bonus bets if the bet wins welcome offer. You won't even need a FanDuel promo code to qualify (though your first bet does need to win).

Head over to our expert FanDuel review to learn more or see how industry giants compare in our FanDuel vs. DraftKings head-to-head showdown. 

2. bet365 Maryland 🟢

bet365 was founded over 20 years ago in the United Kingdom and is among the world’s most popular and well-respected international online sportsbooks.

Maryland betting promos don’t get much better than this for sports fans looking for an inexpensive entry point. When you make your first deposit and wager $5 or more on the game, your account will be awarded $200 in bonus bets regardless of whether your initial bet wins or loses. Remember: Use bet365 bonus code SBRBONUS during registration.

bet365 also has a second welcome bonus option for those who prefer first bet offer offers — a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net. Place your initial wager of any amount on any sports market, and should you lose, bet365 will return your stake, up to $1,000, in bonus bets. You can only claim the bet365 welcome bonus in the mobile app.

Check out our detailed bet365 review for more information.

3. DraftKings Maryland 👑

DraftKings has established a strong presence in Maryland from the get-go. The sportsbook boasts a top-of-the-line selection of prop bets on all major sporting events. This is coupled with the leading micro-betting product, allowing users to bet on every small segment of the game, like whether the next basketball play will result in a dunk, three-pointer, or turnover. Chip in same-game parlay (SGP) builders, DK's "Stats Hub" feature, and very stable software, and you get the best sports betting app Maryland has to offer. 

DraftKings’ current bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets is ideal for newcomers. You only have to make a small risk of $5 (or more), and with a winning wager, you receive the bonus funds. You don't even need a DraftKings promo code to activate it.

Additionally, DK has a secondary promo on top of its main offer. You can claim a 20% deposit bonus, up to $1,000, by opting in via the DraftKings promotions page. The bonus funds come with a hefty playthrough requirement before you can withdraw it as cash. 

For more information about one of the best MD sportsbooks, see our detailed DraftKings review.

4. Caesars Maryland 🏛

Caesars' NFL Watch & Bet feature allows Marylanders to tune in for at least one live-streamed NFL game per week. It's a great way to catch the Baltimore Ravens in action and take advantage of in-play betting odds. 

The operator is known for putting up many daily odds boosts and offering good value for the boosted odds on no-run first-inning MLB parlays. 

The sportsbook’s renowned Caesars Rewards program stands out from the other sports betting apps Maryland offers, allowing you to earn more from day one. When you register for the first time, you can bet $1 and get twenty 100% profit boosts. Just use the Caesars Sportsbook promo code SBR20X when you register to take advantage.

Make sure to read our in-depth Caesars review for even more details.

5. BetMGM Maryland 🦁

BetMGM has ample features to offer to keep its users engaged. Their Early Cash Out and Easy Parlay options make the app stand out. The recent addition of Edit My Bet, which lets you alter the ongoing bets eligible for an early cashout, only adds to BetMGM's appeal. 

With odds for over 24 different sports, BetMGM has earned bragging rights regarding market coverage. Powered by Entain’s software, BetMGM is regularly among the first to list lines for major sports and secondary markets such as F1, golf, soccer, and tennis. 

New users can instantly claim up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their first bet loses. Just use the BetMGM promo code SBRBONUS when signing up. 

Our full BetMGM review has even more info about this great Maryland sports betting app.

6. Fanatics Maryland 🧢

Fanatics is best known for supplying official merchandise to every major North American sports league and has leveraged its brand recognition to launch a competitive sportsbook. In addition to enrolment in its customer loyalty program, new players can take advantage of up to $1,000 in FanCash. 

To take full advantage of this FanCash offer, new users can make a qualifying wager of up to $100 for 10 days. If any of their bets lose, users will be awarded the amount lost in FanCash. If that offer doesn't sound enticing to you, you can elect a bet $50, get $250 in FanCash welcome offer instead. Best of all, no Fanatics Sportsbook promo code is needed to sign up.

You can only claim one of the these welcome offers.

Head over to our detailed Fanatics review section for more information.

Compare Maryland Sportsbook Apps

Below is a list of the top Maryland sportsbook apps and what iOS and Android users think of each operator.

How we rate and review Maryland sportsbooks

Our editorial team consists of sports betting experts who independently and thoroughly review the best online sportsbooks and betting apps in Maryland. If you’re new to legal sports betting, deciding which sportsbook to register with can be a painstaking process. Our goal with each published review is to help you, the bettor, make an informed decision when selecting an MD sports betting site or app. Our evaluations and critiques of MD betting sites encompass a variety of characteristics, but the ones we focus on most are highlighted below.

Welcome bonuses and promotions

Maryland betting sites offer generous welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions to attract new players to their platforms. By signing up and funding your account, you can be in line for anything from a deposit match bonus to a first bet offer welcome offer. Once you’ve claimed your initial promo, you’ll have access to boosted odds, reduced vig — juice — insured parlays, and loyalty rewards daily and weekly.

User experience

Ultimately, what constitutes a positive user experience for one person may differ from what another prioritizes. In general, we grade a sportsbook’s user experience through key features, like an easy sign-up process, a plethora of banking options, simple navigation, live video streaming, early cash out options, fast payouts, top-notch security, and an easy-to-contact customer service team. If an MD online sports betting app crashes often, for example, it won’t rank highly for us in this category.

Variety of bet types and markets

New players may stick to the big four leagues — NFL, MLB, NHL, and NBA — and the most common bet types — moneyline, point spreads, and Over/Under totals — but as they continue to grow, a Maryland sportsbook offering a unique variety of sports betting markets becomes that much more important. The best operators feature European football, PGA tour events, MMA main events, heavyweight boxing bouts, esports tournaments, and live in-game player props where you can bet on every drive, play, and outcome after the game has started. Don’t settle for just the basic bet types and sports markets.

Banking options

Banking with regulated and authorized Maryland sportsbooks is safe and secure, with many of the most popular payment providers — such as PayPal — available. Other notable options include major credit and debit cards, bank wire transfers, Paypal, and other e-wallet banking options. All of the best betting sites for withdrawal and deposit options are the ones listed in this guide.

Payout speed

We grade each Maryland sports betting site on how quickly they process withdrawals. After hitting a big parlay or finally learning that your futures wager from six months ago cashed, you don’t want to wait weeks to count your profits. In our experience, most modern online sportsbooks process withdrawals within 48 hours, and funds are transferred to your preferred account in less than five business days. The one catch is that requesting a physical check may take up to 15 business days.

Security and customer service

When sharing personal and financial data, sportsbook security is top of mind. We only recommend online sportsbooks and sports betting apps with the latest encryption software and firewall protocols.

As for customer service, it must be accessible on your time, not theirs. This means having the option to contact the support team via email, phone, and, our personal favorite, live chat whenever you prefer. A question or issue will arise at some point, and you don’t want to wait for the sportsbook to return your call a day later.

Other Maryland sports betting apps with bonuses

Most Maryland sports betting apps offer some version of first bet offer as their welcome bonus. While new players should be thrilled that several contain a maximum value of $1,000 or more, it’s also worth noting that these types of offers require you to lose your first bet to obtain any bonus funds. Those funds can then be used for a second shot at winning.

For veteran bettors who have already signed up with one or more of these sportsbooks, while you cannot take advantage of a welcome bonus, you can still claim daily and ongoing promotions. From daily odds boosts to reduced juice on specific events to same-game parlays to referral credits and loyalty rewards, the best Maryland sports betting sites will continue to present compelling offers. Be sure to check in with each site consistently to view available promotions. 

MD sports betting key developments and updates

Maryland sports betting summary

How to start betting in Maryland

Whether you think it's finally "the year" for the Baltimore Ravens or feel like the Washington Commanders might finally make noise in the NFL playoffs, it's easy to get started when it comes to betting on sports in Maryland:

Here is a simple step-by-step breakdown:

1. Select a licensed Maryland sportsbook

When choosing a betting site, you must find one — and a sports betting app — that suits your needs. Before you select one, be sure to read all of our independent and thorough reviews that explain each operator’s pros and cons.

Once you’ve made your selection, you can visit the sportsbook’s website or download its app to your mobile device.

2. Register online

You can register online via desktop or laptop computer, or you can opt to utilize the sportsbook’s sports betting app. Once you’ve chosen your method, you can start the registration process, which should take less than five minutes to complete.

Your chosen sportsbook will require some basic personal information, including your full name, home address, email address, date of birth, and social security number. The latter is necessary to confirm your identity and ensure that fraudulent accounts aren’t made in your name in the future. You’ll probably receive a verification email to authenticate your new account. 

Next, you’ll need to create a unique username and password. The strongest passwords combine upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Try to keep the password around eight characters in length.

3. Deposit and claim a bonus

Once you’ve registered for an account and set up your username and password, you can log in and locate the cashier. Here, you’ll sync your preferred banking method to your sportsbook wallet. Major credit and debit cards, bank wire transfers, Paypal, and other third-party wallets are the most popular deposit options.

Just remember that some MD sports betting sites require a promo code at this step. Have it handy to punch into the specific field before you process your initial deposit. You don’t want to miss out on bonus funds just because you forgot to type in a code.

4. Select and finalize your bet

It’s time to do some shopping with your chosen online sportsbook. The best user experiences are ones where it’s easy to navigate from page to page and sport to sport. Ideally, the number of clicks between finding an event and submitting your finalized wager is few. Ensure you review all the available betting markets, like the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL, in addition to all the unique bet types, such as moneylines, point spreads, and point totals, before you lock in a selection.

Once you’re ready to place a bet, add it to your bet slip, review it again, and submit the ticket. You’ll receive a confirmation slip that will appear in your virtual wallet.

If this is your first time placing a wager, give our guide on how to bet on sports a read.

5. Withdraw your winnings

So, you just hit a three-team parlay and are ready to celebrate with your newfound winnings — return to the cashier and request a withdrawal. Payout times vary by operator and banking method, but most will be processed within five business days. The only caveat to that rule is if you request a physical check to your Maryland or out-of-state residence. In that case, it can take up to 15 business days to arrive. 

Maryland sports betting handle

Despite mobile betting’s lengthy delay and not launching until Nov. 23, 2022, Maryland recorded a sports betting handle just south of $1 billion in 2022. With 12 legal online sportsbooks and 11 retail sportsbooks active — and more on the way — the Old Line State reached $4.61 billion in handle in 2023.

Maryland reached a record annual handle in 2024, outpacing the previous year by over $1.3 billion. And 2025 is already off to a great start, with the Super Bowl helping produce a best-ever February handle of $475.7 million. You can track the progress below.

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

Maryland sports leagues and teams to bet on

Now that Maryland offers legal sports betting, those who cheer for their hometown teams in and around Baltimore and the nation’s capital may be tempted to drop a few dollars on their favorite squads. But while betting on your local club may be enjoyable, it’s not always a wise investment of time and money.

Before you submit a biased bet slip, do your homework and learn how to manage your bankroll. Checking the weather forecast, injury report, depth chart, and possible suspensions while reviewing the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses will make for an educated wager.

Though less popular than the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, online sportsbooks in Maryland typically offer odds for MLS, WNBA, and even XFL matchups. So, if you’re looking to back D.C. United, the Washington Mystics, or the DC Defenders, you’re in luck. Also, watch out for PGA tour odds when the pros hit the east coast.

Sports bettors can check out the top sportsbooks for specific sports, leagues, and events:

Legal Maryland sports betting options

After a lengthy delay between the opening of legal retail sportsbooks and the launch of mobile betting in Maryland, the Old Line State currently offers 12 active online sportsbooks. The most recent addition was bet365, which opened up in the state in August 2025.

Bettors can also play Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) via certain retailers. Check out our guide to the best DFS sites to learn more about what the fantasy game has to offer in Maryland.

Maryland’s online and mobile sportsbooks

There are currently 11 land-based MD sportsbooks to visit in person. However, state law allows for up to 47 retail licenses to be awarded in the coming months and years. With a concentration on providing accessibility, interested players shouldn’t have to drive too far to find a sportsbook in their area.

Land-based MD sportsbooks

Who can bet on sports in Maryland?

Legal age 🎂

You must be at least 21 years old to wager on sports in the state of Maryland.

Mobile betting 📱

Mobile betting went live in Maryland in late November 2022. There are currently 12 online sportsbooks.

Remote registration 💻

Maryland players can skip visiting a retail sportsbook to complete the sign-up process. Remote registration is available at every online sportsbook and generally takes less than five minutes to complete.

Within state borders 📍

You do not need to be a Maryland resident to wager on sports in the Old Line State legally. However, you do need to be physically within MD’s borders when you log into your sportsbook account. Operators use geotagging software to pinpoint your location when logging in and when you place a bet. You won’t be able to wager if you’re outside Maryland state lines.

Retail sportsbooks 🏢

There are 10 retail sportsbooks in Maryland, including Fanatics’ new location inside the Commanders’ FedEx Field. Current law allows for up to nearly 50 land-based sportsbooks around the state.

Taxable winnings 💸

Operators pay a modest 15% tax on sports betting revenue to the state of Maryland. For the individual bettor, there is an 8.75% tax on winnings of over $5,000 if you live in MD and a 7% tax if you live out of state. This is separate from the 24% federal tax on gambling winnings.

What you can’t bet on in Maryland

Concerning sports betting, Maryland is liberal in its approach to most events. However, there are a few topics you won’t find any legal sportsbooks providing odds on in the Old Line State.

Politics ❌

You can’t wager on political events in the U.S.; thus, you won’t find betting odds on who will win the 2024 presidential election, for example, at legal Maryland sportsbooks.

Entertainment award ceremonies ❌

You can’t wager on award shows like the Oscars, Emmys, or Grammys in Maryland. With so many other states allowing online sportsbooks to accept these types of wagers, this could change in the future.

eSports ✅

Esports are fair game in Maryland. You can find odds for the likes of League of Legends, Fortnite, and Madden.

What about Maryland college sports? 🎓

Unlike some regions, it is legal to wager on in-and-out-of-state college sporting events in Maryland. You can bet on a Maryland Terrapins college basketball game, have a tip on Towson, or put money on UMBC shocking the world once again.

Legal Maryland sports betting history

There was nothing simple about the passing and ratification of Bill HB 940. Maryland legislators hit their fair share of barriers during the assembly process, but have now finally seen the fruits of their labors with the official launch of online and mobile sports gambling on Nov. 23, 2022. How exactly were they able to get it all done in the end?

Here’s a look at Maryland’s sports betting history:

2022: Online sports betting launches

With retail wagering in place, the push was on to move forward with mobile sports betting, but there would be no quick path thanks to wording in the signed bill that emphasized the participation of minorities and women in the state’s betting industry.

A disparity study by SWARC began in March marking a critical step toward launching online betting by the end of the year. The first non-casino retail sportsbook in the state opened in August after BetRivers partnered with Bingo World.

On September 16, Lottery and Gaming Control Agency Director John Martin expressed his optimism for online sportsbooks launching before the end of 2022 with up to 60 mobile licenses to be available in the state. Six days later, the Maryland SWARC announced that mobile sports betting licenses would be awarded on a rolling basis.

DraftKings Sportsbook was the first to get approved, offering a promo for $200 in First Bet Offers to those who sign up early. Greenmount Station joined seven other organizations in Maryland offering retail sports betting in October, partnering with Parx. GeoComply was given a Tier One Contractor license for its geolocation and ID verification services on November 1, marking an important step towards a mobile launch.

On Wednesday, November 16, the Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission awarded 10 mobile sports betting licenses to the following sportsbooks: Barstool, Betfred, BetMGM, betPARX, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel and PointsBet. (Some would eventually close or be acquired and rebranded.)

On Friday, November 18, following one last series of regulatory testing, it was announced that online and mobile sports would follow suit and officially be available on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022, ahead of an enticing Thanksgiving NFL slate.

Greenmount OTB LLC, Long Shot's LLC, and Maryland Stadium Sub LLC (Washington Commanders) were not ready for opening day but launched shortly afterward.

2021: Retail sports betting launches

The new MD sports betting bill (Bill HB 940) made great progress early on in the year. It was passed by both the House and the Senate in April, by an overwhelming majority, and Governor Hogan officially made it law in May. A couple of months later, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency released its first set of rules and regulations.

While the specifics of regulation and licensing were still being worked out, sportsbooks began moving toward partnership agreements. Caesars announced an agreement with the Baltimore Ravens and was one of five operators to join forces with casinos that had been awarded betting sports betting licenses in November.

Finally, Governor Hogan placed the first official sports bet at MGM National Harbor on December 9 which signified the launch of retail sports betting in the state. Four other casinos joined them over the next 14 days.

2020: Bill inches closer to approval

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle were confident that sports betting would become a reality in 2020 — but with the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in a truncated legislative session, a more detailed bill was scrapped in favor of a limited measure.

Voters subsequently approved sports betting in a November referendum, which made the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Commission the regulatory agency for sports betting in the state. Yet, despite the referendum passing, there was still a lot of work to do.

2019: No referendum? No bill

Maryland intended to move quickly after the Supreme Court repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) but couldn’t finalize a sports betting bill before the end of the 2018 legislative session. Lawmakers then got to work early in 2019, seeking to pass a bill (HB 1132) that would allow for horse racing licensees and VLT operators to offer sports betting.

The bill was seen as a workaround to Maryland law, which stated that any amendment revolving around the legalization of sports betting would need to first be decided by a voter referendum. That ended up being the exact conclusion reached by the attorney general’s office, resulting in the bill being tabled until the following year.

Responsible Maryland sports betting

Maryland’s approach to sports betting regulation is unique compared to other states. It’s split into two entities: The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, the primary governing body in charge, and the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission, which oversees applications and issuance of licenses. The goal of implementing the SWARC as part of the regulatory process was to allow for better vetting of applications and work towards achieving diversity and inclusion among operators looking to earn a license.

The SWARC allows the MLGA to pay closer attention to the operators and products. They perform regular audits of sports betting sites and apps while enforcing laws and issuing fines should operators work outside the lines. Sports betting in Maryland could become crowded in the coming years, with up to 60 online and 30 brick-and-mortar licenses available.

Mobile sports betting operators must shell out $500,000 for an application fee and $1,500,000 for a license fee. Both retail and online sportsbooks are taxed at 15%, which allows Maryland to raise revenue and apply tax credits to various programs around the state, including prevention and treatment of problem gambling — visit the Maryland Alliance for Responsible Gambling for a list of resources.

National U.S. gambling helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER

Sportsbooks to avoid in Maryland

Maryland sports bettors may sometimes be tempted to create accounts with offshore sportsbooks. The state does not regulate these illegal sites, meaning bettors will likely fall prey to nefarious actions, such as data breaches of personal and financial information and non-payment of profits earned.

Now that sports gambling in Maryland is legal, it’s much safer to register with a licensed and legitimate online sportsbook. State regulators keep a close eye on every operator and will hold each accountable for providing their customers with the best user experience, customer support, and security.

Growth of sports betting 📈

When the U.S. Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018, the growth of legal sports betting in the United States skyrocketed. Close to three dozen states have since legalized some form of sports betting, with the most common legislation including the licensing of online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps. Check our legal sports betting tracker to find out more about any state you're interested in. 

Over the past few years, large states like Ohio and Massachusetts have enjoyed massively successful online betting launches. Sports fans get an extra way to engage with their favorite teams, and the states earn plenty of much-needed revenue from licensing fees and taxes.

Last year, legal North Carolina sports betting arrived on March 11, 2024, bringing eight of the best sportsbooks in the country to the Tar Heel state.

However, all eyes will be on Missouri in 2025, with legal sports betting set to launch in the Show-Me State sometime in mid-to-late summer. Stay up-to-date on the latest news and updates as they're announced by following our Missouri sportsbook promos page.

The states closest to offering legalized sports betting next are Oklahoma and Hawaii, but we don't expect either until the first half of 2026 (at the earliest).