Maryland Sports Betting: Best MD Online Sportsbook Sites April 2024

MD sports betting key developments and updates

Maryland sports betting quick facts

Maryland sports betting promos and bonuses

Most Maryland sports betting sites offer some version of first bet insurance 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.

Here are two of the most lucrative Maryland sports betting promos and bonuses:

• BetMGM: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets
• Caesars Sportsbook: Bet $1, get ten 100% profit boosts

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. 

Top Maryland sports betting sites

With 12 active and more soon to launch, all Maryland betting sites have something to offer sports bettors, from novices to veterans. However, with up to 60 of the best sportsbooks coming to Maryland in the months and years ahead, each operator will want to stand out in an increasingly crowded field. As such, online sportsbooks will likely go above and beyond to create unique user experiences and provide outstanding promotions and loyalty perks that keep players returning to their platforms. 

Here is what Maryland’s current slate of online betting sites has to offer new and existing customers:

Why DraftKings is the best sportsbook in Maryland 👑

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

+ No Sweat SGP Every Day of NBA Playoffs 🏀

Claim $200

Sportsbook Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook betting site. 21+ and present in MD. Please play responsibly. For help visit mdgamblinghelp.org or call 1-800-GAMBLER.

DraftKings was ahead of the curve when it launched its daily fantasy games in the early half of the 2010s. Now, its long-term staying power revolves around its top-rated, silky-smooth online sportsbook and sports betting app. The app’s average rating among iOS users is 4.8/5, while Android users have given it a 4.6/5.

New players with DraftKings Maryland can earn the bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets offer -  — no DraftKings promo code required. As additional sportsbooks come online in MD, don’t be surprised to see DraftKings continually near the top of the pack when it comes to the best sportsbook promos and bonuses.

Once you’ve registered and redeemed your welcome bonus, you’ll find DraftKings’ platform offers a plethora of enticing features to hold your attention, such as an industry-leading user experience, live video streaming, live in-game betting, daily and weekly promotions, and best-in-class customer support.

To learn more about the sportsbook, read our complete DraftKings review.

Other Maryland online sportsbooks

Caesars Maryland 🏛

Bet $1, get 10 100% Profit Boosts

Terms and conditions apply

Bet Now

Sportsbook Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook betting site. 21+ and present in MD. Please play responsibly. For help visit mdgamblinghelp.org or call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Caesars could have rested on its laurels in the Las Vegas sands but decided to branch out and explore other sports betting markets around the U.S. Now, it boasts one of the highest-rated betting apps in the country and a top-five sportsbook in Maryland. New MD bettors can use the promo code to get ten 100% profit tokens. Ensure you enter the active Caesars Sportsbook promo code — SBRBONUSDYW — during registration.

When searching for where to bet on sports in Maryland, few options are better than Caesars. Read our complete Caesars review for more information.

FanDuel Maryland 🔵

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

New customers only. Deposit min. $10. Place first bet of $5+ and get $150 in Bonus Bets win or lose (within 72 hours).

Claim $150

Sportsbook Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook betting site. 21+ and present in MD. Please play responsibly. For help visit mdgamblinghelp.org or call 1-800-GAMBLER.

The No. 1 sports betting app, according to Apple and Android users, has our heads on a swivel. Every week FanDuel seems to be promoting a new, generous welcome bonus. Right now, first-time players can enjoy a bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets reward if your bet win or loss, sans a FanDuel promo code.

Bonuses and promotions aside, FanDuel’s one of the top live betting sites — live video streaming, live in-game betting, and wide variety of sports betting markets continue to see it pressure DraftKings as the industry’s overall top dog.

Interested in learning more about the iconic sportsbook? Check out our FanDuel review. See how FanDuel compares to our top recommended sportsbook: FanDuel vs. DraftKings.

BetMGM Maryland 🦁

Up To $1,500 Back In Bonus Bets

Terms and conditions apply. 

Claim $1,500

Sportsbook Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook betting site. 21+ and present in MD. Please play responsibly. For help visit mdgamblinghelp.org or call 1-800-GAMBLER.

The self-proclaimed “King of Parlays,” BetMGM’s reputation carries a lot of weight thanks to its branding and rich history in the industry. New players who sign up with BetMGM’s online sportsbook and sports betting app can get up to $1,500 in bonus bets if the initial wager doesn't win. Initial bets of $49 or less will be awarded as a single bonus bet, whereas bets of $50 or more will be split into five equal pieces. For example, a $400 initial bet that loses will grant five separate $80 bonus bets. Just use the BetMGM bonus code SBRBONUS to get started.

Find yourself aching to learn more about the sportsbook? Dive into our BetMGM review.

Fanatics Maryland 🧢

Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets

+$25 in FanCash 🧢

Bet Now

Sportsbook Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook betting site. 21+ and present in MD. Please play responsibly. For help visit mdgamblinghelp.org or call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Newcomer Fanatics Sportsbook is now active in a dozen states and continues to grow as a preferred online sportsbook among new and veteran bettors. You don’t need a Fanatics promo code to get started with the platform, either.

Take a look at our full Fanatics Sportsbook review for more actionable intel.

Maryland sportsbooks honorable mentions

Though they didn’t crack our top five online sportsbooks in Maryland, be sure to check out our team of experts’ thorough and independent reviews of the other three active mobile sports betting operators in the state:

• ESPN BET review
• Betfred review
• BetRivers review

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 (and up to 14) active online sportsbooks. One additional operator — Bally Bet — has been approved by the SWARC and could open its digital doors to the public in 2023.

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, but at least one more is expected to launch in 2023.

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.

How to start betting in Maryland

If you believe Eric Bieniemy can get the Washington Commanders to the next level, or you believe Lamar Jackson will return to the Baltimore Ravens and lead them back to the promised land, perhaps you’re confident in laying down some scratch on Super Bowl 58 futures odds. If these are the types of thoughts that have crossed your mind, you’re ready to start betting on sports. 

Here is a simple step-by-step breakdown of how to start sports betting in Maryland:

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. 

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 insurance 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.

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 is projected to exceed a $4 billion handle in 2023.

In fact, through the first two months of 2023, MD’s sports betting handle is less than $200 million behind 2022’s total. If the handle happens to quadruple year-over-year, expect the tax revenue to be around $25 million.

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. Don’t blindly toss money at the Ravens or Commanders because betting with your heart instead of your brain is the fastest way to bleed your bankroll.

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 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 free bets 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.

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 two 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.

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