Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Maryland?
Yes, online sports betting is legal in Maryland. On May 18, 2021, Governor Larry Hogan signed a bill into law that legalized sports betting in the state. The law allows both in-person and online sports betting. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission oversee and regulate sports betting activities in the state.
Maryland Online Sports Betting Requirements
If you are interested in online sports betting in Maryland, you must meet some requirements before placing your wagers.
Age Requirements: First, you must be at least 21 years old and physically within the state borders unless you prefer offshore online sports betting sites.
An Online Sportsbook: You must also register with an online sportsbook operator that offers online betting in Maryland.
Account Verifications: You must verify your identity and provide personal information, such as your name, address, email, phone number, and social security number.
Casino Funds: You must deposit funds into your account using a secure and convenient payment method.
Types of Gambling Allowed in Maryland
In Maryland, online gambling is regulated and limited to certain forms. Online casinos remain illegal at present. However, the introduction of a legislative proposal has paved the way for a potential referendum on the upcoming November 2024 general election ballot. If sanctioned by the voters, the green light will be given for the inclusion of online casino games within Maryland.
As the anticipation for the debut of Maryland’s online casino platforms builds, alternative avenues exist to satiate your gaming desires. Tip-top social gambling platforms and sweepstakes casinos offer avenues for this. These platforms boast various games you’d encounter in legal online casinos in states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey. You stand a chance to win cash rewards through this model.
Meanwhile, those interested in online gaming can explore Maryland online sports betting. Given Maryland’s burgeoning landscape of brick-and-mortar gambling establishments, it’s only a matter of time before the realm of online casino gambling also attains legal status. The types of online gambling currently allowed in Maryland include:
- Online Sports Betting: In May 2021, Maryland legalized sports betting, including online sports betting. Online platforms are offering residents options to bet on sports events.
- Online Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): Daily Fantasy Sports platforms are also allowed to operate in Maryland. These platforms allow users to participate in fantasy sports contests and win cash prizes.
- Online Horse Racing Betting: Maryland allows online betting on horse racing. Residents can place bets on horse races within Maryland or at other racetracks nationwide.
Maryland vs. Other States’ Online Sports Betting Legality
Several other states have also legalized online sports betting. Here’s a brief overview of the status of online sports betting in some other states:
- New Jersey: Online sports betting has been legal in New Jersey since 2018. The state has a robust online sports betting market with numerous operators offering their services.
- Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania legalized online sports betting in 2017. Residents and visitors can place bets through licensed online sportsbooks.
- Nevada: Nevada has a long history of legal sports betting, including online sports betting. However, online sports betting is only available within the state’s borders.
- Colorado: Online sports betting became legal in Colorado in May 2020. The state has a regulated market with several online sportsbooks operating.
- Michigan: Online sports betting was legalized in Michigan in January 2021. Residents and visitors can place bets through licensed online sportsbooks.
Online Sports Betting in Maryland – Conclusion
While online casinos remain illegal in Maryland, online sports betting is legal. For those mainly interested in online casino games, a legislative proposal for a potential referendum in the November 2024 general election could legalize online casino games. In the meantime, Maryland residents can enjoy online sports betting, online daily fantasy sports, and online horse racing betting.
