Maryland is one of the best gambling destinations on the Eastern Coast. You can practically engage in any form of wagering you like, including casino games, pari-mutuel betting, lottery games, and charitable gambling games. They also recently approved sports betting.
Unlike in some of the surrounding states, casinos in Maryland are within its jurisdiction and not on Native American reservations. So, the state is very friendly to people looking to engage in gambling activities.
If you would like to find out more about gambling in Maryland, stick around. Below we go through all you need to know about gambling in the Old Line State and even list the top 10 online casinos.
Best Online Casinos in Maryland
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Gambling Laws in Maryland
Gambling in Maryland is legal. The state is one of the most unrestricted on the Eastern Coast when it comes to gambling. There are land-based casinos in Maryland – not in the reservations in the state. There are no tribal casinos because no tribes in Maryland have attempted to enter into agreements with the state.
One thing to note is that you will not find any slot machines in the state. Rather MD casinos offer video lottery terminals.
These games function similarly to slots but offer lottery-style games, such as bingo, keno, and scratch cards. Often, tons of players compete for the same prize at the same time. Aside from video lottery games, you can also play table games.
The state also recently approved expanding gambling services to include sports betting options. Although there aren’t any areas that allow you to bets on sports, the state is working towards launching its sports betting industry soon.
This should come as no surprise as the state already allows for pari-mutuel betting. It is also home to the “second jewel of the Triple Crown” – the Preakness Stakes, which draws thousands of wagers each year.
Some of the other legal gambling options in Maryland include:
- State lottery
- Daily fantasy sports
- Charitable games
Online Gambling in Maryland
Like many other states in the US, online gambling has not been declared legal or illegal in Maryland’s Annotated Code. This is important because Maryland acknowledges forms of land-based gambling and provides operating procedures for it.
In such situations, it is possible to gamble online simply because it hasn’t been declared illegal. You will not get into trouble for signing up to an offshore online casino that accepts Maryland players because you aren’t breaking any rules.
If you choose to gamble at an offshore online casino, we suggest ensuring that the casino you choose is safe to use. Casinos that are safe to use are licensed, use tried and trusted security procedures, and offer fair games.
Online Sports Betting in Maryland
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Maryland?
Yes, online sports betting is fully legal in Maryland. The state officially launched its online sportsbook market on November 23, 2022, after voters approved sports betting legislation via referendum in 2020. Maryland now offers a wide range of licensed sportsbooks where residents and visitors can place bets legally and securely.
Where Can You Bet on Sports Online in Maryland?
Maryland bettors have access to several state-regulated online sportsbooks, many of which offer generous welcome bonuses, odds boosts, and a wide variety of betting markets. The most popular legal sportsbooks in Maryland include:
What You Can Bet On
Maryland sportsbooks allow wagering on a wide array of markets, including:
- NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL
- College Football & Basketball
- MMA, Boxing, Tennis, Golf
- Parlays, Props, Live Betting, Futures
However, keep in mind that in-state college prop bets (e.g., individual player props for Maryland Terrapins games) may be restricted under state regulations.
Taxes on Sports Betting Winnings in Maryland
Winnings from sports betting are considered taxable income under both federal and Maryland state law. Maryland imposes an 8.75% tax on sportsbook revenue, and while bettors themselves don’t pay this directly, you are required to report your gambling income when filing taxes. Always consult a tax advisor for guidance on large winnings.
For more, visit the US Online Gambling Laws Guide.
Responsible Sports Betting in Maryland
Maryland is proactive about responsible gambling. Licensed sportsbooks must offer self-exclusion tools, betting limits, and access to help for problem gambling. You can contact:
- Maryland Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
- National Council on Problem Gambling: ncpgambling.org
- Self-Exclusion Portal: mdgaming.com
Land-Based Casinos in Maryland
As mentioned above, there are casinos in Maryland. In total, six venues are considered traditional casinos. Aside from these casinos, there are also racetracks and other establishments where you can gamble. Here is a good list of options:
| Venue | Address | Number |
| Fair Hill Races | 402 Fair Hill Dr, Elkton, MD 21921 | (410) 398-2578 |
| Greenmount Station | 1631 N Main St #4, Hampstead, MD 21074 | (410) 239-0063 |
| Hollywood Casino Perryville | 1201 Chesapeake Overlook Pkwy, Perryville, MD 21903 | (410) 378-8500 |
| Horseshoe Baltimore Casino | 1525 Russell St, Baltimore, MD 21230 | (844) 777-7463 |
| Laurel Park | 198 Laurel Race Track Rd, Laurel, MD 20725 | (301) 725-0400 |
| Live! Casino Hotel Maryland | 7002 Arundel Mills Cir, Hanover, MD 21076 | (443) 842-7000 |
| Long Shot’s | 5400 Holiday Dr, Frederick, MD 21703 | (301) 694-7507 |
| MGM National Harbor | 101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill, MD 20745 | (844) 646-6847 |
| Ocean Downs Casino | 10218 Racetrack Rd, Berlin, MD 21811 | (410) 641-0600 |
| Pimlico Race Course | 5201 Park Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215 | (410) 542-9400 |
| Rocky Gap Casino | 16701 Lakeview Rd NE, Flintstone, MD 21530 | (301) 784-8400 |
| Rosecroft Raceway | 6336 Rosecroft Dr, Fort Washington, MD 20744 | (301) 567-4500 |
