The Old Line State is one of the smallest in the US, but it boasts a significant presence when it comes to real money gambling. Online gambling in Maryland hasn’t caught up to its brick and mortar counterparts as of yet, though.

As defined in chapter 12-102 heading (a) subsections 2,3, and 4 of the Maryland gambling laws, forwarding gambling actually carries the exact same penalties as gambling in accordance with the law, but is really the only way in which one who gambles in “the old line state” could get in trouble for. In Maryland however, the law has a very broad definition of gambling. Maryland law simply states that it is illegal to wager, bet or gamble. The law does not define any of the three terms – wager, bet, and gamble – in detail. The LGCA is the authority that issues licenses for casinos, monitors casinos for adhering to all state regulations and ensuring that the lottery is run in a safe and legal manner. Criminal law in Maryland prohibits participating in or organizing gambling except when expressly permitted by the state. Section 12-102 states the following. As is often the case with states that have aggressive gambling laws, Maryland does permit many forms of state-sanctioned and regulated gambling. One example: Charitable and fraternal organizations (as defined by statute) meeting certain conditions may operate slot. The Southern Maryland counties circumvented a governor’s veto in 1947 and individually legalized their slot machines in the late 1940s. Although more money was wagered in Nevada, Maryland had three.

Daily fantasy sports are already regulated, and mobile wagering will accompany sports betting if the voters give it the nod in November of 2020. However, the best Maryland gambling sites are currently located outside state borders.

Maryland is known for the Pimlico Race Course, the home of the Preakness Stakes. It also houses four other tracks, as well as six OTB outlets. Pari-mutuel wagering was the catalyst for gambling expansion but hasn’t been the only game in town for several decades.

Five sister states surround MD, so it strives to keep up with the Joneses when it comes to betting and gaming opportunities. If it’s not accommodating casino gaming and other alternatives, residents are just a short car ride away to other states that will fit the bill.

Maryland online gambling, though, has been on the back burner. The DFS approval was in 2017, but that’s the temporary end to any state regulation for gambling online in MD. That doesn’t mean residents are out of luck with real money online gambling, though, as there’s a shortlist of reputable Maryland gambling sites that welcome residents of the state with (virtual) open arms.

We’re always looking for the best things in life, aren’t we? We want the best doctor, the best job, the best home, the best food, and on and on. When it comes to online gambling in Maryland, or anywhere for that matter, securing the best provider is also the goal.

Coming up with the best Maryland online gambling sites, though, isn’t as straightforward as finding the best price or value. There are quite a few things involved when it comes to gambling online for real money. After all, you’re not walking into a casino and exchanging cash.

You need ways to deposit to your online account and to claim your winnings when it’s time. If you’re a poker player or enjoy sports betting, you’ve got the challenge of finding a provider that offers more than casino games. Superior gambling sites also have a variety of bonuses and promotions, quality customer service, and an excellent reputation.

When you take all of those things into consideration, you can see how a simple Google search just won’t cut it. But that’s where we come in with our list of the top Maryland gambling sites. Our team of experts has done the legwork to come up with a list of recommended providers. So, you can pick from the best of the best, instead of starting at square one.

In addition to ranking the overall best online gambling sites for Maryland, we’ve also ranked the leading sites in a few more specific categories.

It takes quite a while for us to compile and maintain our list of recommended MD gambling sites, as it’s a multi-part process.

We start by gathering up the names of all online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms that open their virtual doors to Marylanders. That’s only the beginning, though. All of the websites go through a thorough review process by our team.

Our gambling site reviews include a long list of criteria covering many of the topics mentioned above, such as banking, promotions, and games. We keep records of the software providers, the number and variety of games, banking methods, and all of the other pertinent details that you’d want to know.

We also take into consideration the reputation and longevity of the ownership group. Player feedback, news articles, and our overall impressions also factor into the site’s ratings.

Once we have proper evaluations, we can compare all of the Maryland gambling sites to each other. The ones that rise to the top and meet or, even better, exceed expectations make our “best” list.

Regulated Online Gambling in Maryland

Before we get to the current state of gambling laws in Maryland, it’s helpful to take a look back. Gambling history and expansion in the Old Line State reveals how many residents feel about legal betting opportunities.

Maryland is one of the more progressive locations regarding legal gambling pursuits. It’s one of the few that had a successful casino gaming program in the mid-1900s that eventually returned bigger and better than ever after a hiatus.

The first bets, though, were well before then. Pari-mutuel wagering predates Maryland’s statehood. The Maryland Jockey Club is the oldest of its kind, established in 1743, and MD also has the second oldest racetrack in the country. Pimlico, which is the home of the Preakness Stakes — the second leg of the Triple Crown Series — was built in 1870.

Horse racing and Maryland just go hand in hand. In 1912, pari-mutuel betting was legalized and hadn’t gone anywhere since. You can’t say the same for slot games, though. Slots were big business from 1947 to 1968. They generated $24 million annually before the legal status changed, and it took more than 40 years to bring them back.

Before casino gaming was back on the table, the Maryland Lottery launched in 1973, then things quieted again until the Hollywood Casino opened its doors in Perryville in 2010. More casino and racino expansion followed. Hanover’s Live! Casino and Hotel even boasts a two-story live poker room.

So, the current state of in-person gambling activities includes the lottery, pari-mutuel betting, and casinos.

When it comes to online gambling, things haven’t progressed quite as far, at least not with in-state opportunities. Daily fantasy sports were legalized in 2017, providing MD’s first online gambling program.

Other online gaming in Maryland covers casino games, sportsbooks, and poker rooms. However, they’re courtesy of operators from outside the area. There aren’t any in-state real money gambling sites except DFS at this time.

The next piece of the gambling expansion puzzle could fall into place in late 2020. Sports betting is a hot topic for Marylanders, and voters are going to have their say in the November election.

A sportsbook bill has moved on to the voting stage and could result in brick and mortar books, as well as a mobile betting program.

• Casinos: Six casinos
• Sports Betting: Currently not legalized; bill is pending
• Poker: Approved in casinos
• Pari-Mutuel: Five tracks and six OTBs
• Lottery: Retailers throughout the state
• Daily Fantasy Sports: Legal and regulated for online play
• Online Gambling: Available through out-of-area operators only

If you’re reading this information, you’re at least somewhat curious about real money online gambling in Maryland. As we’ve previously mentioned, there are quite a few differences between walking into a land-based casino, like Ocean Downs and accessing a gambling site.

One part of the online service, that doesn’t even closely resemble its in-person counterpart, is bonuses.

Brick and mortar casinos tend to keep it simple with bonus programs. If you’re new and sign up for a player’s card, you may get something like a free buffet or $10 in play cash. Cash incentives need to be played through, usually in slots or video poker machines. Once your wagers add up to $10 (or whatever the bonus amount), then you’re typically free and clear to claim some winnings, if you’ve accumulated any.

That’s not how bonuses work with online casinos.

Maryland online gambling sites are going to entice you with offers like a “200% deposit match for new players.” They’re exciting bonus incentives because they can be quite valuable. After all, if you deposit $100 and get a 200% deposit match, that takes your credit balance to $300, right? Well, not exactly, but it could happen.

Before you jump right in and accept the bonus, you’ll want to know more about it. There’s a rollover (a playthrough requirement) that has the same basic concept as land-based venues, except it’s much more challenging.

Instead of playing the bonus through at least once, you may have to roll it over 30 times or maybe even more. Plus, your deposit could also be factored into the equation, as crazy as it sounds.

So, using the $300 example ($100 deposit + $200 bonus), if your rollover is 30x, you have to accomplish $9,000 in betting before you can cash anything out of your player’s account. The $9,000 is derived from adding the deposit plus bonus to get $300 in total. Then, you multiply it by 30.

These are just sample numbers, but an 30x rollover is average. The bottom line is that you need to be aware of the differences between online gambling in Maryland and walking into a casino.

You can reap quite a bit of benefit from bonuses and incentives, but you’ll want to know and understand all of the terms and conditions, or you can just say no to the offer. Note that there are many different types of bonuses, and they don’t just apply to casino gambling either.

Maryland has some active neighbors when it comes to legal gambling opportunities. Delaware, DC, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia surround the Old Line State, and residents can get to them quickly.

So, to keep as much money in the state as possible, Maryland needs to stay competitive. It’s evolved with the times as far as casino gambling and daily fantasy sports. Sports betting, including mobile access, is a real possibility for 2021.

When it comes to gambling online, though, competition isn’t enough incentive for MD to go “all in,” at least not yet. However, Marylanders aren’t lacking for real money online gambling options, as there are now quite a few originating from other jurisdictions.

It’s just a matter of picking the best Maryland gambling sites to ensure safe, secure, and fair gaming.

Legal online gambling for Maryland residents has been increasingly popular over recent years. Since we have a focus on online gambling, we are here to explain the legalities of online gambling in Maryland above anything else. We have done what we can in order to bring our readers a clear view of the laws, the rules, and the requirements of online gambling in the state of Maryland. This includes state-level legislation as well as rules enacted by the federal government. As you will find out as you continue reading, there are not many of each. If you are going to try to gamble on the Internet, you will want to do so as safely as possible. Our goal is to make sure you are safe throughout your entire gambling experience, so you should have nothing to worry about anything other than playing the games that you wish.

Online Gambling Age For Maryland Residents

All states have age requirements for online gambling, and you will want to make sure you adhere to these age requirements before you decide to start gambling. If you want to play casino games you will have to be 21, and the same applies to poker and sports betting. This encompasses both online and land-based gaming choices. If you are 18 you do have a few choices. The state's lotto and live or online bingo halls can all be accessed at the age of 18.

Maryland Online Gambling Laws

Currently, Maryland’s 2021 online gambling laws are not something you have to worry about, as they do not actually exist. There is no law in the state of Maryland that has anything to do with online gambling. This may be some form of legislative oversight, or it may simply be because there has yet to be a need to ban or regulate online gambling in the state. For now, you can rest assured that there are no restrictions on online gambling, at least none as far as we have found. If you are truly hesitant to gamble online, you can further explore Maryland Criminal Law.

The absence of online gaming laws could certainly change in the future, especially in the case of sports betting. In 2020, Maryland’s voters approved of sports betting, with 67% of the electorate voting to legalize it. However, the infrastructure and regulatory framework for Maryland’s sports betting is still up in the air, with legislators debating various forms of legalization, and a result likely to come in 2021.

Gambling Sites That Accept Maryland Residents

Due to the relaxed state of the laws in Maryland, you will find that many forms of gambling are at your disposal. Maryland residents can very easily participate in a number of options. There exists casinos, poker rooms, sportsbooks, bingo halls, and many more options. Residents of Maryland will find that there are plenty of ways to sign up and participate at these legal gambling sites. We are going to share with you a number of options for play, but only those which have passed our rigorous testing.

Bovada: Winning Big At The Casino

For those who have a Bovada account, this is one of the best decisions that they have made! Bovada has it all and other bettors need to consider joining as well. This online casino play gives many bettors chances to win big as well! All you have to do create your account and you will have access to it all. Being a new Bovada account does have some perks to it as well. There will be plenty of promotions that will help new users get started with there account. Big time bonuses will help players put their money in casino games like blackjack and slots. This is a chance you don’t want to miss so make sure you sign up soon as you get the opportunity! Go To Bovada!

50% - $250 BONUS!

No DE, MD, NJ, NV

SportsBetting: Bet On Ravens, Terps And More

If Maryland residents have a sweet tooth like I do, they should try out the sweet deals that SportsBetting has on sports, poker, skill/table games, and arcade-style slots. SportsBetting was named the best overall gambling site, that’s sweet as honey, right there. SportsBetting is not forbidden fruit and won’t sugarcoat the facts, it is legal to place bets on their site. SportsBetting accepts gamers from all over the US, and as long as you are 18 years old you can play.

SportsBetting is free to join and to show good faith they want to “give you some sugar.” New members that make their first qualifying deposit can get up to $1,000 of a sugar rush to their accounts with the 50% welcome bonus. To claim your bonus all you have to do is enter the promo code located on the promotions page, and it’s like taking candy from a baby. SportsBetting has a variety of other bonuses, and rewards for all wagering types, you’ll be like a kid in a candy store. Once you’re a member and you start winning, you’ll be another pro-wagering confectionery genius at SportsBetting. Go To SportsBetting!

50% - $250

ALL STATES

BetOnline: NCAA, NFL, MLB, And NBA Betting Odds

So is BetOnline legal in Maryland? It sure is, and this is one of the main reasons it is our featured gambling site. BetOnline offers their users one of the most versatile gambling sites online, and this is because they have explored every option for gambling on the market. They have poker, and this comes with a solid 100% match to $1,000 on every deposit you make. But, this is not where the bonuses end. There are promotions for everything that BetOnline offers like sports betting and in their online casino. BetOnline has built a reputation of integrity and they will never sacrifice this in order to make a buck. With deposits made easily by way of Bitcoin, money orders, American Express, MasterCard, Visa, and bank wire transfers, you will not have to worry about anything other than playing the games as your finances should all be kept safe. Go To BetOnline

50% - $1,000

ALL STATES

Latest Legal Maryland Online Gambling News

Online Casinos That Accept Maryland Residents

Our favorite online casinos that accept Maryland residents are Aladdin’s Gold and Lucky Red Casino. With a little luck, you will find that there are huge winnings that can be earned by way of these casinos. If you decide to join up with Maryland's casinos, you will never have to travel or risk your safety just to find these games.

Online Sports Betting Sites That Accept Maryland Residents

While sports betting was legalized in the state of Maryland, the infrastructure is not available yet, so there are no sportsbooks in the state that are accessible. This means that bettors will still stick to the offshore options. That said, betting on sports in the state of Maryland is easy enough. You will find that there are plenty of options available for you, and you will be able to hit these lines without any trouble. We have made sure to only look into the most trusted sportsbooks out there, and we can assure you that all of these are viable options for play. The top online sports betting sites for Maryland residents are MyBookie and BetOnline.

Online Poker Sites That Accept Maryland Residents

Online poker is one of the primary options available in the state. If you decide to visit the options we have to show you, you will see that big bonuses, easy to use software, and a most trustworthy reputation can be found universally through our recommended poker sites. While we do not recommend that many poker rooms, those that we do recommend are at the pinnacle of quality. The leading online poker sites that accept Maryland residents are BetOnline and SportsBetting.

Online Bingo Sites That Accept Maryland Players

Bingo fans have united at online bingo halls in order to hit the cards, and this has been a wise idea on all accounts. If you want to sign up with these bingo sites you will be able to play for real money. Most of them carry bonuses, all of them can be trusted, and play is done directly through your browser. This is even easier than traveling to a live bingo hall. Downtown Bingo is one of the best online bingo sites that accept Maryland players.

Is Online Gambling Legal In Maryland?

Marylanders will find that online gambling is not actually a crime in the state of Maryland, as there has been no law that actually makes it illegal to participate. While you may find some that say this form of gambling is illegal, there is to date no evidence that you will be breaking the law by participating in these games, as we know of nobody in the state who has been arrested or prosecuted for using an online gambling website. Given this situation, it seems as though online gambling is de facto legal in Maryland. As always, contact an attorney if you are not 100% sure of the laws.

We have looked through the Maryland Code and there is not one mention of using the internet to gamble. With no laws to penalize or punish bettors, there is no reason not to use reputable gambling sites. The code does mention that visiting a local book is strictly prohibited, and honestly going that route is extremely unsafe. That is why MD gamblers should use offshore sites that are regulated and licensed to accept MD residents.

Being that the sites operate from countries such as Costa Rica, Panama, and the UK, they are not subject to the same restrictions as US operators. This means that not only are they able to offer competitive odds, they’re able to offer more of them. There are sites for slots, betting on the Triple Crown, or wagering on Baltimore Ravens betting odds. No matter the type of gambling that interests you, you can find a trustworthy gambling site to use.

Are Online Casinos Legal In Maryland?

There is no explicit law legalizing online casinos in Maryland, and there does not seem to be any desire to enforce any law regarding them. This leaves the offshore casinos in a bit of a gray area, where they are allowed to operate mostly due to being outside of the reach of US law enforcement, but nobody seems particularly interested in stopping the current arrangement. Online casinos have no plans to be legalized in Maryland, unlike online sportsbooks, which are legal but have not been set up yet. This means that online casino players in Maryland still visit online casino websites. We know of nobody who has been arrested or prosecuted for the use of an online casino in the state.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Maryland?

Maryland has legalized online sports betting, but the state has not set up a regulatory framework for it yet. This means that until the legislature hammers out exactly what they want sports betting in Maryland to be, the best option for MD bettors will still be to visit the online sportsbooks that are located offshore. These sportsbooks are solid options for any bettor, even in states with legalized and state sanctioned sports betting. With good odds, books like BetOnline and MyBookie are well regarded among gambling enthusiasts across the United States. MD’s bettors can still access these sportsbooks to wager on teams like the Terrapins.

Where Is It Safe To Bet Sports Online In Maryland?

This is a great question to ask and it's warranted. Some online betting sites will not accept players from Maryland because of complications with deposits and withdrawals. Fortunately, there are still plenty of online sportsbooks to choose from. For Maryland residents, we recommend both BetOnline and Sportsbetting.ag as they have identical bonuses which give an extra 50% to $1,000 when making your initial deposit. Plus, these two books always feature lines for the Baltimore Orioles, Ravens betting odds, Washington Nationals game lines and so much more. The area is a hotbed of sports and these books cover them all.

Is Online Poker Legal In Maryland?

Poker fans have long contended with the possibility of being arrested for gambling online, but you will not have to deal with this in Maryland as there is no written ban on online poker. If you decide you wish to play online poker, you will have no problems actually doing so if you stick to the options we have at our disposal. As with any concept in a democratic society, you will find that the lack of a written ban means that online poker is probably not a criminal activity.

Online Horse Racing Betting Sites That Accept Maryland Residents

makes sense that residents join one of the best online horse racing betting sites. The online racebooks that accept MD players offer the best horse betting odds and even better promotions. When you place straight or exotic horse wagers, you can enjoy cash back rebates on all wins and losses. There are plenty of Preakness Stakes betting odds and live streams on all of the Triple Crown races. The online racebooks that we recommend for MD bettors are 5Dimes Racebook and BetOnline Racebook.

Is It Legal To Gamble Online In Maryland

How Do Deposits Work At Online Gambling Sites?

You will need to make your first deposit before you can start winning real cash at an online gambling site. Each site will have its own cashier that offers a variety of convenient banking methods. All you have to do is select your preferred method, initiate the transfer, and wait for your funds to be credited to your account. The fastest way to make a deposit is with the digital bitcoin currency. It is the most secure option, and your financial info is kept relatively anonymous because you transfer the funds from your BTC wallet. There is no fee for using bitcoin, and depending on the site you can deposit anywhere from $10 to $50,000 in XBT.

Maryland Online Gambling Law

Other popular methods include credit cards and bank wires. The site may accept Visa, MasterCard, or American Express, and you can instantly deposit between $20 and $5,000 depending on the type of gambling. Bank wires are the best deposit option for high rollers because there is no limit to the amount you can send.

Maryland Legal Gambling FAQs

Does Maryland Gambling Work On Apple And Android?

Maryland gambling works on both Apple and Android devices. Many times, there is no download required and you can just visit the site from your mobile device. If a download is required, the gambling site will have separate apps that you can download for each device. You will find that the mobile gambling sites are user-friendly and easy to navigate. You can enjoy many of the same features that you do on the desktop site, including making deposits, playing games, redeeming bonuses, and requesting withdrawals. Mobile betting is available on iOS and Android smartphones or tablets.

Is Gambling Legal In Maryland

What Types Of Games Are There At Online Casinos?

One of the perks of using an online casino is that there is a wide range of games available. The categories include table games, slots, and even video poker. Within the slots category, there are classic slots, iSlots, and 3D slots. That means you can try your hand at blackjack or roulette and then play Aztec’s Millions progressive jackpot. Online casinos have real money casino games for every type of Maryland player.

Gambling Laws Maryland

What Does PASPA Stand For?

PASPA, which stands for the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, was a federal law that was overturned on May 14th, 2018. The law made it illegal for nearly every state in the US to authorize sports betting, with only a few exceptions. Nevada, Delaware, Oregon, and Montana received exemptions due to their regulated sportsbooks and/or sports lotteries. Maryland, like most states, was unable to offer land-based sportsbooks as a result of PASPA. Now that PASPA has been repealed, every state has the opportunity to offer regulated sports betting.

Can You Gamble In Maryland

Will I go to jail for online gambling in Maryland?

Maryland Bingo Laws

If you decide to gamble over the Internet, you will want to keep in mind that you do not have to worry about the law. Let us remind you that no law has been written making it illegal to gamble online, so you will not have to stress over the possibility of being arrested if you decide to gamble online. With no arrest ever taking place over online gambling in Maryland, you should be safe from the icy grip of the law.