Gambling in Maryland – Is it Legal? Get $5,000 at Trusted MD Gambling Sites

Comparing the Best Maryland Gambling Sites

We compare our favorite eight gambling platforms based on gambling products available. You can use this quick table to see which operator has the goods that you need.

Is Gambling Legal in Maryland?

Yes, gambling in Maryland is legal, but it depends on what sort of gambling you are interested in. Pari-mutuel horse racing has been legal since the late 1700’s and sports betting was finally legalized with HB940 in 2021 – although local retail sportsbooks only went live in 2022.

Online casino gambling is not legal but the legislation does authorize land-based casino gaming, which includes slots, table games, and poker. Land-based casinos have been legal since 2008. This leaves those who wish to gamble online with only one option – to bet at offshore gambling sites, like Wild Casino.

Offshore casinos operate outside of US jurisdiction and are not subject to federal or state laws. This does put them in a legal grey area in which they are not explicitly banned, but they are in no way authorized either.

Who can Gamble Online in Maryland?

The legal gambling age in Maryland differs depending on which form of gambling you are participating in. The gambling age for lottery, horse racing, and charitable gambling is 18, while land-based casino gambling and sports betting is 21.

If you want to gamble at an offshore gambling site, you’ll need to pass a verification process. This means being a legal resident in Maryland. To complete the verification, you’ll just need to provide a copy of some from of government-issued ID and proof of residency.

Types of Maryland Gambling Sites

Maryland gambling sites can fall into several different types. Although, in many cases, these offshore platforms are multi-facet gambling sites with a full suite of products to offer. We breakdown the types of platforms available in the Old Line State, so you know which site to check out first.

Sports Gambling Sites

Offshore sportsbooks offer an immense amount of betting content for residents in Maryland. You’ll be able to wager on international and local sports, which includes various exciting markets, such as spread betting, totals, and moneyline wagers. Bettors can also gamble on interesting prop bets or mold selections together into a lucrative parlay.

Horse Gambling Sites

Several US-based horse racing betting apps like TVG and TwinSpires offer live streaming and pool betting for local and international races. Some offshore gambling sites have dedicated racebooks that can offer fixed-odds outright bets and far more variety in odds.

Esports Gambling Sites

Esports has come a long way in recent years. CS:GO gambling is incredibly popular and you can even bet on these events live. SportsBetting.ag is the best esports gambling site in Maryland as it offers great live odds and feature live streaming of matches via Twitch.

Casino Gambling Sites

Offshore gambling sites in Maryland are featured-packed casinos with live dealer games, RNG-powered table games, and literally hundreds of different slots. Some online slots can even feature progressive jackpots worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Casino gambling sites generally welcome new players with big bonuses and have other promotions running as well.

Poker Gambling Sites

Some platforms, such as BetOnline, SportsBetting.ag, or Everygame, offer a dedicated poker section. These sections offer Texas Hold’em and Omaha poker tournaments, cash games, and Sit & Go’s. You’ll even find that the best Maryland poker sites offer a dedicated poker welcome offer to help boost your bankroll. Games can be played via PC software or on mobile device for the best possible experience at any time.

Lottery Gambling Sites

We don’t mean Powerball or Mega Millions, as this falls under the jurisdiction of the State Lottery. Gambling sites in MD will offer lottery-type games like keno, bingo, and scratchcards. Some keno titles even have progressive jackpots.

How to Register with Gambling Sites in Maryland

Beginning at a gambling site in Maryland is simple stuff. The registration process only takes a few minutes and almost every deposit method is instantaneous. If you follow our five-step guide, you’ll be able to enjoy sports betting, racing, and more.

Step 1: Click “Join” Button

To get started at gambling in Maryland, head to BetOnline and click “Join” from the top menu on mobile or desktop.

Step 2: Fill the Sign-Up Form

This next simple step is to fill out the provided web form. Just enter your personal details as required. This will include your name, address, email, phone number, and you’ll get to create a password for your account.

Step 3. Make a Deposit

You’ll be directed to the cashier section. Choose a payment method from the option provided and nominate a deposit amount. But don’t make that deposit just yet, unless you don’t want to claim a bonus.

Step 4. Add the Promo Code

You’ll be able to add a promo code or just choose a bonus from the drop-down menu provided. Follow the prompts provided by your methods payment gateway to complete the transaction and claim your bonus.

Step 5. Enjoy!

Now you are free to enjoy your bonus. Just head to any preferred gambling section – such as the sportsbook or live casino – and play. Just remember the important terms and conditions of your bonus to get the most out of it.

Gambling Bonuses Available at Maryland

One reason why online MD gambling sites are so popular are the lucrative and exciting bonuses on offer for both sports bettors and casino players. These offers can provide free play and with the right luck and skill, some players even convert bonuses into real money to be withdrawn.

Matched Deposit Bonuses

The matched deposit bonus is easily the most common offer found at MD online gambling sites. A welcome offer is almost always a matched deposit and these offers can get pretty large too. Basically, the bonus sees the operator match the customer deposit with bonus funds.

For example, a 100% matched deposit bonus with a deposit of $300 would see a further $300 in bonus money added to the player’s account. A rollover is almost always applied and the bettor will need to gamble that to completion before any winnings can be withdrawn.

No Deposit Bonuses

No deposit bonuses are rare and special because they do not require a deposit from the customer to claim the offer. This bonus could be a free bet, free spins, or an amount of bonus funds. With no deposit required, the operator will instead have a rollover or winnings limit imposed upon the offer.

Free Bets

Free bets are a bonus type just for the sportsbook customers. This bonus sees the operator front the cost of the stake on a small sports wager. The offer usually won’t be any bigger than around $5–$10, but you get to keep any winnings. A free bet may have a rollover on the profit before you will be able to withdraw the funds.

Free Spins

This bonus type is just in the casino and, more specifically, just for slots players. It is a free spin of the reels in selected slot games. The value of your spins will typically be quite low – ranging from $0.10 to $1.00 – and the offer is usually claimed with a deposit. Free spins casinos will sometimes have a rollover on the winnings or they’ll just set a maximum winnings cap.

Loyalty Programs

Some operators, like BetUS, offer VIP or loyalty programs. These are special programs that reward every bet with points that work towards claiming exclusive rewards. Perks can include faster payouts, additional bonuses, and free gifts. Some programs are opted in automatically, while others can only be joined via invitation.

Payment Methods Available at Maryland Gambling Sites

Maryland gambling sites are real money platforms. This means the operators need to provided secure and trusted payment methods for deposits and withdrawals. These methods vary in type and aim to keep every type of customer happy. We explain the most common payment methods below.

Crypto Betting Options

No banking method is more popular at offshore gambling sites than cryptocurrencies. Highly anonymous, blisteringly fast, and widely supported, crypto tokens can be used for instant deposits and withdrawals in under 48 hours. Almost every online gambling platform is a Bitcoin casino, but there are another dozen or so tokens that garner wide support as well.

eWallet Betting Options

Not that long ago, eWallets reigned supreme. However, the once popular digital wallet service is barely accepted in the offshore gambling industry. This is likely due to regulatory requirements and the fact that cryptocurrencies do the same thing – but better. You may still find the occasional operator accepting Skrill, Neteller, or ecoPayz.

Traditional Payment Methods

Some older payment methods still exist at Maryland gambling sites. Chiefly, debit and credit cards are widely accepted as a deposit method while wire transfers are often only for payouts. Both these methods will commonly incur a transaction fee and wire withdrawals can take anywhere from 3 days to 15 days to enter your bank account.

Who Regulates Gambling in Maryland?

Firstly, with no legal online gambling in Maryland, there are no online regulators to speak of. The State Lottery and Gaming Control Authority regulates gambling as it currently stands, so it is likely that the Gaming Control Agency would regulate online gaming in the future.

There are numerous organizations in Maryland that promote responsible gambling and assist those that require help. The Gaming Control Agency has a wealth of information about problem gambling, while the Maryland Center on Problem Gambling offers 24/7 help via a toll-free phone line.

Tax on Gambling Winnings in Maryland

Income tax must be paid on all gambling winnings in Maryland. A federal withholding tax of 24% will be applied by land-based casinos on all winnings over $5,000. Furthermore, a state tax is applied at a resident rate of 8.75%. However, offshore platforms will not automatically withhold any percentage for tax purposes.

It is best to speak to a tax professional when earning winnings from offshore gambling sites.

Maryland Gambling Apps & Mobile Sites

Mobile gambling apps are an incredibly convenient way of enjoying your favorite gambling products online. Offshore Maryland gambling sites don’t offer downloadable apps but their mobile-optimized web pages are better performers than some desktop pages.

These mobile pages have no loss of content either – all the same sporting events, live dealer games, and slots will be available on the mobile page. Both Android and iOS users can access sites using supported browsers including Safari, Firefox, Chrome, and Opera.

TVG offers a mobile app, and when sports betting is fully launched, Maryland residents should be able to access US-based sportsbook apps like FanDuel and DraftKings too.

Gambling Sites vs Land-Based Gambling Facilities in Maryland

While there are many similarities, land-based casinos and online gambling sites in Maryland have a lot of differences. The bonuses at offshore gambling sites will always be higher than anything a land-based operation will ever be able to provide. Offshore sportsbooks also offer more markets, more events, and better live odds than retail sportsbooks.

Regardless, we do think online gambling has both good and bad points, and we detail these below in short.

Best Gambling Sites Software Providers

Casual players could be forgiven for thinking that it is the casino operators themselves that run and manage the games, but that is actually handled by innovative software providers. These organizations develop, build, and manage games of all varieties. We’ve identified five of the best software providers at Maryland gambling sites.

Nucleus Gaming

Nucleus Gaming provides vibrant slots games, classic table games, and old-school video poker. The table games are visually gorgeous and include interesting variants like Triple Edge Poker, 21 Burn Blackjack, and Super 7. The 3D slots cover just about every genre you can think of and they can definitely hold their own with those by bigger slot providers.

Betsoft

Betsoft are utterly prolific. Basically every online casino in Maryland will offer numerous Betsoft slots. They’ve been around since 1999, so they know what they are doing. Games offer a cinematic experience with intense 3D visuals and interesting game mechanics too. The developer is mostly know for its 3D slots library, but it also offers table games, and video poker.

Visionary iGaming (ViG)

One of the most commonly used software providers for live casino gaming, ViG can be found in numerous operators on our list. Offering blackjack, baccarat, super 6, and a few variations like early payout blackjack, ViG ensures a versatile live gaming experience. Games are streamed in full HD with a responsive chat function.

Fresh Deck Studios

Fresh Deck Studios are a provider of live dealer games for Maryland online gambling sites. These titles look fantastic on mobile due to the extended screen space created by the developers. Moreover, Fresh Deck Studios provide game statistics such as Hot & Cold numbers and recent winning bets. Their tables give off a serious VIP feel too.

Concept Gaming

With just over 90 highly developed and mobile-friendly games, Concept are just about as big as Nucleus Gaming. All their games are independently tested and certified. Concept Gaming slot games feature very fun and interesting bonus features, including free spins, multipliers, and mini games.

Tips How to Stay Safe When Gambling Online in Maryland

The top MD gambling sites are safe, secure, and regulated. Despite this, there are some practices every bettor and player should follow to ensure they remain safe online. We have provided our best tips to consider when gambling online in Maryland right here:

1. Set Your Limits

It’s just basic practice to set a gambling budget and to set limits on your bet sizes. Always agree how much you are willing to risk before you play a casino game or bet on sports. This amount is also the amount that you are willing to lose entirely.

2. Are You Allowed?

Be sure you are allowed to gamble in Maryland. Are you of the legal age? Can you pass a verification process at offshore gambling sites? Make sure you are of a legal age and are legally resident in Maryland. Also, check that you have the required documentation to prove this.

3. Keep Up to Date

Stay ahead of the latest laws and regulations for gambling in Maryland. The penalty for violating online gambling laws in Maryland may change. It is generally considered safe to play at offshore gambling sites that are regulated in other jurisdictions, but it’s a good idea to check if the state ever decides to pursue players – as unlikely as that is.

4. Never Chase Losses

This really is the golden rule of safe and responsible gambling. Never start betting purely to recoup losses from betting. This is a dangerous practice that often leads to further losses because any strategy and temperament typically goes right out the window. If you’re on a bit of a losing streak, just take a break instead.

5. Be Sensible

This just means taking actions that are smart. Write down the contact details of the operators you bet at so you can reach them if the site goes down or you lose an internet connection. When playing live casino games, always respect the other players and don’t be rude on the live chat.

How Maryland Gambling Compares to its Neighboring States

There is very little in the ways of legal casino gambling in DC, but sports betting was legalized in 2019. Gambling is a very lucrative industry to the north, in Pennsylvania and in fact, commercial casino revenue in the state trumps Atlantic City and is only second to Las Vegas.

Delaware was the first state in the US to allow online gambling for both casino gaming and sports betting. Racinos offer casino gambling and sports betting in the state as well.

Gambling Facilities in Maryland

Casino gaming has been legal since 2008 and the gambling facilities in Maryland rival Vegas. These casinos are utterly massive, with thousands of games and a glamorous atmosphere. We have briefly identified our five favorite land-based casinos in Maryland.

Hollywood Casino Perryville

• Address: 1201 Chesapeake Overlook Pkwy, Perryville, MD 21903
• Opening hours: 24 hours

You’ll get a Vegas-style experience at Hollywood Casino with a vibrant atmosphere, 24 hour gaming, and a variety of gambling products. There is a Barstool sportsbook with 24/7 kiosks, multiple TVs, and a full bar. We counted more than 800 slots on our last visit and the dedicated poker room attracts some quality players.

Horseshoe Casino Baltimore

• Address: 1525 Russell Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
• Opening hours: 24 hours

Featuring a Caesars sportsbook, a WSOP poker room, and an outdoor gaming patio, the Horseshoe is quite an experience – you can even get a steak from Gordon Ramsay. There are 2,200 slot games and the biggest jackpot winner at the Horseshoe claimed $500,000. The gaming patio has 160 slots, 16 live tables, and several TVs displaying the hottest sports of the hour.

Live! Casino-Hotel Maryland

• Address: 7002 Arundel Mills, Circle #7777, Hanover, MD 21076
• Opening hours: 24 hours

A newly built FanDuel sportsbook can be found at Live! and it has 10 betting windows with a staggering 61 betting kiosks located around the entire casino-hotel. With more than 200 live table games and 4,000 slots, Live! Casino feels like the biggest casino in the world.

Rocky Gap Casino Resort

• Address: 16701 Lakeview Rd NE Flintstone, MD 21530
• Opening hours: 24 hours

More than 600 slots ranging from simple penny slots to high roller $25 games adorn this modern casino. A small and cozy sports bar features several 30” TVs but there is no sportsbook for betting. You can also play lottery games and tables are available for poker, craps, blackjack, and more.

MGM National Harbor

• Address: 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
• Opening hours: 24 hours

Located mere minutes from DC, the MGM National stands out along the border with its towering hotel that draws similarities to the Bellagio in Vegas. The BetMGM sportsbook and lounge has cinema seating, an 110-foot wraparound screen, and 24/7 betting kiosks. There is also a separate, dedicated racebook and a 45 table poker room.

The Best Gambling Site in Maryland

With a full suite of gambling platforms, secure banking options, and amazing bonuses, BetOnline is the best gambling site in Maryland. This offshore operator has amazing sports betting odds, loads of daily poker games and tournaments, and hundreds of casino games to enjoy. Plus, it has bonuses for each of these sections and doesn’t shy away from generous promotions either.

BetOnline beats the tough competition against our proven metrics including safety, security, banking, game selection, and trustworthiness. If you enjoy sports betting, horse racing, or casino gaming, be sure to try BetOnline today.