Maryland Sports
Betting Guide
Your complete, independent guide to legal sports betting in the Old Line State. Compare all 12 licensed sportsbooks, claim the best bonuses, and start betting responsibly.
Best Maryland Sportsbooks
All 12 licensed online sportsbooks operating in Maryland, independently reviewed and ranked. Each operator is regulated by the MD Lottery & Gaming Control and fully legal for anyone 21+ within state lines.
FanDuel
Mobile Betting- Highest-rated app in Maryland
- Most-used sportsbook in the US
- Live betting from FedEx Field
DraftKings
Market Depth- Broadest market selection
- Fastest live pricing
- Daily odds boosts
BetMGM
Highest Bonus- Biggest welcome bonus
- Retail at MGM National Harbor
- Ravens official betting partner
bet365
Live Betting- Launched before 2025 NFL season
- Sharpest odds globally
- Excellent live streaming
Caesars Sportsbook
Loyalty Rewards- Caesars Rewards program
- Retail at Horseshoe Baltimore
- 30-day bonus bet window
Fanatics Sportsbook
Merch Rewards- FanCash rewards for merchandise
- Growing rapidly
- Comprehensive market coverage
BetRivers
Rewards Program- Strong loyalty program
- Reliable platform
- Good for experienced bettors
Crab Sports
Local Flavor- Only available in Maryland
- Local brand
- Unique to the state
Welcome Bonus Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of every welcome offer available to new Maryland bettors.
| Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | Condition | Min Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | Up to $3,000 in Bonus Bets | 10 days of Bet Reset Tokens up to $300/day | $5 |
| DraftKings | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets | If your bet wins | $5 |
| BetMGM | Up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets | If your first bet loses | $10 |
| bet365 | Bet $10, Get $365 in Bonus Bets | Or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net | $10 |
| Caesars Sportsbook | First Bet Match up to $250 | Win or lose — bonus bet | $10 |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Bet $5, Get $200 FanCash Instantly | Or up to $1,000 Matched in FanCash | $5 |
| BetRivers | Check site for latest offer | iRush Rewards loyalty program | $10 |
| Crab Sports | Check site for latest offer | Maryland-exclusive sportsbook | $10 |
How to Start Betting in Maryland
From choosing a sportsbook to placing your first wager, here\'s exactly how to get started with legal sports betting in the Old Line State.
Choose a Sportsbook
Pick a licensed Maryland sportsbook from our reviewed list above. Each operator is regulated by the MD Lottery & Gaming Control.
Create Your Account
Provide your name, email, address, phone number, and last four digits of your SSN. Geolocation confirms you're in Maryland.
Claim Your Bonus
Enter any promo code during registration or on your first deposit. Each sportsbook has unique welcome offers — compare before committing.
Fund & Start Betting
Make your first deposit via bank transfer, debit card, PayPal, or other accepted methods. Most sportsbooks have $5-$10 minimums.
What Can You Bet On?
Maryland sportsbooks cover all major professional and college sports.
NFL
Ravens, Commanders, NFL odds, Super Bowl futures, player props, live in-game betting
MLB
Orioles, Nationals, run lines, player props, World Series futures
NBA
Wizards, full NBA slate, player props, spreads, totals, MVP futures
NHL
Capitals, puck lines, goalie props, Stanley Cup futures
College Sports
Maryland Terrapins, Navy Midshipmen. Note: college football player props restricted
Soccer / MLS
D.C. United, Premier League, Champions League, World Cup 2026
Golf
PGA Tour, LIV Golf, The Masters, head-to-head matchups, outright winners
UFC / MMA
Title fights, main cards, round betting, method of victory props
Maryland Sports Betting Laws
📜 SB 4 / Voter Referendum
Maryland legalized sports betting through SB 4 / Voter Referendum, signed by Governor Larry Hogan (signed) in 2020-2021. Online betting launched on November 23, 2022. The MD Lottery & Gaming Control oversees all operations.
💰 Tax Structure
Operators pay 15% on Revenue. Revenue supports state programs including responsible gambling initiatives and education.
📋 Licensing
Maryland allows up to 60 online sportsbook licenses. Currently 12 operators are live and accepting wagers.
🎓 College Betting
Betting on Maryland college teams is legal, but player prop bets on college football players were prohibited starting in 2024. Team markets, spreads, and futures remain available.
📍 Retail Sportsbooks
Maryland has multiple retail sportsbooks at casino resorts and stadiums, including MGM National Harbor, Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, and Live! Casino. Up to 50 retail licenses are permitted.
🔒 Age & Location
You must be at least 21 years old and physically located within Maryland to place legal sports bets. Residency is not required. Geolocation technology verifies your location.
Key Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sports betting legal in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland voters approved a sports betting referendum in November 2020. Retail sportsbooks launched in December 2021, and online betting went live on November 23, 2022. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency regulates the industry.
How old do I have to be to bet in Maryland?
You must be at least 21 years old to place sports bets in Maryland, whether online or at a retail sportsbook.
How many sportsbooks are in Maryland?
As of 2026, there are 12 licensed online sportsbooks operating in Maryland. The state allows up to 60 mobile sports betting licenses, so more operators may launch in the future.
Can I bet on college sports in Maryland?
Yes, you can bet on college sports in Maryland. However, player prop bets on college football players are prohibited as of 2024. Team markets, spreads, totals, and futures remain available.
Do I need to be a Maryland resident?
No. Anyone 21 or older who is physically located within Maryland can place legal sports bets. Most sportsbooks do not require residency — geolocation technology verifies your location.
What is the tax rate?
Maryland imposes a 15% tax on operators gross sports betting revenue — one of the higher rates in the country.
Are retail sportsbooks available?
Yes. Maryland has retail sportsbooks at major casino resorts and stadiums including MGM National Harbor, Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, Live! Casino, and others. Up to 50 retail licenses are available.
What makes Crab Sports unique?
Crab Sports is a Maryland-exclusive sportsbook — the only state-specific operator in the market. It is available only to Maryland users and offers a unique local betting experience.