Maryland Sports Betting & Online Gambling: What's Legal in 2026?

Maryland sports betting is fully legal, with a thriving regulated market featuring more than a dozen active mobile sportsbook apps available to residents across the state.

Online sports betting launched in November 2022 and has grown into one of the most competitive legal wagering markets on the East Coast. Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is explicitly legal and regulated under state law. However, sweepstakes casinos face a de facto ban driven by aggressive regulatory enforcement by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA), while prediction markets like Kalshi operate under federal oversight and face active legal challenges from Maryland regulators. Real-money online casinos remain illegal after 2026 iGaming legislation failed to advance.

Maryland Sports Betting: A Fully Legal, Regulated Market

Maryland legalized sports betting via voter referendum in November 2020, when Question 2 passed with approximately 67% of the vote. The enabling legislation, House Bill 940, was signed by then-Governor Larry Hogan in May 2021, authorizing both retail and mobile wagering. Retail sportsbooks opened at Maryland casinos in December 2021, and the mobile market launched statewide on November 23, 2022. Since then, Maryland online sports betting has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry, with the state recording a total handle exceeding $5.9 billion in fiscal year 2025 alone. The market is robust, competitive, and highly accessible to Maryland residents 21 and older.

Maryland's legal sports betting framework is administered by the MLGCA, which licenses operators, enforces responsible gambling standards, and publishes monthly revenue reports. The state's regulated wagering environment covers major professional leagues, including NFL games featuring the Baltimore Ravens, MLB games featuring the Baltimore Orioles, NBA, NHL, and NCAA college sports, as well as niche markets and international events. Maryland bettors can legally wager on college sports, including games involving in-state programs such as the Maryland Terrapins, though individual college athlete proposition bets are prohibited under state rules.

Maryland Sports Betting: Legal Status Overview

• Legal Status: ✅ Legal (Online + Retail)
• Launch Date: November 23, 2022 (online); December 2021 (retail)
• Regulator: Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA)Tax Rate: 20% on mobile/online sports betting revenue15% for retail sportsbooks
• Minimum Age: 21+
• College Betting: ✅ Allowed. Individual college athlete proposition bets are prohibited
• Active Licensed Mobile Operators: 12+ apps, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, and others

Top Licensed Sportsbooks for Maryland Online Betting

Maryland's licensed mobile sportsbook market is one of the most competitive in the country. All operators listed below are fully licensed by the MLGCA and legally authorized to accept wagers from Maryland residents. Here are the top platforms worth your attention.

FanDuel Sportsbook: Best for Overall User Experience & Same Game Parlays

FanDuel remains the market leader in Maryland for good reason. Its app is incredibly fast, intuitive, and rarely crashes, even during peak NFL Sunday traffic when Baltimore Ravens fans are flooding the platform. FanDuel pioneered the "Same Game Parlay" format and still executes it better than any competitor, with easy-to-build bet slips and vast markets covering everything from Ravens touchdowns to Orioles run lines.

• SGP+: Combine parlays from different games with ease
• Cash Out: Best-in-class reliability for cashing out active bets
• Maryland Special: Frequent odds boosts for Ravens and Orioles games

DraftKings Sportsbook: Best for Market Depth & Player Props

If you want to bet on obscure player props or niche sports, DraftKings is your best option in the Maryland online betting market. It consistently offers the widest variety of betting markets, from NFL tackle props to obscure tennis matches. The "Missions" loyalty program rewards frequent bettors with tailored challenges and bonus bets, making it a strong choice for high-volume Maryland sports bettors.

• Prop Variety: Unmatched selection of player and game props
• Betting Pools: Free-to-play pools with cash prizes for casual fans
• Missions: Tailored challenges that reward you with bonus bets

BetMGM Sportsbook: Best for Parlay Variety & MGM Rewards

BetMGM brings the Vegas feel to your phone and is a natural fit for Maryland bettors who also visit MGM National Harbor. BetMGM stands out for its "Edit My Bet" feature, which allows you to swap out legs of a parlay while it's live. Every bet earns MGM Rewards points redeemable for hotel stays, dining, and entertainment at MGM National Harbor and MGM properties in Las Vegas.

Caesars Sportsbook: Best for High-Value Bonuses & VIP Perks

Caesars is known for its aggressive welcome offers and deep integration with the Caesars Rewards loyalty program. It offers more daily odds boosts than almost any other licensed sportsbook in Maryland. The app is clean, though slightly slower than FanDuel, but the rewards for high-rollers are genuinely compelling, particularly for Maryland bettors who frequent Horseshoe Baltimore, a Caesars-affiliated casino in the heart of the city.

• Daily Boosts: Dozens of boosted odds markets every single day
• Caesars Rewards: Earn credits redeemable at Horseshoe Baltimore
• Watch & Bet: Live NFL streaming directly in the app

Prediction Markets in Maryland: Federal Authority vs. State Enforcement

Prediction markets operate in Maryland but are the subject of an active, fast-moving legal battle. Platforms like Kalshi, a federally regulated derivatives exchange authorized by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), began offering sports-based event contracts in early 2025. Maryland's MLGCA responded with cease-and-desist orders, arguing that Kalshi's sports contracts are "indistinguishable" from traditional sports wagering and therefore require a Maryland gaming license. Kalshi sued, and in August 2025, U.S. District Judge Adam B. Abelson denied Kalshi's motion for a preliminary injunction, ruling that the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) does not clearly preempt Maryland's gaming laws. Kalshi has appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the case could ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court, given conflicting rulings from federal courts in Nevada and New Jersey.

Daily Fantasy Sports in Maryland: Explicitly Legal and Regulated

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is explicitly legal in Maryland and regulated by the MLGCA under State Government Article §9–1D–01 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. DFS is one of the few forms of legal online gambling available to Maryland residents, alongside the state lottery and licensed sports wagering. DFS is a safe, state-approved alternative for sports fans who want competitive, skill-based action without the legal uncertainty surrounding sweepstakes casinos or prediction markets.

DFS contests are structured around real-world sporting events and require participants to draft virtual rosters within salary cap constraints. Performance is determined by actual player statistics, not game outcomes, which is why DFS is classified as a game of skill rather than gambling under Maryland law. Maryland residents can participate in both large guaranteed prize pool (GPP) tournaments and head-to-head cash games on licensed platforms.

DFS Legal Status and Regulated Operators in Maryland

• Status: ✅ Legal & Regulated
• Regulator: Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA)
• Licensed Operators: DraftKings, FanDuel, Yahoo Daily Fantasy, and smaller operators such as StatHero are licensed to operate in Maryland
• Minimum Age: 18+ for DFS (note: sports betting requires 21+)

Top DFS Apps for Maryland Players

DraftKings Daily Fantasy: Huge Prize Pools & Classic Salary Cap Contests

The undisputed giant of the DFS industry. DraftKings Daily Fantasy offers the flagship "Millionaire Maker" contest, a massive guaranteed prize pool tournament where a small entry fee can turn into life-changing money. Its interface is complex but powerful, making it the preferred platform for serious stats-driven players who want maximum contest variety. DraftKings DFS covers NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, PGA Tour golf, college football, college basketball, and even eSports.

• Massive GPPs: The biggest guaranteed prize pools in the industry, including the Millionaire Maker
• Sport Variety: DFS contests for everything from NFL to eSports and PGA Tour golf

FanDuel Daily Fantasy: User-Friendly Experience & Single-Game Contests

FanDuel's DFS product is slightly more beginner-friendly than DraftKings'. It simplifies the roster construction process and popularized the "Single Game" slate format, where you draft a condensed lineup from a single matchup, perfect for casual Maryland sports fans who want to engage with a Ravens or Orioles game without committing to a full-slate lineup. FanDuel DFS also offers strong liquidity for head-to-head cash games, making it a reliable choice for grinders who prefer consistent, lower-variance formats.

• Simplicity: A cleaner interface that is easier for new players to navigate
• H2H Reliability: Strong liquidity for head-to-head cash games

Sweepstakes Casinos in Maryland: A De Facto Banned Market

Critical Warning: While sweepstakes casinos are not banned by a specific Maryland statute, legislation targeting them stalled in 2026, the MLGCA has issued cease-and-desist orders to numerous sweepstakes casino operators, causing most major brands to voluntarily exit the state. The MLGCA considers sweepstakes casino models to constitute illegal gambling under existing Maryland law. Only a small number of operators remain active in Maryland, and using them carries significant financial risk.

Maryland's approach to sweepstakes casinos is a masterclass in regulatory pressure without formal legislation. Rather than passing a new law, the MLGCA leveraged its existing authority to send cease-and-desist orders to operators, effectively forcing reputable brands out of the market. The result is a de facto ban, leaving Maryland residents with no safe, regulated sweepstakes casino option and exposing anyone using the remaining operators to the risk of losing funds without recourse.

Current Sweepstakes Casino Status in Maryland (High Risk)

• Regulator Stance: The MLGCA considers sweepstakes casino models to constitute illegal gambling and has successfully pressured major brands, including VGW (operator of Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots) and High 5 Casino, to stop serving Maryland players.
• Availability: Most reputable sweepstakes platforms, including Chumba Casino, Wow Vegas, High 5 Casino, and Pulsz, have blocked Maryland IP addresses and accounts
• Risk: Playing on any remaining active sweepstakes sites in Maryland puts your funds at risk, as those operators are defying state regulatory authority

Recommendation: Do not use sweepstakes casinos in Maryland. The safest casino-style options for Maryland residents are social casinos (play-for-fun only, no real-money prizes) or visiting a licensed physical casino such as MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover, or Horseshoe Baltimore in downtown Baltimore.

Online Casinos in Maryland: iGaming Remains Illegal After Legislative Setbacks

Real-money online casino gambling, commonly referred to as iGaming, remains illegal in Maryland. Efforts to legalize it in both in 2025 and 2026 failed to advance through the General Assembly.  The 2026 measure was actually withdrawn by its sponsor due to a lack of support. The bills faced significant opposition from casino labor unions concerned about job cannibalization at Maryland's six commercial casinos, as well as from operators worried about the impact on brick-and-mortar revenue.

Governor Wes Moore's 2026 budget did not include iGaming revenue projections, signaling that online casino legalization is not a near-term priority for his administration. The next realistic legislative window is the 2027 General Assembly session, though prospects remain uncertain after the lack of interest in 2026 measures. Proponents of iGaming legalization will need to address union concerns and present compelling data, likely drawing on the experiences of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, where legal online casinos have coexisted with physical casinos without significant cannibalization, before legislation has a realistic path to passage.

• Current Status: ❌ Illegal
• Legislative Outcome: House Bill 761, a bill designed to put iGaming to a referendum vote, was withdrawn in March 2026 due to a lack of support.
• Next Opportunity: The 2027 legislative session. However, a lack of support in recent years makes this a long shot.
• Alternative: Maryland residents seeking casino-style gaming should visit one of the state's six licensed commercial casinos, including MGM National Harbor, Live! Casino & Hotel, Horseshoe Baltimore, Maryland Live!, Rocky Gap Casino, and Ocean Downs Casino

Future Outlook: What's Next for Maryland Online Gambling?

Online Casino Legalization: Stalled but Not Dead

• Current Odds: Low to Medium (2027–2028 window)
• The Obstacle: The failure of iGaming bills in 2025 and 2026 exposed a critical divide. While major licensed operators like DraftKings and FanDuel strongly support iGaming legalization, casino labor unions remain firmly opposed, fearing it will cannibalize jobs at physical casinos like Live! Casino & Hotel and MGM National Harbor.
• The Path Forward: Proponents need to demonstrate, using revenue and employment data from New Jersey and Pennsylvania, that legal online casinos do not materially harm brick-and-mortar operations. Until labor unions are brought on board, legislation is unlikely to pass. Governor Moore's exclusion of iGaming revenue from his budget projections suggests the administration views it as a low priority heading into 2026..

Prediction Markets: An Active Legal Battleground

• The Conflict: Maryland is currently one of the primary battleground states in the national "CFTC vs. State Regulator" debate over prediction markets. While Kalshi secured preliminary victories in Nevada and New Jersey, the Maryland federal court ruled against Kalshi's preemption arguments in August 2025, creating a circuit split that could ultimately require Supreme Court resolution.
• Implication: Expect continued legal friction throughout 2026. Maryland residents may see sports-based prediction contracts geo-blocked on platforms like Kalshi, even if financial and political contracts remain accessible. The Fourth Circuit appeal outcome is the key development to watch.

Sweepstakes Casinos: Maryland's Regulatory "No-Go" Zone

• Status: Maryland has effectively shut down this market without passing new legislation. Through aggressive cease-and-desist enforcement, the MLGCA has pressured reputable operators, including VGW and High 5 Casino, to exit the state, according to industry reports.
• Outlook: Maryland is expected to remain a blackout state for sweepstakes casinos. Licensed sportsbook operators have no incentive to challenge the MLGCA on sweepstakes, as doing so would jeopardize their valuable mobile sports betting licenses. Legislation was filed in 2026 to ban the market entirely, but stalled. Expect similar legislation to be considered, and possibly passed, in 2027.

Sports Betting: Market Maturity and Consolidation Phase

• Market Maturity: With 12+ licensed mobile apps now live, Maryland's sports wagering market is approaching saturation. The next phase will likely see consolidation, smaller operators exiting, and a shift toward product innovation (enhanced parlay tools, live betting features, loyalty program improvements) rather than new operator launches.
• Revenue Growth: Despite the competitive landscape, Maryland's sports betting handle continues to grow. The state recorded over $720 million in total handle in a single month in late 2025, reflecting the enduring popularity of wagering on the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Commanders, and Maryland Terrapins.

Responsible Gambling Resources in Maryland

Maryland takes responsible gambling seriously to ensure that betting remains a safe and enjoyable activity for all residents. Licensed sportsbooks and casinos are required by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) to provide a range of tools and resources to help players gamble responsibly.

Tools and Protections Offered by Maryland Sportsbooks

• Self-Exclusion Programs: Players can voluntarily exclude themselves from all licensed Maryland sports betting platforms and casinos for a specified period to help control gambling behavior.
• Deposit and Time Limits: Many sportsbooks allow users to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits, as well as session time limits, to manage spending and time spent gambling.
• Reality Checks: Alerts that notify players of the time elapsed during a gambling session, encouraging breaks and mindful play.
• Access to Support Resources: Licensed operators provide easy access to information and contacts for problem gambling support.

Statewide Support and Helplines

Maryland residents who feel they may have a gambling problem or want to learn more about responsible gambling can access confidential assistance through several resources:

• Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling: Offers free, confidential counseling, support groups, and educational materials. Website: mdproblemgambling.com
• Maryland Self-Exclusion Program: Allows individuals to exclude themselves from all licensed gambling facilities and online platforms in the state.
• National Problem Gambling Helpline: Available 24/7 at 1-800-522-4700, providing confidential support and referral services.
• Additional Hotlines: 1-800-GAMBLER is also available for Maryland residents seeking help.

Maryland encourages all bettors to use these resources proactively and to gamble only what they can afford to lose. Licensed sportsbooks prominently display responsible gambling messaging and provide tools to promote safe betting practices across the state.

Maryland Sports Betting and Online Gambling in 2026: Know Before You Bet

Maryland has built one of the most competitive legal sports betting markets in the United States, a fully regulated, mobile-first environment with more than a dozen licensed sportsbook apps, robust consumer protections enforced by the MLGCA, and a growing tax base that funds public education through the Blueprint for Maryland's Future Fund. 

Beyond licensed sports wagering, the picture is more complicated. Daily Fantasy Sports is a safe, explicitly legal alternative. Prediction markets are operating in a legal gray zone, with Kalshi's Fourth Circuit appeal likely to define the landscape for years to come. Online casinos remain off the table for now, with the next realistic legislative window in 2027. And sweepstakes casinos? Maryland has made its position clear: stay away.

The Maryland online gambling landscape is not static. Tax rates change. Court rulings shift the ground beneath prediction market operators overnight. Legislative sessions open and close with iGaming bills dying in committee. Staying informed is not optional; it's the edge.

Bodog’s Sports Betting Guides by State

At Bodog, we feature up-to-date coverage of sports betting in each state. Explore the following list and find our authoritative guide to sports betting in your home state. 

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
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Ohio
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Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
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Tennessee
Texas
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Vermont
Virginia
Washington
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Wisconsin
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