With a population of 6million (2020 data), Maryland has provided significant opportunities for sportsbooks looking to capitalize on what is being called the Betting Gold Rush. Governor Larry Hogan signed the online and retail sports betting bill into law on May 18th, 2021, with the state pushing through the implementation of its laws in time for a December 9th, 2021 market launch.
The state has plenty of elite sport on its doorstep, boasts a strong fanbase and a healthy interest in sports betting. The NFL’s Baltimore Ravens are a big attraction, while the Washington Commanders currently plays its games in the state. In baseball the Baltimore Orioles are in MLB’s American League East.
In college sports, the University of Maryland Terrapins are a big thing, while Navy is also based in the state.
Maryland betting legislation permits the following types of operators:
- Commercial casinos
- Racetracks
- Sports arenas
- State fairgrounds
- Online operators
Restrictions: There are no restrictions in place for collegiate or military sports/athletics, either in-state or out of state.
Is sports betting legal in Maryland?
Sports betting has been legal in the state of Maryland since December 9th 2021.
The law ratified by Gov. Hogan allows for both retail and online operators to get started.
With a still-expanding market, Maryland will license up to 60 online sportsbooks, making for one of the most competitive betting sectors in the United States.
The legislation will also allow the state’s professional sports stadiums to open sportsbooks.
Legal sports betting near Maryland
If you live in Maryland you can also satisfy your love of gambling on sports when you need to travel out of state. Here are your best options nearby:
Pennsylvania: Live since 2018 and expected to be one of the biggest hitters of all in terms of betting revenue. Offers in-person and mobile/online betting. The legal age is 21 or older.
Delaware: Another early adopter after the Supreme Court struck down PASPA in 2018. But still doesn’t offer online and mobile. Just a small number of land-based casinos. The legal age is 21.
Virginia: Went live in early 2021 with online and mobile options. It is expected that land-based sportsbooks will follow in time. The legal age to bet in Virginia is 21.
West Virginia: Early to market with land-based sites, and does have a limited number of online and mobile options. You’ll need to be 21 or older to bet.
Are offshore sportsbooks legal in Maryland?
Offshore sportsbooks are not legal in the state of Maryland, despite what they might claim.
As of yet nobody is licensed to offer sports betting in-state. And even when the law does roll out, it won’t be to offshore operators.
There’s a dangerous lack of consumer protection if you do sign up with offshore books, so our advice is to avoid the temptation and stick to legal options inside the union. Heck, betting is now legal where you are, make the most of it.