Best Maryland Sportsbooks & Sports Betting Apps (December 2023)

After voters approved a measure to bring sports betting to the state in November 2020, the rollout took some time.

The Maryland sports betting bill was officially passed in April 2021, and the first retail sportsbook opened in December of that year.

As for online sports betting, while it was legal, it took a little longer to go live than the retail side. On Nov. 16, 2022, the Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission approved ten sports betting licenses.

A week later, seven sites launched in Maryland, officially opening the virtual doors for operators to allow Maryland residents to bet online using sports betting apps and websites from anywhere in the state.

In our overview of the ports betting situation in Maryland, we’ll take a look at the following: 

• The history of gambling in Maryland.

• The best sportsbook providers available in Maryland.

• If it’s legal to bet on daily fantasy sports (DFS).

• The sports that Maryland gamblers bet on the most and the most popular teams in Maryland.

• We will also share the best sports betting promos available to Maryland sports bettors when signing up and the best ongoing promo offers.

For more information on other states, browse our comprehensive section on legal US sports betting.

Closer Look at the Best Online Sportsbooks in Maryland

FanDuel Sportsbook

• WSN Review Rating: 10/10

• Welcome Bonus: Bet $5 to get $200 in Bonus Bets

• Minimum Deposit: $10

The Maryland FanDuel Sportsbook is one of the best, if not the very best sportsbook for all types of gamblers in Maryland. First, the low-risk, high-reward offer for new users is an incredible welcome offer. Getting $200 in FanDuel betting bonus credits for only $5 is literally 30 times your money.

Then once sports bettors start using FanDuel, they are rarely disappointed as the desktop site and the mobile app are top-class when it comes to ease of use. Sports bettors can find everything they want and need with an excellent interface and easy navigation.

The number of available betting markets is countless, and FanDuel has all the top sports like the NFL, NBA; and with no laws excluding college sports, bettors are not limited in any way. 

To place bets on any of those markets, users have to fund their account, and FanDuel offers ten different deposit options, ensuring users are not limited when it comes to adding to their bankroll. Followed up with some of the industry's fastest withdrawal times, it is easy to see why FanDuel is America’s most popular sportsbook.

DraftKings Sportsbook

• WSN Review Rating: 10/10

• Welcome Bonus: $1,000 First Bet or Bet $5 to Get $200

• Minimum Deposit: $10

Our top sportsbook that we recommend to any and all sports bettors in Maryland is DraftKings. Through our personal sportsbook reviews, only two came away with 10/10 scores, FanDuel, and DraftKings. First, DraftKings Maryland has the best welcome promo of any sportsbook in the country. New users can choose between two offers, a 20% deposit match up to $1,000 or a bet of $5 to get $200 in bonus bets.

We love options, and DraftKings delivers for their users, but it is not just about the promos, as DraftKings scores well in all areas. The sportsbook platform for desktop and mobile apps is fantastic, with great features, usability, navigation, and customer support.

Not only that, DraftKings sportsbook gives Maryland Sports bettors tons of banking options for all deposits and withdrawals. That does with their industry-best withdrawal speeds, don't worry; whenever our expert bettors make withdrawals, we find they are getting their money in less than 48 hours in most instances.

BetMGM Sportsbook

• WSN Review Rating: 9/10

• Welcome Bonus: $1,500 First Bet

• Minimum Deposit: $10

We love the BetMGM sportsbook, and here is why Maryland sports bettors should too! BetMGM lets you go big on your first bet as it is protected up to $1,500, meaning if you do not win your first bet, your account is refunded up to $1,500 in BetMGM bonus bets.

BetMGM has one of the very best live betting platforms and is a go mobile app for our betting experts. Personally, I love how fast the BetMGM mobile app operates. Living in the mountains, my internet is not always the best, but BetMGM is still crazy fast. This is vital, especially as live betting popularity continues to grow, and BetMGM hits the mark.

With tons of available betting markets, both popular and niche sports, along with great banking options with above-average withdrawal speed, BetMGM is an excellent option for serious sports gamblers.

Caesars Sportsbook

• WSN Review Rating: 9/10

• Welcome Bonus: $1,000 First Bet

• Minimum Deposit: $20

One of our top four rated sportsbooks in our review of legal online US sportsbooks, Caesars is a great option for all Maryland bettors. Our favorite thing about Caesars is the odds and lines for their betting markets. Rarely, if ever, will gamblers find more competitive odds than you will find at Caesars Sportsbook.

New users will also get a first bet protected up to $1,000, meaning if you don't win your first wager, you will get back equal to your stake in Caesar's bonus bets. That's not all though, as new users will also get 1,000 Reward Credits® and 1,000 Tier Credits regardless of the result of their first bet.

Pay attention to it, too, as the Caesars rewards program is our top-rated sportsbook reward program of any online US sportsbook. Users will find placing bets at Caesars very pleasant, as the desktop site and mobile sportsbook app are easy to use. 

How We Rated the Top Maryland Sports Betting Sites

When it comes to evaluating sports betting sites in Maryland, there are several factors that WSN (World Sports Network) has considered, including:

• Licensing and Regulation: It is essential for sports betting sites to be licensed and regulated by the Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. In Maryland, the State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency oversees all legal and regulatory aspects of sports betting.

• Range of Sports and Events: Top sports betting sites should offer a wide variety of betting markets, sports, and events to bet on. It is vital that it includes Maryland bettors' favorite sports like the NFL, college football, NBA, college basketball, and baseball. While also having less popular sports like soccer, UFC, Golf, and more.

• User Interface and Experience: A good sports betting site should have a user-friendly interface and an error-free user experience. This includes making it easy to place bets, navigate the site, have easy access to banking options for deposits and withdrawals, and have fast access to solid customer support.

• Quality of Bonuses and Promotions: Sports betting sites often offer bonuses and promotions to attract new customers and retain existing ones. These can include welcome bonuses, free bets, cashback offers, and more.

• Payment Methods: Sports betting sites should offer a variety of payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and more. The site should also have a secure payment system to protect customer information.

• Customer Support: Good customer support is crucial for any sports betting site. This includes providing a variety of ways to contact customer support, such as email, phone, or live chat, and ensuring that support is available 24/7.

By evaluating these factors and others, WSN experts can determine which online sports betting sites are the best for Maryland residents. However, it's important to remember that individual preferences and experiences may vary.

Why You Should Trust Us

WSN (World Sports Network) is a trustworthy source of information on all things online sports betting for several reasons. Firstly, WSN is made up of a team of experts with extensive experience in the sports betting industry, which helps provide our users with in-depth knowledge of the sports betting market and valuable, exclusive insights only available on WSN.

Additionally, WSN has conducted hands-on testing of each Maryland sports betting provider and its features, allowing for a thorough review of its performance, reliability, and usability. Moreover, WSN is committed to providing unbiased information to its users, ensuring that our recommendations are based solely on the platform's merits rather than any external factors.

Therefore, WSN is a reliable and credible source of information for anyone seeking to make informed decisions about what Maryland sports betting sites to use.

Full List of Legal Sportsbooks in Maryland

Online Maryland Sports Betting Sites

Land-Based Maryland Sportsbooks

Is Sports Betting Legal in Maryland?

Yes, sports betting is legal and live in Maryland for retail and online platforms. Many retail venues launched late in 2021, while most online providers launched in late 2022. 

There are more licenses available in Maryland, as very few limits on the number of operators were put in place by regulators. This means that more operators will likely continue to enter the market as it grows.

Maryland's residents already have many excellent options when it comes to sports betting providers and will find that available betting markets are as good as any state in the US. Make sure to check out all the best available sports betting promos when signing up for a new sportsbook.

How to Get Started Betting in Maryland

With many excellent sports betting providers available in Maryland, signing up is similar from sportsbook to sportsbook. To make it easy on you, here is a simple sign-up guide.

1. Pick your sportsbook: With many great options, make sure you choose a licensed Maryland sportsbook.

2. Set up your account: After picking the sportsbook you are going to use, go through the initial account setup, make a username and password, provide personal information, and whatever else the sportsbook asks you for.

3. Put money into your account: After signing up, you need to make your first deposit with your preferred payment methods. Most of our recommended sportsbooks have a ton of payment options, including PayPal, bank transfers, credit or debit cards, and many more.

4. Start Making Bets: You are ready to go. You can now start placing sports wagers on your favorite teams, leagues, and events.

Getting started in Maryland is easy, especially with numerous excellent sports betting providers. Just make sure to pick a licensed sportsbook and bet responsibility.

Maryland Sportsbook Promos and Bonus Codes

There are a ton of available sportsbook offers in Maryland. The best offers found are always the new user or welcome offers. It doesn't end there, though, as many sportsbooks also offer great ongoing promos, bonuses, odds/profit boosts, and more for existing users.

When it comes to ongoing promos, make sure to check each sportsbook's promos page, as offers are updated daily. Offers can come in go in 24 hours, especially when tied to specific games or events. For example, you can find special Black Friday deals only during the Thanksgiving weekend. Stay vigilant and regularly check the promos page to catch the latest opportunities before they expire or get replaced.

What Mobile Sportsbooks Are Available in Maryland?

Almost every legal sports betting provider in Maryland also has a mobile app that can be found in Apple or Android app stores. Here are a few of the top-rated sportsbooks that we recommend based on our own use of them, as we found each to be very easy to use.

• DraftKings Sportsbook

• BetMGM Sportsbook

• FanDuel Sportsbook

• Caesars Sportsbook 

What to Bet on in Maryland

Now that sports betting is legal and launched for retail and online sportsbooks, you may wonder what sports you can bet on. Below are the available sports. 

Football

Two NFL teams currently play their home games in Maryland.

The Baltimore Ravens have enjoyed quite a lot of success in their short existence. Founded in 1995, the Ravens have made 14 playoff appearances since 2000 and won two Super Bowls.

Although associated with neighboring Washington DC, the Washington Commanders play out of FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland.

• Check out the best NFL betting sites

Basketball

Maryland is not currently home to an NBA team. In the past, the Baltimore Bullets represented the state in the NBA until they moved to neighboring DC to become the Washington Wizards.

The Wizards played in Maryland until 1997. Baltimore does have a couple of semi-professional and minor league teams, in the form of the Baltimore Shuckers and the Baltimore Hawks.

• Check out the best NBA betting sites

Baseball

In the MLB, the Baltimore Orioles were one of the eight charter teams of the American League. The O’s have a proud tradition in the MLB, winning three World Series titles between 1966 and 1983, and we know Maryland bettors love betting on the hometown Orioles!

Although most major sports teams in Maryland are concentrated in Baltimore, a number of minor league teams are scattered further afield in the state, such as the Aberdeen IronBirds, the Bowie Baysox, and the Frederick Keys.

• Check out the best MLB betting sites

Hockey

Maryland is without an NHL team, but in the Maryland Black Bears, they have a representative in the minor leagues.

Plenty of support, too, can be found for the Washington Capitals, who won their first Stanley Cup in 2018. Like the Washington Redskins, the Capitals played their home games in Maryland until 1997, when they moved to their new shared home in DC.

Other Sports

Although Maryland does not have a representative in MLS, many soccer teams make their home in the state. Lacrosse is popular, with the Chesapeake Bayhawks representing the state in Major League Lacrosse. Some of the most iconic names in the whole of sports are from Maryland, such as Babe Ruth and Michael Phelps.

Regarding college sports, there are no restrictions—you can bet on schools like the University of Maryland. Some states prohibit wagering on in-state schools, but that’s not the case in Maryland. You can bet on college football, basketball, or any other sport, no questions asked. 

Betting on College Sports in Maryland

Betting on college sports in Maryland is another fan favorite, especially with the University of Maryland a popular choice in college football and basketball, where the Terrapins have seen some pretty good success over their program history.

Sports gamblers can also find betting markets on other smaller Maryland universities, including:

• Coppin State Eagles

• Loyola Greyhounds

• Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks

• Morgan State Bears

• Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers

• Navy Midshipmen

• Towson Tigers

• UMBC Retrievers

Maryland Sports Betting Facts

How Does Maryland Online Sports Betting Compare to Other States?

With many surrounding states in the North East of the US also allowing sports betting over the past few years, Maryland compares favorably in most aspects. While other states have college sports betting restrictions, Maryland does not, making it easier for you to bet on your favorite  Maryland colleges.

Maryland also has a reasonable 15% tax rate on gross gaming revenue, which has ensured that top operators are not scared away. We see that as all the best sports betting providers in the US operate in Maryland, including DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars, and many other excellent sportsbooks.

History of Maryland Sports Betting

Sports betting, both online and offline, was outlawed in Maryland when PASPA was passed by the Supreme Court in 1992. PASPA acted as a ban on sports betting in almost all the US States, with Nevada being the one major exception.

Speaking of Las Vegas, Maryland even has a connection with the gambling capital of the US. For a number of years in the late 1940s, Nevada and four counties in southern Maryland were the only locations in the US where slot machines were legally able to pay in hard cash.

The interest in slot machine casinos remained high until they were finally outlawed in 1968.

Today, interest in casinos in Maryland is growing again. The state currently has six land-based casinos, which are well spread out across the state. There are a wide variety of slots and table games on offer, as well as live poker tables. Wagering on horse racing is also legal in Maryland.

Even when gambling was completely outlawed in 1968, Maryland only had to wait a couple of years before the establishment of the state lottery in 1973. Since then, the lottery has generated over $14 billion in revenue for the state.

As you can see, gambling has been a part of Maryland’s culture for decades. The legalization of sports betting is, therefore, a logical next step, particularly in light of the potential billions of dollars available for the state through regulation and taxation.

Previous Attempts at Legalization

There was significant progress made toward sports betting legalization in 2018 in the Old Line State, but as we’ve seen in so many other parts of the US, it is a process that takes time.

Maryland has a bit more red tape to cut than some other states because any change in gambling laws in Maryland requires an amendment to the constitution of the state, which needs to be ratified by voters in a general election.

A bill was introduced in the legislative session in 2018, but in the end, the session closed without the bill being voted on. Throw in the added complication of the election year, and it is very possible that voters will not get the opportunity to vote until the 2020 session.

However, recent polls have suggested that a majority of voters in Maryland will support the bill when they get the chance.

Just like every US state, Maryland has the chance to determine its own sports betting laws in the wake of the Supreme Court decision in 2018, which effectively removed the nationwide ban on sports betting known as the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act.

A measure was then put on the November 2020 ballot to bring sports betting to the state.

Legalization Arrives

As of November 2020, the citizens of Maryland passed a ballot measure legalizing sports betting.

However, it wouldn’t be until April 2021 that lawmakers passed legislation for sports betting.

The first land-based sportsbook opened in December 2021, and online sports betting finally launched in November 2022. 

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Maryland?

Yes, daily fantasy sportsbooks have been legal for quite a while in Maryland. Some of the same brand names that are top operators in the sports betting industry are also represented in the Maryland DFS industry. FanDuel and DraftKings are the top dogs in DFS, and Maryland daily fantasy users can find many games, contests, matchups, and more to participate in.

Signing up at a daily fantasy provider is pretty simple, and users can often use their same account if the provider also offers sports betting. Find out everything about daily fantasy sports with our daily fantasy sports guide. 

Maryland Sportsbook Partnerships

Every pro team that plays in Maryland has an established sportsbook partnership, making betting at the stadium an added game-day experience.

• The Baltimore Orioles are partnered with SuperBook, and they offer a sports betting lounge in Camden Yards.

• The Baltimore Ravens is partnered with Caesars, DraftKings, and BetMGM. Each partner has different game-day betting options when you are at the stadium.

• The Washington Redskins, who play their games in Maryland, have a deal with FanDuel as their sports betting and daily fantasy game day partner.

Responsible Gambling in Maryland

Betting responsibly should be any sports bettor's number one priority, but there are times when anyone can struggle. Maryland has many options to their residents to help them if problem gambling is ever an issue. Here are just a few of the excellent resources the state offers their residents.

• Maryland Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-426-2537

• https://www.marylandproblemgambling.org/

• Voluntary Exclusion Program

• Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling: mdproblemgambling.com

• Maryland Coalition of Families: mdcoalition.org/get-help-now/Gambling

• Maryland Council on Problem Gambling: marylandproblemgambling.org

• National Council on Problem Gambling: ncpgambling.org

• Gamblers Anonymous International Maryland Hotline: 855-222-5542, gamblersanonymous.org

• Gam-Anon Family Group, 888-230-1123, gam-anon.org/meeting-directory

Final Verdict on Maryland Sports Betting

Through the testimony of two of our sports betting experts, one of whom resides in Maryland full time and another with family he visits there often, the Maryland sports betting industry is awesome. With great providers available, online and in-person venues, reasonable betting restrictions, and several pro teams with sportsbook partnerships, Maryland is one of our favorite betting states in the US.

The environment is regulated and safe but also non-restrictive, allowing sports gamblers to partake in whatever betting type they choose. The market is still relatively new, and we expect to continue to grow.