Maryland Sports Betting

⚖️ Is sports betting legal in Maryland?	Yes! Online betting has officially launched as of 9 a.m. EST on Wednesday, Nov. 23. Bettors are now able to place online sports bets at seven sportsbooks.
💸  What are the requirements to bet online?	You have to be 21 years of age and physically in the state (verifiable by your mobile device's geolocation tech, or a downloadable desktop plugin) to place wagers.
📒 What online sportsbooks are available in MD?	Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, PointsBet, Barstool, and BetRivers.  Betfred and betPARX are expected to launch sometime in 2023.
🏈 What sports can I bet on?	MD bettors can bet on all the major league sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, NHL), including college football and basketball, and more such as European basketball leagues, cricket and rugby.

Latest Highlights in MD Sports Betting:

• August 9, 2023 — Fanatics Sportsbook officially launches, with Maryland being one of their first live betting states.
• June 1, 2023 — Fanatics Sportsbook has began beta testing in Maryland.
• December 6, 2022 — Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin shared that the sportsbook will launch sometime in Spring 2023, preferably before the 2023 NFL season.  
• December 1, 2022 — The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency announce that Bally Bet and WynnBET are qualified operators to obtain sports betting licenses. SWARC and the MLG will determine if both online sportsbooks will receive a legal license by at least Dec. 14 during their next meeting.
• November 23, 2022 — Legal online MD sports betting is finally here! Seven online sportsbooks went live in Maryland (DraftKings, Caesars, FanDuel, BetMGM, Barstool, BetRivers, and PointsBet).
• November 22, 2022 — Gov. Larry Hogan announces that MD online sports betting will officially go live at 9 a.m. EST on Wednesday. Seven sportsbooks will be available at launch.
• November 21, 2022 — Soft-launch period is set between 2-10 p.m. EST for all licensed books. Caesars, FanDuel, and BetMGM's pre-registration offers expire at 2 p.m. EST. 
• November 17, 2022 — Maryland Lottery officially announces that Maryland online sports betting will launch on Wednesday, Nov. 23.
• November 16, 2022 — The Maryland Wagering Commission awards 10 sports betting licenses, but an official launch date, while expected to happen in the next week or two, was not announced by the committee or the state lottery.
• November 14, 2022 — Maryland state officials confirmed that SWARC will be announcing legalized sportsbooks on Nov. 16 with the expectation that online sports betting will launch sometime around Thanksgiving.
• November 1, 2022 – Geolocation software leader GeoComply is awarded a Tier One Contractor license by Maryland. This is exciting news and confirmation that Maryland will offer online sports betting within the next few weeks.
• October 27, 2022 – Ten sports betting operators have applied to become licensed in Maryland. Those applications included Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, Barstool, PointsBet, and more.
• October 19, 2022 – Maryland's online sports betting launch is expected by or around Thanksgiving. SWARC reaffirmed the launch timeline between Nov. 21-Dec. 5.
• September 12, 2022 – Regulators state that Maryland is on pace to launch sports betting apps by November or December.
• September 6, 2022 – The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) has announced that MD is accepting online sports betting licenses until Oct. 21, 2022. The state can accept up to 60 sports betting licenses. 

Fanatics Sportsbook Maryland

The sports retail giant has officially launched its sportsbook app in Maryland. On Jan. 20, Fanatics opened its inaugural retail betting location inside FedEx Field in Maryland. Fanatics is set up to be a leading online sportsbook in Maryland moving forward.

Fanatics Promo

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets!

Fanatics Promo Code

No promo code required

Action Network Score

We will grade Fanatics as soon we are able to test the live app thoroughly.

Terms & Conditions

Present in MA, MD, OH, TN only. Must place a cash wager of at least $5 to qualify for $200 in bonus bets. Qualifying wager must be placed before August 18, 2023 to be eligible for promotion. Bonus bet will be credited within 72 hours of qualifying wager. Terms apply. 21+ only. Gambling Problem? Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.com (MD).

BetMGM Maryland

The King of Sportsbooks continues to expand its offerings into new states with their online launch in MD. Their retail location at the MGM National Harbor is the largest casino in the state. BetMGM is an official partner of the Baltimore Ravens. 

BetMGM Promo

First Bet Offer: Get up to $1,000 Paid Back in Bonus Bets if You Don't Win!

BetMGM Bonus Code

• ACTION1000
  

Action Network Score

9.8/10. Read our BetMGM review to discover more details and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
BetMGM vs Other Sportsbooks

FanDuel Maryland

This is FanDuel's 17th live state. FanDuel offers their sportsbook at the Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, one of the largest facilities in the state and country.

FanDuel Promo 

Get a No Sweat First Bet up to $1,000!

FanDuel Promo Code

There is no promo code required to claim the FanDuel offer.

Action Network Score

9.5/10. See our FanDuel review for more details and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
FanDuel vs Other Sportsbooks

PointsBet Maryland

PointsBet is bringing PointsBetting to MD. To date, PB has secured partnerships with the University of Maryland Athletics and Riverboat on the Potomac.

PointsBet Promo

Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets!

*5x Bonus Bets up to $100 each if your first Fixed Odds cash bet of the day loses (1 per day for five straight days)

PointsBet Promo Code

No promo code required

Action Network Score

9.7/10. Read our PointsBet review for more in-depth information about and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
PointsBet vs Other Sportsbooks

Caesars Maryland

Until the online sports betting launch, Marylanders have been able to place wagers at the Horseshoe Baltimore Casino, which is owned by Caesars.

Caesars Sportsbook Promo

Get up to $1,250 on Caesars!

Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code

ACTION22FULL

Action Network Score

9.5/10. Take a look at our Caesars review for more details and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
Caesars Sportsbook vs Other Sportsbooks

How to Place a Mobile Sports Bet in Maryland

Now that online sports betting is legal and live in Maryland, it's time to start betting. Here's a quick four-step guide on how to get started:

Step 1: Choose a Sportsbook

Seven major online sportsbooks have gone live Maryland, with three more to come in the near future and the potential for as many as 60 operators in the state.

If you sign up for FanDuel, you can redeem its No Sweat Bet offer! Let’s start there.

Eventually, you’ll want multiple sports betting accounts so you can shop for the best lines, but for now, let’s just use FanDuel, especially since that allows us to use Action Network’s exclusive QuickSlip to instantly place our future bets.

Step 2: Sign Up

Create a new account at FanDuel by following the prompts. You might need to provide proof of identity, like a driver’s license and social security number, to verify you are of legal age and so you can’t create multiple accounts using fake names.

You may already have an account at FanDuel if you’ve played DFS before. If so, login.

Pro Tip: If you’re in D.C. or another nearby state and try to sign up in Maryland, use all your real information. Don’t use a friend’s address, or an old address. It’s perfectly legal to sign up to bet in Maryland while you’re inside state lines, even if you don’t live there.

Step 3: Deposit Money Online, Not in Person

Maryland has made things easy on sports bettors by allowing online sign-ups and registrations. Some states make you sign up in person before betting online.

You can deposit at FanDuel with the following:

• Credit card
• Bank account
• PayPal
• Wire transfer
• And more…

Legal sportsbooks make you pay upfront by depositing a certain amount of money (that you choose) which will operate as your bankroll (or available funds to bet). If you’ve previously bet offshore, you’ll be happy to know that it’s easy to use a credit card or bank account to deposit money.

Cashing out is also easy — FanDuel will wire money right to your bank account at any time, in this example. We’ve seen withdrawals come through in fewer than 24 hours in some instances. If you’ve been betting offshore, that’s a welcome change.

Step 4: Place Your First Bet

Once you’re at FanDuel sportsbook, either on desktop or through the mobile app, all we have to do to bet is simply click on a line you like, and it will be highlighted.

Once it’s highlighted, the bet will populate your bet slip, where you’ll select how much you want to bet from your available funds that you deposited earlier. That bet slip will be on the right side of your screen on desktop, and in the middle of the bottom menu on your phone.

Maryland Sports Betting Background and Legalization Timeline

Maryland’s first seven online sports betting apps are officially live as of Wednesday, Nov. 23! This news comes after SWARC announced licenses for 10 mobile sportsbooks in mid-November. The 10 online sportsbooks that were awarded licenses were:

• Barstool
• Betfred
• BetMGM
• betPARX
• BetRivers
• Caesars
• DraftKings
• FanDuel
• Fanatics 
• PointsBet

Some of the sportsbooks did not immediately launch when legal online sports betting went live. Betfred and betPARX are expected to wait until 2023 before or during the 2023 NFL Playoffs. Bally Bet and WynnBET are two additional operators that have qualified to obtain a sports betting license, so expect both sportsbooks to also join the MD market in early 2023.

According to the SWARC, 21 mobile license applications were submitted during the first application window, meaning there are an additional 11 applications for the group to consider. SWARC has not yet revealed the names of these operators, but they could award more licenses when the group meets again on Dec. 14.

Retail sports betting launched in Maryland in December two years ago as mobile bettors in the state anxiously-awaited to go live for two years.

Maryland’s sports betting bill directs the SWARC to award up to 30 additional retail and 60 online sportsbooks to state businesses. Though Maryland will license as many as 60 statewide mobile sportsbooks, it could take years to reach that cap.

State lawmakers have created two licenses that operators can apply for:

• Class A license: 17 Class A licenses are given to six casinos, three professional sports teams, and other retail locations throughout the state.
• Class B license: 30 licenses will be given to additional retail locations such as gas stations, facilities with gaming kiosks, etc. 

If an operator is able to attain both Class A and B licenses, they will be eligible to apply for an online wagering license in the Old Line State.

The legalization of sports betting in the Old Line State has been a lengthy process. Maryland had the longest go-live periods in U.S. sports betting history after legalizing during the 2020 election. Most states go live within 6-12 months, and at most 18 months because they need to draft regulations, approve books, etc.

Arizona and Connecticut, which both approved sports betting around the same time as MD, have launched both retail and online sportsbooks.

Maryland's Legalization Timeline

We'll bet you care more about the sports of it all than the legal history, but here are some of the important events along the way:

June 2023

Fanatics Sportsbook beta tests in Maryland. The new and exciting sportsbook has officially joined its fourth beta state in 2023, with Tennessee, Ohio and Massachusetts leading the way. [June 1]

November 2022

Maryland mobile sports betting launches on Nov. 23. Seven sportsbooks (DraftKings, Caesars, FanDuel, BetMGM, Barstool, BetRivers, and PointsBet) go live in the state. [Maryland Online Sports Betting Is Officially Live — Everything You Need to Know, Nov. 23]

Maryland online sports betting will go live on Nov. 23. After a highly-anticipated wait, the Maryland Lottery has confirmed that online sports betting will be available in Maryland right before Thanksgiving. [Maryland Online Sports Betting Set to Launch on Nov. 23, Nov. 17]

 State lawmakers confirm that SWARC will announce sportsbooks on November 16. The original Nov. 21 announcement date was changed because the state is hoping to launch mobile sports betting around Thanksgiving. [Maryland Online Sports Betting Expected to Launch this Month, Nov. 14]

GeoComply is granted a Tier One Contractor license by Maryland. As MD approaches their online sports betting launch, geolocation security is a necessity to provide secure and seamless sports betting in any location. [Nov. 1]

October 2022

The MLGCC announce that 10 online sports betting operators are qualified to launch in the state. SWARC will officially award licenses on November 21 before the operators go through a trial period to ensure they are prepared to launch. [Oct. 31]

September 2022

Maryland regulators announced that Maryland is on pace to start online sports betting before the end of 2022. The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission will let online sportsbooks start taking bets once they’re licensed, instead of making them wait to launch together. [Maryland Sports Betting Apps on Pace to Launch by November or December, Sept. 22]

April 2022

The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission is set to study market-inclusion opportunities for minority- and female-owned businesses.This new commission was formed due to a referendum in the November 2020 sports betting ballot with hopes of addressing inclusion and then moving onto the rules and applications process, which could take up to half a year or longer. [Action Network, April 27]

December 2021

Maryland advances mobile sports betting rules. The state has begun to clear the path for online sports betting after advancing several mobile betting rules. [Path opening to online sports betting, Dec. 16]

Retail sports betting goes live. BetMGM, FanDuel and Caesars launch retail sportsbooks in Maryland, meaning sports bettors can place in-person wagers for the first time. [First legal sports bets placed, Dec. 9]

November 2021

Sports Wagering Application Review Commission announces initial sports betting locations. MGM, Hollywood Casino in Perryville, Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore, Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover and Ocean Downs Casino in Berlin were approved by the SWARC to begin taking wagers. [5 casinos approved, Nov. 18]

September 2021

Licensing opening begins at earliest late September. Licensing opening will begin sometime after the public comment window closes on Sept. 27, so we’re not looking at legal Maryland sports betting happening until the 2021 NFL season is well underway. [Public Comments]

August 2021

Regulators announce opening of 30-day public comment period. This is a public comment period for the final sports betting rules that have been approved by the legislators. This commenting period closes Sept. 27. [Launch date TBD, Aug. 27]

July 2021

Regulators advance regulations. Regulators advanced hundreds of pages of key sports book regulations without opposition. [On Track for Fall Launch, July 15]

May 2021

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan signed the state’s betting law.The bill passed as an “emergency” which allows it to take effect immediately. Regulators still need to approve rules and regulations and then license each sports book. [Signed Into Law, May 18]

 April 2021

Maryland House of Delegates Approves.The final measure was approved in the House with 122 members voting yes and 16 voting no. This comes hours after the Senate approved it unanimously. This bill will permit as many as 60 online operators and 30 retail sports books between casinos, professional sports stadiums, and scores of other organizations. [Bill Passes, April 12]

November 2020

Maryland Sports Betting Approved by Voters. The ballot measure amended the constitution to permit sports betting. Maryland lawmakers still need to agree and vote on regulations and draft up the details. [MD Voters Approve, Nov. 3]

May 2020

Gov. Larry Hogan doesn’t veto or sign SB 4, which automatically pushes it ahead to the ballot. [TrackBill, May 8]

March 2020

Maryland State Senate votes to approve SB 4. Just days after the House votes to approve, the Maryland State Senate gives approval as well. This means it goes to the desk of Gov. Larry Hogan to sign or veto. [TrackBill, March 18]

Maryland House of Representatives votes to approve SB 4. The Maryland Constitution requires that laws expanding commercial wagering be submitted to a referendum at a general election. The House approves. [TrackBill,  March 17]

How Maryland Compares: The MD Sports Betting Report Card

Latest Sports News in Maryland:

• The Baltimore Orioles finished a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park, with a 2-1 overall score. (8/14)

What to Keep an Eye on:

• The Orioles are set to begin a three-game series against the San Diego Padres at Oriole Park at Petco Park today. Brace yourselves for some thrilling baseball action! (8/14)

Licensing Info & Pro Sports Team Sportsbook Partnerships

The following 17 entities were allowed to apply in Maryland under a set-aside sports betting license category for retail sportsbooks at their respective facilities along with mobile betting apps:

Casinos

• Horseshoe Casino Baltimore (owned by Caesars)
• Hollywood Casino Perryville (owned by Penn National)
• Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland (partnered with FanDuel)
• MGM National Harbor (owned by MGM, operator of BetMGM)
• Ocean Downs Casino (owned by Churchill Downs, operator of TwinSpires)
• Rocky Gap Casino (owned by Golden Entertainment)

Stadiums

• FedEx Field (Washington Commanders)
• M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore Ravens)
• Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles)

Other Facilities

• Bingo World (Brooklyn)
• Greenmount Station (Hampstead)
• Jockey Bar and Grill (Boonsboro)
• Maryland State Fairgrounds (Timonium)
• Rod-N-Reel (Chesapeake Beach)
• Long Shots (Frederick)
• Riverboat on the Potomac (Colonial Beach, Virginia — partnered with PointsBet)
• Jimmy's Famous Seafood (Baltimore)

Stronach Group, owners of Laurel Park and Pimlico horse tracks, is also allowed to apply for a sports betting license.

Pro Teams in Maryland

NFL Betting in Maryland

Baltimore Ravens

Most Marylanders would probably list the Ravens atop their list of supported teams, given 1.) the NFL's overall popularity edge, and 2.) the fact that the Ravens are competitive on seemingly a yearly basis.

They play their home games at M&T Bank Stadium, in Baltimore, and compete in the AFC North Division. Among the Raven greats, you'll find Johnny Unitas (a 10-time Pro-Bowler and 4-time MVP), Ray Lewis (a 13-time Pro-Bowler and Super Bowl XXXV MVP) and Ed Reed (a 9-time Pro-Bowler), each of which is considered among the best all-time at their respective positions.

Ravens Odds

Washington Commanders

Washington's NFL team changed its name to the Washington Commanders last year after they were known as the Washington Football Team for a couple of seasons. The Burgundy and Gold play their home games at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland.

Commanders Odds

MLB Betting in Maryland

Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles began play in the American League in 1901 as one of eight charter franchises, though they weren't the Baltimore Orioles at the time. They started as the Milwaukee Brewers, and later became the St. Louis Browns for a time before being purchased in 1953, renamed, and relocated to Baltimore.

The Orioles play their home games at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Among the Orioles best players: Frank Robinson (1966 triple-crown winner), Brooks Robinson (considered one of, if not the best, defensive 3Bs of all time) and Cal Ripken Jr. (MLB record holder for consecutive games played).

Orioles Odds

MLB Game Odds: Houston Astros vs. Baltimore Orioles 

Below is a selection of odds for the upcoming MLB game: Updated  August 15, 2023 - Odds Provided by BetMGM - Subject to Change

Team	Spread	Moneyline	Total
Houston Astros	(-1.5) +135	-130	Over 8 (-120)
Baltimore Orioles	(+1.5) -160	+110	Under 8 (+100)

If you want in on the baseball action, here are a few resources to help you bet with skill in MD:

• How to Bet on Baseball Guide
• Bet with MLB Sharps and check out our MLB Picks
• Go with or against the crowd using our Public Betting insights

College Sports Teams

College Football Betting in Maryland

 Maryland Terrapins Football

Maryland is relatively new to the Big Ten football scene, but the Terps have been making their way toward true relevancy in recent years. The team currently plays its games on campus at Maryland Stadium. Opened in 1950, the stadium has been upgraded to seat over 50,000 fans as of its most recent renovation. It's also the home to Maryland's lacrosse team.

Terps Odds

Navy Midshipmen Football

The Navy Midshipmen football team represents the U.S. Naval Academy in the American Athletic Conference (which it joined in 2015). And while most of the familiarity with Navy's football program comes from its yearly matchup with Army, the Midshipmen have had some notably strong seasons in recent years as well.

Midshipmen Odds

We've got a few recommended resources to help you bet with insight on college football:

• College Football Betting Tips for Profitability
• College Football Betting Tips on Fading the Public
• Check out our expert team with College Football Picks and real-time College Football Odds

College Basketball Betting in Maryland

Maryland Terrapins Men's Basketball

Like its football team, Maryland's basketball squad made the transition from the ACC to the Big Ten in 2014, and the Terps have been pretty competitive in their new setting.

The Terps play their home games at the XFINITY Center in College Park.

Terps Odds

 Navy Midshipmen Men's Basketball

It's been some time since Navy was truly relevant in the college basketball scene, but the tides might finally be turning as the Midshipmen are starting to more regularly compete for their first Patriot League title.

Navy plays its home games at Alumni Hall, located on the United State Naval Academy campus in Annapolis.

Midshipmen Odds

We've got a few recommended resources to help you bet on college basketball:

• How to Bet on College Basketball
• Trends to Know Before Betting Conference Tournaments

Other Events

Preakness Stakes

The second jewel of the triple crown, The Preakness Stakes is a thoroughbred horse race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. It's traditionally held on the third Saturday in May — two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks before the Belmont Stakes. The 9.5-furlong race has been running since 1873, making for a total of 145 races.

It has been dubbed the "Race for the Black-eyed Susans" thanks to the blanket constructed of flowers assembled to look like a Black-eyed Susan (MD's state flower) that gets placed on the winning horse.

Learn more about the available sportsbooks and promo codes in Maryland:

BetMGM Promo Code | Caesars Promo Code | FanDuel Promo Code | Barstool Promo Code | PointsBet Promo Code | Betfred Promo Code | betPARX Promo Code | BetRivers | DraftKings | Fanatics 

Do you or someone you know have problems with gambling behavior? Help and Hope is available right now, it’s free, confidential and 24/7. Call 1-800-GAMBLER or text 1-800-426-2537.

• Must be 21 years or older
• Learn about Maryland's self-exclusion program