Maryland Sports Betting: Best MD Online Underscoreg Sites July 2024

MD sports betting key developments and updates

Maryland sports betting quick facts

Maryland sports betting promos and bonuses

Many Maryland sports betting sites entice new players with first bet insurance as part of their welcome bonus. While some bonuses can reach a maximum value of $1,000 or higher, it’s important to remember that in order to receive these funds, you must first lose your initial bet. These bonus funds can then be used for a second chance at winning.

These are the top four Maryland sports betting promotions and bonuses that offer high earnings.

• BetMGM: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets
• Caesars: Up to $1,000 first bet on Caesars
• ESPN BET: Up to $1,500 in bonuses
• Fanatics: Up to $1,000 in bonus bets

Experienced bettors who are already registered with one or more of these sportsbooks may not be eligible for welcome bonuses, but they can still enjoy daily and ongoing promotions. These promotions range from daily odds boosts and reduced juice on select events to same-game parlays, referral credits, and loyalty rewards. Make sure to regularly check each site for the latest promotions available in Maryland.

Top Maryland sports betting sites

With 12 currently active and more set to launch soon, all Maryland betting sites have offerings for sports bettors of all levels. However, as up to 60 top sportsbooks are expected to enter the Maryland market in the near future, each operator will need to distinguish themselves in a competitive landscape. This means online sportsbooks will likely prioritize creating innovative user experiences and offering exceptional promotions and loyalty rewards to attract and retain customers.

This is what Maryland’s current selection of online betting sites has available for both new and returning customers:

Why DraftKings is the best sportsbook in Maryland

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

Terms and conditions apply.

Claim $150

Underscoreg Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or casino betting site. 21+ and present in MD. Please play responsibly. For help visit mdgamblinghelp.org or call 1-800-GAMBLER.

DraftKings was an early innovator in the daily fantasy games industry in the early 2010s. Today, its continued success is driven by its highly rated online sportsbook and sports betting app, with an average rating of 4.8/5 among iOS users and 4.6/5 among Android users.

New players in Maryland on DraftKings can take advantage of the bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets offer without needing a promo code. With more sportsbooks launching in MD, it’s likely that DraftKings will remain a top contender for the best sportsbook promotions and bonuses.

After registering and claiming your welcome bonus, DraftKings’ platform will captivate you with a wide array of appealing features including top-notch user experience, live video streaming, in-game betting, frequent promotions, and excellent customer service.

For a comprehensive overview of the sportsbook, check out our detailed DraftKings review.

Other Maryland online sportsbooks

Caesars Maryland

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Terms and conditions apply.

Claim $1,000

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Although Caesars had the option to stay content with its success in Las Vegas, the company chose to expand into other sports betting markets across the United States. As a result, it now offers one of the most highly rated betting apps nationwide and operates a top-five sportsbook in Maryland. New bettors in Maryland can take advantage of a promotional offer by using the code SBRBONUS1000 during registration to receive up to $1,000 on their first bet with Caesars. Be sure to enter the active promo code to redeem this offer.

Looking for the best place to bet on sports in Maryland? Look no further than Caesars. Check out our comprehensive Caesars review for all the details.

FanDuel Maryland

Bet $5, Win $200 in Bonus Bets

This offer is available to new customers only. You must deposit a minimum of $5 and place your first bet of $5 or more. If your bet wins within 72 hours, you will receive $200 in Bonus Bets.

Claim $200

Underscoreg Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or casino betting site. 21+ and present in MD. Please play responsibly. For help visit mdgamblinghelp.org or call 1-800-GAMBLER.

FanDuel, the top sports betting app as rated by Apple and Android users, is constantly surprising us with their generous promotions. Currently, new players can take advantage of a special offer where they can bet $5 and receive $200 in bonus bets if their bet wins, no promo code required. Additionally, both new and existing users will receive a daily boost or bonus bet throughout the summer.

Aside from bonuses and promotions, FanDuel is considered one of the top live betting sites due to its live video streaming, in-game betting, and wide range of sports betting markets. These features have allowed FanDuel to rival DraftKings as the industry leader.

Want to find out more about the legendary sportsbook? Take a look at our review of FanDuel. Compare FanDuel to our top recommended sportsbook, DraftKings, and see which one comes out on top.

BetMGM Maryland

Up To $1,500 Back In Bonus Bets

Bonus bets must be used within 7 days of receiving them. This offer is only available to new customers. Other terms and conditions may also apply.

Claim $1,500

Underscoreg Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or casino betting site. 21+ and present in MD. Please play responsibly. For help visit mdgamblinghelp.org or call 1-800-GAMBLER.

BetMGM, known as the “King of Parlays,” has a strong reputation in the industry due to its branding and long history. New players who join BetMGM’s online sportsbook and sports betting app can receive up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their initial wager is unsuccessful. Bets under $49 will result in a single bonus bet, while bets of $50 or more will be divided into five equal parts. For instance, a $400 initial bet that loses will result in five separate $80 bonus bets. To take advantage of this offer, simply use the BetMGM bonus code SBRBONUS.

Interested in learning more about the sportsbook? Check out our in-depth BetMGM review.

Fanatics Maryland

Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets

Terms and conditions apply.

Bet Now

Underscoreg Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or casino betting site. 21+ and present in MD. Please play responsibly. For help visit mdgamblinghelp.org or call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Newcomer Fanatics Underscoreg is currently operating in twelve states and is steadily gaining popularity among both new and experienced bettors as a top choice for online sports betting. No promo code is required to sign up and start using the platform.

Customers will be awarded a $200 bonus bet each day for a consecutive five-day period.

Check out our comprehensive review of Fanatics Underscoreg for more detailed information.

Maryland sportsbooks honorable mentions

While they didn’t make our list of top five online sportsbooks in Maryland, make sure to read our team of experts’ comprehensive and unbiased reviews of the remaining three mobile sports betting operators in the state.

• ESPN BET review
• Betfred review
• BetRivers review

Legal Maryland sports betting options

Maryland experienced a significant gap between the introduction of legal retail sportsbooks and the debut of mobile betting. As of now, the state has 12 active online sportsbooks, with the potential for up to 14. Bally Bet, a new operator approved by the SWARC, is expected to begin offering its services to the public in 2023.

Maryland’s online and mobile sportsbooks

Currently, there are 12 land-based MD sportsbooks available for in-person visits. However, state regulations permit up to 47 retail licenses to be granted in the near future. The focus is on ensuring convenient access for players, so they won’t have to travel long distances to locate a sportsbook nearby.

Land-based MD sportsbooks

Who can bet on sports in Maryland?

Legal age

In order to place bets on sports in Maryland, you must be at least 21 years of age.

Mobile betting

In late November 2022, mobile betting officially launched in Maryland with 12 online sportsbooks. Another sportsbook is anticipated to join the market in 2023.

Remote registration

Maryland players have the option to sign up for online sportsbooks without needing to visit a retail location. Remote registration can be completed quickly, typically in less than five minutes, on every online sportsbook.

Within state borders

To legally place sports bets in Maryland, you do not have to be a resident of the state, but you must be physically located within Maryland’s borders when accessing your sportsbook account. Geotagging software is used by operators to verify your location when logging in and placing bets, so betting outside of Maryland is not permitted.

Retail sportsbooks

Maryland currently has 10 retail sportsbooks, with one of them being the new Fanatics location at FedEx Field, home of the Commanders. The existing law permits up to almost 50 land-based sportsbooks to operate throughout the state.

Taxable winnings

In Maryland, operators are subject to a 15% tax on sports betting revenue paid to the state. Individual bettors in Maryland face an 8.75% tax on winnings over $5,000, while out-of-state bettors are taxed at a rate of 7%. Additionally, all gambling winnings are subject to a 24% federal tax.

What you can’t bet on in Maryland

When it comes to sports betting, Maryland is generally permissive in its handling of most events. Nevertheless, there are a select few subjects that legal sportsbooks in the Old Line State will not offer odds on.

Politics ❌

Betting on political events in the U.S. is not allowed, so you will not find any betting odds on the outcome of the 2024 presidential election at legal Maryland sportsbooks.

Entertainment award ceremonies ❌

Maryland currently does not allow betting on award shows such as the Oscars, Emmys, or Grammys. However, as more states permit online sportsbooks to accept these bets, the possibility of Maryland changing its stance on this issue in the future remains open.

eSports ✅

Esports are officially allowed in Maryland, with betting odds available for popular games such as League of Legends, Fortnite, and Madden.

What about Maryland college sports?

In Maryland, unlike certain areas, it is permissible to place bets on college sporting events both within and outside the state. This means you can wager on a Maryland Terrapins basketball game, show support for Towson, or even place bets on UMBC causing another upset.

How to start betting in Maryland

If you have faith in Eric Bieniemy’s ability to elevate the Washington Commanders or believe that Lamar Jackson will bring the Baltimore Ravens back to glory, you might be inclined to consider placing bets on Super Bowl 58 futures odds. If these thoughts resonate with you, it may be time to start delving into sports betting.

Below is an easy-to-follow guide on how to begin sports betting in Maryland:

1. Select a licensed Maryland sportsbook

Before selecting a betting site and sports betting app, it is important to find one that meets your specific needs. We recommend reading our comprehensive reviews of each operator to understand their strengths and weaknesses before making a decision.

After choosing your option, you can either visit the sportsbook’s website or download its app onto your mobile device.

2. Register online

You have the option to register online using a desktop or laptop computer, or you can choose to use the sportsbook’s sports betting app. After selecting your preferred method, you can begin the registration process, which typically takes less than five minutes to finish.

To sign up with your selected sportsbook, you will need to provide essential personal details such as your full name, home address, email address, date of birth, and social security number. The social security number is required to verify your identity and prevent any potential fraudulent activities under your name. Additionally, you may expect to receive a verification email to confirm and activate your account.

Afterward, you should generate a distinct username and password. The most secure passwords include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Aim for a password that is approximately eight characters long.

3. Deposit and claim a bonus

After creating an account and choosing a username and password, you can login and access the cashier section. From there, you can link your preferred banking method to your sportsbook wallet. The most common deposit options include major credit and debit cards, bank wire transfers, Paypal, and other third-party wallets.

Don’t forget that certain MD sports betting websites may ask for a promo code during this stage. Make sure you have it ready to enter into the designated field before making your first deposit. Don’t risk missing out on bonus funds simply because you overlooked entering a code.

4. Select and finalize your bet

Get ready to shop with your preferred online sportsbook. The most enjoyable user experiences involve seamless navigation between pages and sports. It is recommended to have minimal clicks between selecting an event and placing your bet. Make sure to explore all the betting markets, including NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL, as well as various bet types like moneylines, point spreads, and point totals, before finalizing your choice.

When you are prepared to make a bet, simply add it to your betting slip, double-check the details, and then submit the ticket. A confirmation slip will then be generated and stored in your virtual wallet.

If you are new to placing bets, be sure to check out our guide on how to bet on sports.

5. Withdraw your winnings

After hitting a three-team parlay and winning, you can celebrate by going to the cashier and requesting a withdrawal. The time it takes to receive your payout varies depending on the operator and banking method, but most will be processed within five business days. However, if you request a physical check to be sent to your Maryland or out-of-state residence, it may take up to 15 business days to arrive.

How we rate and review Maryland sportsbooks

Our team of sports betting experts in Maryland independently and extensively assess the top online sportsbooks and betting apps. For newcomers to legal sports betting, choosing the right sportsbook can be a daunting task. Our objective with every review is to assist bettors in making informed choices when selecting a sports betting site or app in Maryland. Our evaluations cover a range of features, with a focus on the key criteria outlined below.

Welcome bonuses and promotions

Maryland betting sites entice new players with attractive welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions. When you sign up and deposit funds, you can receive anything from a deposit match bonus to a first bet insurance offer. After claiming your initial promo, you’ll also have access to enhanced odds, reduced juice, insured parlays, and loyalty rewards on a daily and weekly basis.

User experience

Ultimately, a positive user experience can vary from person to person. In general, we evaluate a sportsbook’s user experience based on key features such as a simple sign-up process, a variety of banking options, easy navigation, live video streaming, early cash out options, quick payouts, strong security measures, and accessible customer service. If an MD online sports betting app frequently crashes, it will not receive a high ranking in this category.

Variety of bet types and markets

New players may initially focus on the big four leagues – NFL, MLB, NHL, and NBA – and stick to common bet types like moneyline, point spreads, and Over/Under totals. However, as their interest in sports betting grows, the availability of a diverse range of betting markets becomes increasingly essential. A Maryland sportsbook that offers a wide variety of sports betting options is crucial for players looking to expand their horizons. The top operators go beyond the basics, providing opportunities to bet on European football, PGA tour events, MMA main events, heavyweight boxing matches, esports tournaments, and live in-game player props. These unique offerings allow bettors to wager on every drive, play, and outcome even after the game has started. Don’t limit yourself to traditional bet types and sports markets – seek out a sportsbook that offers a diverse array of options to enhance your betting experience.

Banking options

Banking with regulated and authorized Maryland sportsbooks is secure and reliable, offering a variety of popular payment methods including PayPal, major credit and debit cards, bank wire transfers, and other e-wallet options. The best betting sites for deposits and withdrawals are all featured in this guide.

Payout speed

We evaluate the efficiency of withdrawal processing at every Maryland sports betting site. Nobody wants to wait weeks to receive their winnings after a successful bet, whether it’s a big parlay win or a long-awaited futures wager cashing out. From our observations, the majority of contemporary online sportsbooks complete withdrawals within 48 hours, with funds typically reaching your designated account in less than five business days. However, it’s important to note that requesting a physical check may extend the wait time to up to 15 business days.

Security and customer service

We prioritize sportsbook security when sharing personal and financial information. Our recommendations only include online sportsbooks and sports betting apps equipped with cutting-edge encryption software and firewall protocols.

When it comes to customer service, it should be available at your convenience, not theirs. This includes being able to reach the support team through email, phone, or live chat whenever you choose. You never know when a question or problem will come up, and you don’t want to be left waiting for the sportsbook to respond a day later.

Maryland sports betting handle

Even though mobile betting in Maryland was delayed and did not launch until Nov. 23, 2022, the state still managed to record a sports betting handle of nearly $1 billion in 2022. With 12 legal online sportsbooks and 11 retail sportsbooks already operating, and more expected to open soon, Maryland saw its total handle reach $4.61 billion in 2023.

Maryland aims to achieve a record annual handle in 2024, and you can monitor the progress below.

2024

2023

2022

2021

Maryland sports leagues and teams to bet on

With the introduction of legal sports betting in Maryland, fans of Baltimore and D.C. teams may feel the urge to wager on their favorites. However, betting on local teams, although fun, may not always be a smart use of resources.

Prior to placing a biased bet slip, it is important to thoroughly research and understand how to effectively handle your bankroll. This includes examining factors such as the weather forecast, injury report, depth chart, and potential suspensions, as well as analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing team. Making an informed wager based on this information is crucial. Avoid impulsively betting on teams like the Ravens or Commanders simply because of personal bias, as this can quickly deplete your bankroll. Wager with logic, not emotions, to protect your funds.

While not as well-known as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, online sportsbooks in Maryland usually provide odds for MLS, WNBA, and even XFL games. So, if you want to support D.C. United, the Washington Mystics, or the DC Defenders, you’re in for a treat. Keep an eye out for PGA tour odds when the pros come to the east coast.

Sports bettors have the option to explore the leading sportsbooks for individual sports, leagues, and events.

Legal Maryland sports betting history

The passing and ratification of Bill HB 940 was anything but simple for Maryland legislators, as they faced numerous obstacles during the assembly process. However, their hard work has paid off with the successful launch of online and mobile sports gambling on Nov. 23, 2022. How did they manage to overcome all the challenges and achieve this milestone?

Let’s take a closer look at the history of sports betting in Maryland.

2022: Online sports betting launches

Retail wagering was already established, but the focus now shifted to advancing mobile sports betting. However, progress was hindered by language in the bill that prioritized the involvement of minorities and women in the state’s betting sector, making a swift implementation unlikely.

SWARC initiated a disparity study in March, a crucial milestone in the path towards introducing online betting by the year’s end. In August, the first non-casino retail sportsbook in the state opened its doors, following a partnership between BetRivers and Bingo World.

Director John Martin of the Lottery and Gaming Control Agency expressed his optimism for the launch of online sportsbooks before the end of 2022, with up to 60 mobile licenses expected to be available in the state. Shortly after, the Maryland SWARC announced that mobile sports betting licenses would be awarded incrementally.

DraftKings underscoreG was the initial approval, providing an early sign-up promotion of $200 in free bets. Greenmount Station, in partnership with Parx, joined seven other Maryland organizations in offering retail sports betting in October. On November 1, GeoComply received a Tier One Contractor license for its geolocation and ID verification services, signaling progress towards a mobile launch.

The Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission granted 10 mobile sports betting licenses to sportsbooks including Barstool, Betfred, BetMGM, betPARX, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, and PointsBet on Wednesday, November 16th.

After completing a final round of regulatory testing on Friday, November 18, it was confirmed that online and mobile sports betting would be officially launched on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, just in time for an exciting Thanksgiving NFL lineup.

Greenmount OTB LLC, Long Shot’s LLC, and Maryland Stadium Sub LLC (Washington Commanders) were not prepared for opening day, but they were able to launch shortly thereafter.

2021: Retail sports betting launches

The latest Maryland sports betting legislation, known as Bill HB 940, saw significant advancements in the beginning of the year. It was approved by both the House and the Senate with strong support in April, and Governor Hogan signed it into law in May. In a few months, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency unveiled its initial guidelines and regulations.

As regulations and licensing details were being finalized, sportsbooks started entering into partnership agreements. Caesars struck a deal with the Baltimore Ravens and was among five operators teaming up with casinos that had secured sports betting licenses in November.

Governor Hogan made history by placing the inaugural sports bet at MGM National Harbor on December 9, marking the start of retail sports betting in the state. Within two weeks, four additional casinos followed suit.

2020: Bill inches closer to approval

Lawmakers from both parties were optimistic about the legalization of sports betting in 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing a shortened legislative session, a comprehensive bill was abandoned in favor of a more limited one.

After the November referendum, voters approved sports betting, designating the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Commission as the state’s regulatory agency for the activity. However, despite the referendum’s passage, there was still a significant amount of work to be done.

2019: No referendum? No bill

Maryland had planned to act swiftly following the Supreme Court’s repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), but was unable to pass a sports betting bill before the conclusion of the 2018 legislative session. Lawmakers began working diligently in early 2019 to push through a bill (HB 1132) that would permit horse racing licensees and VLT operators to provide sports betting services.

The bill was considered a way to bypass Maryland law, which required any changes related to the legalization of sports betting to be approved by a voter referendum. This requirement was confirmed by the attorney general’s office, leading to the bill being postponed until the next year.

Responsible Maryland sports betting

Maryland has a distinctive method for regulating sports betting in comparison to other states. It involves two separate entities: the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, which serves as the main governing body, and the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission, which is responsible for reviewing applications and issuing licenses. The introduction of the SWARC as part of the regulatory process aims to improve the thoroughness of application evaluations and promote diversity and inclusion among potential license holders.

The SWARC enables the MLGA to closely monitor operators and products by conducting regular audits of sports betting sites and apps. They enforce laws and issue fines to operators who operate outside of regulations. Maryland’s sports betting industry is expected to become more competitive in the future, with potentially up to 60 online and 30 brick-and-mortar licenses up for grabs.

Mobile sports betting operators are required to pay a $500,000 application fee and a $1,500,000 license fee. Both retail and online sportsbooks are subject to a 15% tax rate, which helps Maryland generate revenue and support various programs throughout the state, such as those aimed at preventing and treating problem gambling. For more information and resources, visit the Maryland Alliance for Responsible Gambling.

Call 1-800-GAMBLER for the National U.S. gambling helpline.

Underscoregs to avoid in Maryland

Maryland sports bettors may be enticed to sign up with offshore sportsbooks, which are not regulated by the state. This puts bettors at risk of experiencing detrimental consequences, such as having their personal and financial data compromised in data breaches and not receiving their rightful winnings.

With the legalization of sports gambling in Maryland, it is now much safer to sign up with a licensed and reputable online sportsbook. State regulators closely monitor all operators to ensure they provide customers with top-notch user experience, customer support, and security.

Growth of sports betting 📈

The repeal of PASPA by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 led to a surge in legal sports betting growth in the United States. Nearly thirty states have now legalized various forms of sports betting, with common regulations including the authorization of online sportsbooks and mobile betting applications. Explore our legal sports betting tracker for detailed information on any state of your choice.

In the last two years, states such as Ohio and Massachusetts have seen major success with the launch of online betting platforms. This has not only provided sports fans with a new way to connect with their favorite teams, but has also generated a significant amount of revenue for the states through licensing fees and taxes.

Legal North Carolina sports betting officially launched on March 11, 2024, introducing eight top sportsbooks to the Tar Heel state. With major events such as the Copa America and Euro 2024 soccer tournaments taking place throughout the summer, the thrill and possibilities for sports betting fans are on the rise.