Where to bet on Sports in Maryland
Online sports betting in Maryland will be possible in the immediate future. There have been some delays because the approval process is complex, although Governor Larry Hogan signed a bill to make it legal back in May 2021.
Online sports betting in the state will be regulated by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA). However, the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission will issue licenses and review applications.
There was hope Maryland sports betting would become a fact in time for the football season this year, but the SWARC continued to accept applications until October. Then, they need about a month and a half to review those and distribute licenses.
In the future, up to 60 online sportsbooks can open in the Old Line State. The exact timeframe is unknown as the licensing process is rather cumbersome.
Best places to potentially bet on sports in Maryland
So far, almost two dozen operators have submitted applications. Some of them are:
- BetMGM Maryland Sports
- Arundel Amusements (Bingo World)
- Crown MD Online Gaming (DraftKings)
- Greenmount OTB
- CZR Maryland Mobile Opportunity
- Long Shot’s
- PENN Maryland OSB (Hollywood Casino Perryville)
- Maryland Stadium Sub (Washington Commanders)
- Riverboat on the Potomac
- PPE Maryland Mobile (partnership with FanDuel)
The biggest operators on the market have invested millions in promoting their launch even though mobile wagering is still illegal. They have introduced countless incentives to draw bettors’ attention to their apps, so they place wagers.
Maryland’s treasury is expecting to capitalize on the culmination of the college football season, the second half of the NFL season and the playoffs, and the NCAA men’s basketball tournament in March by introducing online betting now. It’s about to go live near the end of 2022.
Teams and sports to bet on
The leading in-state teams to bet on are the Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles. The Washington Commanders, the Wizards, the Nationals, and the Capital are all appealing options, given Maryland’s close proximity to Washington, DC.
In the US, the NFL is the league most often wagered on. The Commanders and the Ravens will attract a lot of viewers and funds at the online betting window quite soon.
You can bet on the NBA, MLB, and NHL in Maryland too. All of the above sportsbooks let you bet on these leagues in different ways. Basic bets include the total, moneyline, and spread. There are also props, live bets, futures, teasers, parlays, same-game parlays, etc.
Is it safe to use sports betting apps in Maryland?
The MLGCA will regulate legal sports betting apps and protect users’ interests. You can file a complaint with them if a dispute arises at a legal online sportsbook. Platforms have to comply with the standards set by the regulator when it comes to cash reserves on hand, fast withdrawals, and minimum digital security requirements.
If you use an offshore or an illegal sportsbook, you will enjoy none of these protections. Your financial and personal data is at risk because illicit operators don’t comply with any state regulations.
