Maryland

Not only is sports betting legal in Maryland, but the Old Line State has the potential to hold the record for the most online and retail sportsbooks available in one state. As it stands right now, bettors have their choice of 12 online sportsbooks, with plenty more licenses available.

There aren’t many restrictions on sports betting in the Old Line State. Residents are fully allowed to wager on in-state colleges and all professional sports. While there are plenty of sportsbooks to choose from, if a resident prefers to stick with daily fantasy sports, they can find an excellent range of DFS apps in the state, thanks to HB 940, which legalized them in 2021.

Over the years, daily fantasy sports apps made available in Maryland include OwnersBox, Underdog, FanDuel DFS, DraftKings DFS, and plenty more.

Aside from horse racing being legal, residents also have the option to wager on eSports, which is not available in a lot of states. This means only politics and entertainment events are off-limits to bet on in MD.

Online sports betting in The Old Line State

When legal sports betting was on the 2020 ballot, Maryland voters decided to vote in favor of it. As a result, after the state decided to expand the number of licenses it could offer at one time, Governor Lawrence J. Hogan Jr. signed HB 940 into law in May 2021.

Despite the state's sports betting bill being passed and retail sports betting going live in 2021, online sports betting did not go live in MD until November 23, 2022. Once the bill was passed, the Sports Wagering Application and Review Commission (SWARC) had its hands full when handing out retail licenses, so mobile betting licenses were put on the back burner for an extended period.

It wasn’t until September 2022 that SWARC set a deadline for initial applications for an online operator license in the state. They decided to review and award licenses as they came in to speed up the process of launching mobile betting. By the time early November rolled around, SWARC was able to hand out ten licenses to mobile operators.

These licenses were eventually handed out to some of the most prominent operators in the market, including BetMGM, FanDuel, PointsBet, Barstool Sportsbook (at the time), and more. Once the licenses were handed out, residents did not need to wait long until online sports betting was live.

With the initial licenses issued in 2022, the state has seen continued movement in and out of the market as sportsbooks like Crab Sports and betPARX became available to bettors in 2023, Bally Bet and LetsBetMD in 2024, and Bet365 and TheScore Bet during 2025. Plenty more licenses are available in MD, so residents could have even more variety in the coming years.

All legal MD sports betting apps in 2026 (from newest to oldest):

Recently Closed Online Sportsbooks

Top MD betting apps in terms of popularity

As of February 2026, FanDuel and DraftKings remain the dominant players in Maryland's online sports betting market in 2026, jointly capturing 71.92% of all wagers — with FanDuel at 40.62% and DraftKings at 31.30%. While DraftKings' share held nearly steady compared to its 2025 figure (31.12%), FanDuel's share declined from 42.75%, signaling a modest year-on-year redistribution of market share. However, looking at the bigger picture, FanDuel has seen a drop of over 5 percentage points in the MD betting market over the past two years, with its market share in 2024 still standing at 45.7%.

Fanatics Sportsbook has been one of the standout gainers in MD, increasing its share from 4.02% in 2024 to 6.55% in 2025 and 6.73% in 2026 — a growth of over 2.5 percentage points in just a few years. This surge positions Fanatics as a rising contender among mid-tier operators. In addition, the August 2025-launched Bet365 is something to keep an eye on as it leapfrogged all the way to the TOP3 in just its first full month with a 7.34% market share, and claimed a 2.3% share from MD in 2025 despite being operational in the state for less than half a calendar year. In 2026, Bet365 already takes in 5.31% of all mobile bets placed in Maryland.

Conversely, ESPN Bet, now TheScore Bet, has experienced a notable decline, falling from 4.22% in 2024 to 2.60% in 2025 and 2.30% in 2026, likely losing ground due to intensifying competition. The rise of Fanatics Sportsbook and Bet365 has also chipped away at BetMGM's and Caesars' positions within the MD betting market. BetMGM held an 8.05% share in 2025 but declined to 7.59% in 2026, while Caesars moved from 4.28% to 3.86% in the same timeframe. None of these drops, though, compare the FanDuel's situation, which has faced the largest share losses in absolute terms due to its dominant position.

Overall, while the Maryland market remains top-heavy, competition among secondary brands is becoming more pronounced. Market dynamics indicate a slow but noticeable fragmentation below the duopoly of FanDuel and DraftKings.

Sports betting & gambling legislation in MD

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency has established the legal sports betting age in Maryland at 21. This age requirement applies to both online and retail wagers. Remote registration for the state's extensive selection of sports betting apps is available; however, it is crucial that bettors are located within state lines when attempting to place a bet using those apps.

Gambling winnings in Maryland are subject to a tax, but that tax rate will vary between 2% and 5.75% depending on the individual's tax bracket. Those figures are strictly for state tax, as all winnings are also subject to the standard 24% federal tax on winnings.

With local professional sports teams fully intertwined into the sports betting web, the only thing left for the state to discuss is the legality of iGaming. These discussions look to be happening sooner rather than later, with Senator Ron Watson likely to push iGaming legislation during 2024 legislative sessions. Since the lottery is legal in the state, the only two gambling-related products that could be added to the state market are online casinos and online poker.

Betting on Maryland’s competitive sailing regattas

Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay hosts the most prestigious sailing regattas in the country, drawing elite sailors, skilled amateurs, and boating enthusiasts from around the globe. With events like the Annapolis-to-Newport Race and the Governor’s Cup, competitive sailing already carries an air of excitement and tradition, but could it also become a betting market?

Sailing races have all the ingredients for a premier betting market: speed, skill, unpredictable weather, and fierce competition. While traditional sports betting in Maryland is already gaining traction, expanding into sailing events could open a new niche for sailing fanatics and gamblers alike. Bettors could place wagers on factors such as race winners, fastest segments, total completion times, and more, just as they would for other sports that involve racing. 

Of course, like with most novelty markets, regulatory challenges remain. Unlike horse racing or team sports, regatta betting would require oversight from both the state and sailing organizations. The motivation to pass gambling regulations for the sport may be low at the moment, but ff legalized, it could bring new sponsorship opportunities and revenue to Maryland’s historic sailing culture while attracting a fresh wave of fans to the sport.

Could Maryland’s “Blue Crab Derby” become a betting sensation?

Maryland’s Blue Crab Derby is already a quirky and beloved event where spectators cheer on feisty crabs as they shimmy toward the finish line. But could this unique tradition transform into a premier betting attraction? With sports betting gaining popularity, wagering on crab races could create a novelty market similar to horse racing—just with animals that are a bit more dangerous to pet.

Bettors could place wagers on crab speed, crab trifectas, or lane assignments. Casinos or sportsbooks could potentially sponsor races, offering live-streamed races where gamblers could wager from all over the country. Of course, regulations and ethical concerns make this concept a gambling pipe dream, but with the right setup, the Blue Crab Derby could become Maryland’s premier betting spectacle, blending local culture with the thrill of gambling.

Most recent updates from the MD sports betting scene

• January 2, 2026: To make the playoffs, the Baltimore Ravens will need to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18 to win the AFC North. The Ravens are listed as (-3.5) road favorites for the matchup.

• December 10, 2025: The Baltimore Orioles have signed Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million deal. The Orioles are (+220) to win the World Series.

• December 4, 2025: Sitting with the same record, the Baltimore Ravens will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14. The Ravens are favored by (-5.5).

• November 25, 2025: The Baltimore Ravens will return to action on a short week, as they will host the Bengals on Thanksgiving as (-7) favorites.

• November 18, 2025: Riding a four-game win streak, the Baltimore Ravens are set to return home to host the New York Jets as (-13.5) favorites.

• November 3, 2025: Looking to win their third consecutive game, the Baltimore Ravens will go on the road in Week Ten to play the Vikings as (-3.5) favorites.

• October 28, 2025: Following their win over the Bears, the Baltimore Ravens have snapped their losing streak. Baltimore is expected to have Lamar Jackson back for their Thursday Night Football matchup with the Dolphins. The Ravens are (-7.5) road favorites for the matchup.

• October 22, 2025: Lamar Jackson has returned to practice, but his status for the Ravens game against the Bears in Week Eight is still up in the air. Baltimore is favored by (-6.5).

In-person sports betting sites and locations

Currently, there are 13 retail sports betting locations in Maryland. However, the state sports betting bill allows 47 retail sportsbook licenses to be handed out. While that number is not close to being reached, residents still have an excellent range of retail options, including casinos, professional stadiums, and racetracks.

Some notable partnerships between operators and retail locations include Fanatics Sportsbook and FedEx Field (home of the Washington Commanders), Caesars Sportsbook and the Horseshoe Baltimore Casino, and Parx with the Green Turtle restaurant.

“Old Bay vs. No Old Bay”: Stadium snack wagering that could spice up Maryland’s betting scene

In Maryland, Old Bay isn’t just a seasoning; it’s practically a cultural identity. So why not bring that spicy state pride into the realm of novelty betting? During Orioles or Ravens home games, concession stands could feature a live fan taste-test showdown between two classic popcorn styles, one with Old Bay and one without. Attendees would cast their votes via a mobile app or in-stadium kiosks after sampling, while bettors could wager in real-time on which flavor would be determined as the winner.

With simple options and results determined by real-time polling, this could be one of the lowest-stakes, high-engagement prop bets available across the country. Adding bonus markets like “fan vote total by inning” only increases the novelty value.

If Maryland’s gaming laws were changed to permit limited wagering linked to in-stadium events, even playful contests like this could generate thousands in seasonal handle. Capturing just 0.01% of Maryland’s multi-billion-dollar betting market through snack-based props could still represent tens of thousands in new wagers and valuable tax revenue. It could also appeal to a group of bettors who may not be as interested in wagering on the game in front of them. 

In short, betting on flavor preference may sound far-fetched, but it directly taps into Maryland’s culinary culture.

Inner Harbor duck boat derbies: Turning tourist rides into gamified attractions

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor offers plenty of highly entertaining tourist activities. One of which could become home to one of the quirkiest fantasy leagues in the nation: Duck Boat Derbies. This novelty market would allow players to bet on duck boat participants to see who can go through a given track the fastest. 

Not only could this breathe new life into the city's tourism scene, but it also opens the door for sportsbooks or novelty apps to offer low-stakes bets tied to real-time harbor action. With thousands of visitors every summer, even modest engagement in these races and markets could generate tens of thousands in seasonal handle. It's part sightseeing, part competition, and totally Baltimore.

Sports betting in neighboring states

Maryland is part of a strong group of northeastern states that have legalized sports betting. Residents of Maryland could venture into any of their surrounding states and still be able to find some form of sports betting, no matter which direction they went.

You can read up on the specific laws and sportsbooks that operate in Maryland’s surrounding states by clicking on them below.

Sports betting revenue impact on Maryland's economy

Maryland is the place to be if you want variety in the online sports betting market. While there are 13 online operators currently active in the state, the state allows up to 60 online licenses to be active. For retail betting, the number of licenses that could be handed out rises to 107.

The Sports Wagering Application and Review Commission is the official group that reviews and issues these licenses when they are applied for. Depending on the license, the fee for operators can range from $50,000 to $2 million. The state has set the tax rate at 20% for mobile betting and 15% for retail sports wagering.

The state has performed well in terms of betting handle, revenue, and tax income with its current number of operators, and Maryland has posted impressive figures since sports betting became legal in late 2021. In the Old Line State's first full year of legalized sports betting, 2022, they achieved just under $1 billion in handle, nearly $150 million in revenue, and over $6 million in tax income.

In 2023, these same figures rose to $4.6 billion (handle), $514 million (revenue), and $46 million (tax income), and a year later, all these annual high marks were already crossed in October 2024, leading MD betting market to grow year-over-year 28.7% in terms of betting volume, 23.7% in revenue, and 78.3% in tax income. While this pace settled down a bit in 2025, Maryland still posted clear double-digit YoY growth across the board, with betting handle up 11.9% from 2024, revenue up 24.8%, and tax income up 47%.

If such a trend continues, 2026 will be another profitable year for both the state and legal ME betting operators.

Maryland sports betting record months:

• Sports betting handle: October 2025 ($736,610,585)

• Revenue: November 2025 ($97,285,184)

• Tax income: November 2025 ($19,012,033)

• Biggest monthly mobile handle to date by a single MD sportsbook app:

  • FanDuel (Oct. 2025): $317.2M

• Biggest recorded monthly revenue from online wagering:

  • FanDuel (Nov. 2025): $47.2M

Latest MD sports betting revenue report breakdown (January 2026)

• Total betting handle: $615,845,563

  • Mobile betting handle: $604,711,664

  • Retail betting handle: $11,133,898

• Winnings paid to players: $539,131,478

  • Hold: 12.46%

• Gross revenue: $76,714,084

  • Adjusted (taxable) revenue: $54,862,717

• Tax revenue for the state: $10,928,540

  • Tax share from mobile sports betting: $10,796,528

  • Tax share from retail wagering: $132,011

Reported by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming.

What did MD bettors wager the most in Jan. 2026?

1. NBA / Pro basketball ($124.9m placed bets)

2. NFL / Pro football ($74.2m)

3. College basketball ($36.9m)

4. Tennis ($36.4m)

5. College football ($12.8m)

6. Hockey ($12.5m)

7. Soccer ($2.2m)

8. Golf ($1.7m)

9. MLB / Pro baseball ($168,182)

10. Motor sports ($13,038)

11. All other sports ($62.0m)

    • Total amount of parlay bets: $233.1m

Top performing sportsbook apps in the state in January 2026:

1. FanDuel (Live! Casino)

   • Handle: $245.6m, Adjusted revenue: $24.1m

2. DraftKings

   • Handle: $189.3m, Revenue: $17.7m

3. BetMGM

   • Handle: $45.9m, Revenue: $2.5m

4. Fanatics (Maryland Stadium)

   • Handle: $40.7m, Revenue: $4.6m

5. Bet365 (Riverboat on the Potomac)

   • Handle: $32.1m, Revenue: $2.0m

6. Caesars

   • Handle: $23.3m, Revenue: $1.6m

7. ESPN Bet / TheScore Bet (Hollywood Casino)

   • Handle: $13.9m, Revenue: $650,983

8. BetRivers (Bingo World)

   • Handle: $8.8m, Revenue: $497,335

9. Bally Bet

   • Handle: $2.7m, Revenue: $195,192

10. LetsBetMD (Veterans Services)

    • Handle: $955,396, Revenue: $53,750

11. BetPARX (Greenmount)

    • Handle: $947,385, Revenue: $96,513

12. Crab Sports

    • Handle: $437,150, Revenue: $10,535

The current MD mobile sportsbook apps market shares - January 2026

Maryland online sports betting market shares in 2025

Maryland online sports betting market shares - For the full 2024

Recent revenue report data - Compared to the previous year (YoY)

MD sports betting revenue in 2026

You can check below how the Maryland sports betting scene has evolved, or declined, by the numbers in the 2026 calendar year. We've gathered the monthly total handle, revenue, and tax income data in the following table, showing how such figures have changed compared to the previous month (bracketed percentage).

2025 betting revenue data

2024 revenue data

Yearly revenue totals

Betting on local oyster shucking competitions: Precision meets profits

At Maryland’s infamous oyster festivals, such as those in St. Mary’s County or the U.S. Oyster Festival in Leonardtown, shucking isn’t just a skill; it’s a different type of art form. With timed heats, structured judging, and plenty of attendees, these competitions could be primed for a debut into novelty betting markets. Bettors could place wagers on markets that include the fastest shuckers, the number of unbroken oysters, and more.

If local or even well-known licensed sportsbooks introduced prop bets for oyster competitions, it could open the door to new revenue streams during coastal festival seasons. For example, if just 0.1% of Maryland’s $4.5 billion+ annual betting handle came from oyster-related wagers, that would mean $4.5 million in additional bets, in turn, translating to around $900,000 in new tax revenue at the state’s 20% tax rate.