Best Maryland Online Casinos: What's Legal in 2026?
Peyton PowellSocial Casino Analyst
Updated July 22, 2026
Updated July 22, 2026
Online casinos are not currently legal in Maryland. While the state permits retail casino gambling and regulated online sports betting, real-money online casino gaming has not yet been authorized.
Some Maryland residents choose to use sweepstakes casino platforms instead. These sites operate under promotional sweepstakes frameworks and use virtual currencies rather than direct cash wagering. This guide explains what’s legal in Maryland and outlines the available alternatives.
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The short answer? No. Online casinos are not legal in Maryland.
It’s true that big-name brands like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and others have all been licensed to offer online sports betting in the state. And yes, many of those same brands offer online casino gambling in other parts of the country.
But in Maryland, those companies are not allowed to offer online slots, table games, or any other iGaming products. That’s because Maryland law simply doesn’t allow it (at least not yet).
Under MD Criminal Law Code § 12-103, the state makes it clear:
“For money or any other thing or consideration of value, a person may not
(1) bet, wager, or gamble; or
(2) play any other gaming device.”
The law doesn’t mention “online” specifically. But that’s because it was written long before internet gambling existed. These days, it’s interpreted broadly enough to include online casinos.
A violation of this section is considered a civil offense, not a criminal one, but it can still result in a fine of up to $1,000.
The penalties are much harsher for anyone running or promoting an illegal gambling operation. Under MD Criminal Law Code § 12-102:
“A person may not make or sell a book or pool on the result of a race, contest, or contingency.”
That word “contingency” covers any event based on chance — which would include things like online slots, roulette, or blackjack. Violating this section is a misdemeanor and can lead to up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
Finally, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) has made the state’s stance perfectly clear on its own website:
“Sports wagering via licensed operators and online fantasy competitions offered by registered operators are the only legal online gaming options in Maryland. No other forms of real-money online or mobile gaming are operating legally in Maryland.”
On their website, the MLGCA has even published a list of companies that've received cease-and-desist orders from them for violating those rules. So, while Maryland has legalized online sports betting and daily fantasy contests (more on that later), real-money online casinos are still off-limits.
That could change in the next few years, though. Lawmakers have already started taking real steps toward legalization. One of the most active voices in the effort has been Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary, who’s pushed multiple times to get an online casino bill on the table.
She prefiled House Bill 17 in October 2024 for the 2025 legislative session. It followed her earlier bill, HB 1319, which was introduced in 2024 but didn’t advance.
Here’s what HB 17 set out to do:
The bill was assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee, where lawmakers held a four-hour hearing in February 2025.
Supporters and opponents both weighed in — discussing everything from projected tax revenue and job creation to addiction concerns and the potential impact on local communities.
In the end, the bill didn’t move forward. HB 17 missed the crossover deadline, meaning it didn’t pass the House in time to reach the Senate. In legislative terms, it died in committee for the 2025 session.
Even if it had made it further, Maryland law requires a constitutional amendment for any gambling expansion. That means voters would still have to approve the idea through a statewide referendum, giving Marylanders the final say at the ballot box in November.
With HB 17 off the table, the next real push to legalize online casinos in Maryland probably won’t happen until 2026, when lawmakers can introduce a new version of the bill.
Maryland doesn’t have any licensed online casinos yet. So if you’re looking to play online, you really only have two choices: offshore casinos or sweepstakes casinos. Both let you play games from home, but there are many differences between the two.
Some Maryland residents may come across offshore gambling websites. These operators are typically based outside the United States, often in jurisdictions such as Curaçao or Panama, and may accept U.S. players.
However, these sites are not licensed or regulated by Maryland authorities. Because they operate outside U.S. regulatory oversight, players generally do not have the same consumer protections available through state-regulated gambling markets.
Common concerns with offshore platforms include delayed withdrawals, limited dispute resolution options, unclear terms and conditions, and inconsistent customer support. If a payment issue arises, there is typically no U.S. regulator to contact for assistance.
For these reasons, ATS.io does not recommend using offshore gambling sites. Players should understand the potential risks before registering with any unregulated operator.
Another option some Maryland residents explore is social or sweepstakes casino platforms. These sites do not operate as traditional real-money online casinos. Instead, they use a dual-currency model:
Because these platforms operate under promotional sweepstakes frameworks rather than state gambling law, they have been accessible in Maryland and other states where real-money online casino gaming has not been authorized.
That said, regulatory scrutiny around sweepstakes-style gaming has increased in Maryland. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) has issued cease-and-desist notices to certain operators in the past.
In 2025, legislation (SB 860) was introduced that would have restricted sweepstakes casino activity in Maryland. The bill did not advance beyond committee, though some operators chose to suspend access in the state during that period.
As of 2026, several sweepstakes casino platforms remain accessible to Maryland residents. However, availability and policies may change depending on future regulatory developments.
Best MD Online Casinos | No Deposit Bonus | First Purchase Bonus | Number of Games | Min. Redemption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
WOW Vegas | 250,000 WC + 5.00 SC | 1.5 Million WC for $9.99 + 30 free SC | 2,000+ | 25 SC |
Crown Coins | 100,000 CC + 2.00 SC | 900K CC for $14.99 + 45 free SC | 500+ | 50 SC |
RealPrize | 100,000 GC + 2.00 SC | 350K GC for $35.00 + 70 free SC | 700+ | 45 SC |
The Money Factory | 15,000 GC + 3.00 SC | 32K GC for $7.99 + 32 free SC | 1,000+ | 100 SC |
Fortune Wheelz | 250,000 GC | 600K Gold Coins for $29.99 + 6K free FC | 900+ | 25 SC |
250K WOW Coins + 5 Sweeps Coins
Click To Claim
WOW Vegas is one of the sweepstakes casino platforms currently accessible to Maryland residents. It offers a large game library, including more than 1,000 slot titles from providers such as NetEnt, BGaming, and 3 Oaks.
In addition to slots, the platform features live dealer games like Grand Bonus Blackjack, Gravity Roulette, and Lightning Dice. Other categories may include keno, scratch cards, crash games, and fish shooter titles.
For a full breakdown of features, promotions, and eligibility requirements, see our detailed WOW Vegas review.
200% Match on 1st Purchase + 2 FREE SC at Sign Up
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Crown Coins is another sweepstakes casino platform available to Maryland residents. It offers more than 500 slot titles, along with rotating promotions tied to both Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins.
One area where the platform tends to stand out is its redemption process. After completing identity verification, many redemptions are processed within one business day, though timing can vary based on the payment method and account details.
The site runs directly in your mobile browser, so you can access the full game library from a phone or tablet without needing to download a separate app. For a closer look at bonus terms, redemption requirements, and overall features, see our full Crown Coins review.
100K Gold Coins + 2 Sweeps Coins
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For Maryland players who prefer app-based access, RealPrize is built with mobile usability in mind. The platform offers a dedicated app through both the App Store and Google Play, alongside its standard browser version.
The game library includes roughly 700 slot titles, a range of live dealer tables, and several niche categories that aren’t always available on other sweepstakes platforms. Games are organized clearly by type, making it easy to switch between slots, table games, and specialty options.
A full overview of gameplay, bonuses, and eligibility details is available in our in-depth RealPrize review.
15,000 Gold Coins & 3 Sweeps Coins
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The Money Factory places a strong emphasis on live dealer gaming, offering one of the more extensive live game selections among sweepstakes platforms available to Maryland players.
The lineup includes multiple blackjack variations such as Gravity Blackjack, Speed Blackjack, and Grand Bonus Blackjack, along with several live roulette tables like Royal Roulette, Live French Roulette, and Roulette Lite.
In addition to traditional table game formats, the platform features specialty live dealer games like Dream Catcher, Crash Live, Marble Race, Stock Market, and Mega Ball. You can learn more about games and other features in our full Money Factory Casino review.
250K Gold Coins for Registration + 100% SALE on 1ST PURCHASE
ATSBONUS
Fortune Wheelz is a Maryland sweepstakes casino that leans heavily into recurring promotions and loyalty rewards. Players can claim daily login bonuses, weekly coin-back offers, and referral incentives tied to new account signups.
The platform also runs a tiered VIP program, with additional perks unlocked as players move through different levels.
Slot tournaments are held regularly, with leaderboard prizes awarded in Sweeps Coins. For players who value steady promotional activity rather than a single large welcome offer, Fortune Wheelz emphasizes that ongoing bonus structure.
A full breakdown of its features and promotional details is available in our Fortune Wheelz review.
Social and sweepstakes casinos offer all the same games you'd find at a real-money online casino (and sometimes even more). Here’s a quick look at what to expect.
Tons of options here: Classic three-reel setups. Modern five-reel video slots. Bonus games. Progressive jackpots. You name it.
All the usual stuff is covered: blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps. Most Maryland online casino sites will mix in a couple of extra versions too, like European roulette or multi-hand blackjack.
If you’re into poker but don’t want to deal with other players, video poker games are a good middle ground. Jacks or Better and Bonus Poker are two of the most popular versions you'll see at MD online casinos.
Some online sweepstakes casinos in Maryland now offer real-time blackjack or roulette with an actual human dealer on the screen. It’s a nice way to mix things up if regular digital tables feel a bit flat.
This is where things get kind of fun and weird. Think bingo, crash games, scratch-offs, Plinko, keno, even fish shooting games.
One thing you’ll notice about Maryland online casinos that use a sweepstakes model? They always give you something for free.
Seriously. Just about every single site hands out a no-deposit bonus to new players. No payment needed. No credit card. Just sign up and it’s yours.
You might be wondering why they all do that. I mean, most real-money online casinos don't. So what gives?
Simple. For a sweepstakes contest to stay legal, there has to be a free way to enter. That’s the rule. So these Maryland online casino sites offer free play credits (usually in the form of Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins) right off the bat.
You can see some of the best current no-deposit offers in the table below.
🎰 MD Online Casino | 🎁 No Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
RealPrize | |
Crown Coins | |
LuckyLand Slots | |
Moonspin | |
WOW Vegas | |
The Money Factory | |
Chumba Casino | |
Dara Casino |
*Note: All of these Maryland online casino bonuses come with 1x wagering requirements before they can be redeemed.
Looking for even more deals? Head over to our full breakdown of Maryland online casino no-deposit bonuses. It’s got everything you need and then some.
You can’t make traditional deposits and withdrawals at Maryland sweepstakes casinos. It just doesn’t work that way.
Instead, you buy Gold Coin packages. And each one comes with free Sweeps Coins. For every $1 you spend, you typically get 1.00 SC. Then, when you win enough Sweeps Coins? You can redeem them for cash or (in some cases) gift cards.
So yeah, things work a little differently than they do at regular online casinos. But the payment methods are still pretty much the same. Here’s what to expect:
Most social casinos in Maryland accept major cards like Visa and Mastercard. Just enter your info like you would for any online purchase.
Some platforms let you link a bank account for purchases or prize redemptions. It might take a few days to process, but it’s safe and familiar.
A few Maryland casino sites support PayPal or Skrill. These are quick, easy to use, and good for players who don’t want to enter card or bank info directly.
Not super common, but a handful of sweepstakes casinos in Maryland now accept Bitcoin or other crypto for buying Gold Coin packages. Redemptions are usually quicker this way, too.
Want to play some online casino games in Maryland? And hopefully win some money doing it? Just follow these five simple steps:
Remember: there aren’t any legal online casinos in Maryland that offer real-money gambling. So for now? Your best option is sweepstakes casinos and social casinos. Pick one that accepts Maryland players and has a solid welcome bonus for its new customers.
Head to the casino’s website. Or app, if they have one. Give them your email address, choose a password, and you’re done. The whole thing takes less than a minute.
You’ll then instantly get some free Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins just for signing up as a new user.
You’ll also have the option to make a deposit (or a “purchase,” as sweepstakes casinos like to call it). Most Maryland casino sites offer a 100%, 200%, or even 300% match on your first one. But it’s not required. Totally up to you whether it's worth it or not.
Play online slots, blackjack, roulette, whatever you’re into. Then, just reach the casino's minimum redemption threshold (usually 10-100 SC), and cash out your Sweeps Coins for real money prizes.
Real-money online casinos are currently illegal in Maryland. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few other ways you can gamble on your phone or computer. Let’s take a look at a few options that are allowed in Maryland (as well as a few that are not).
Type of Online Gambling | Is It Legal in Maryland? ✅ | Legal Gambling Age 🔞 |
|---|---|---|
🎲 Casinos | No | N/A |
♠️ Poker | No | N/A |
🏈 Sports Betting | Yes | 21+ |
🏇 Horse Race Betting | Yes | 18+ |
🏀 Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes | 18+ |
🎟️ Lottery Games | No | N/A |
Maryland online sports betting first launched in November 2022. This was after MD voters approved it in November 2020 and Gov. Larry Hogan signed the Sports Wagering Act (HB 940) into law the following spring.
There are currently about a dozen active, legal sportsbooks in Maryland, including all the big names like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and ESPN BET. You can wager on professional and college sports, props, parlays, and more, all on your phone or laptop.
Maryland also allows pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing. The Maryland Racing Commission oversees all aspects of betting and racetrack operations in the Old Line State.
Players can wager in person at Laurel Park or Pimlico Race Course, or they can bet online via licensed apps like TwinSpires, FanDuel Racing, and TVG.
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests have been legal in Maryland since 2012.
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency is in charge of regulating the DFS industry, and players can enter paid contests via DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog Fantasy, and other approved operators.
You can’t purchase lottery tickets online in Maryland (yet), unfortunately. But you can create digital playslips, called ePlayslips, on the official Maryland Lottery app and then scan the barcode at a retailer.
Players can also subscribe to draw games like Mega Millions, Powerball, and Multi-Match via the My Lottery Rewards program. You’ll still have to mail your form and payment to get started, though.
Curious how Maryland compares with surrounding states in terms of legal online gambling options? Here’s a quick breakdown:
🗺️ State | 🎰 Online Casinos | ♠️ Online Poker | 🏈 Online Sports Betting |
|---|---|---|---|
Maryland | ❌ Not Legal | ❌ Not Legal | ✅ Legal |
✅ Legal | ✅ Legal | ✅ Legal | |
✅ Legal | ✅ Legal | ✅ Legal | |
✅ Legal | ✅ Legal | ✅ Legal | |
✅ Legal | ✅ Legal | ✅ Legal | |
❌ Not Legal | ❌ Not Legal | ✅ Legal | |
❌ Not Legal | ❌ Not Legal | ✅ Legal | |
❌ Not Legal | ❌ Not Legal | ✅ Legal | |
❌ Not Legal | ❌ Not Legal | ✅ Legal | |
❌ Not Legal | ❌ Not Legal | ✅ Legal | |
❌ Not Legal | ❌ Not Legal | ✅ Legal |
As the table above shows, online sports betting is already up and running in most of the region, including Maryland. Online casinos and online poker sites are where the differences begin to show.
Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia have all passed laws legalizing both. So if you’re a Maryland resident who likes to play those kinds of games, that’s probably a bit disappointing to hear.
On the bright side, though, the iGaming operations in those nearby states have proven just how lucrative and easy to regulate they can be. That should put a little extra pressure on Maryland lawmakers to legalize them sooner rather than later.
If you’d rather gamble in person, Maryland makes that easy enough. Back in 2008, voters approved a referendum that brought slot machines to five locations across the state. It was the first real step toward casino gaming here.
Then, a few years later (in 2012), Maryland residents pushed things further. They voted to let the casinos add table games like blackjack, roulette, and craps to the mix. It also cleared the way for a sixth casino to open.
Now, there are six casinos spread throughout Maryland. All are licensed and regulated by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. Anyone 21 or older can play, and the options cover just about everything (from rows of slot machines to live table games, poker rooms, and retail sports betting).
Here’s the complete list of Maryland’s brick-and-mortar casinos:
🎰 Maryland Casino | 📍 Location | 🗓️ Opening Date |
|---|---|---|
Hollywood Casino Perryville | Perryville, MD | September 2010 |
Horseshoe Casino Baltimore | Baltimore, MD | August 2014 |
Live! Casino & Hotel | Hanover, MD | June 2012 |
MGM National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD | December 2016 |
Ocean Downs Casino | Berlin, MD | January 2011 |
Rocky Gap Casino Resort | Flintstone, MD | May 2013 |
MGM National Harbor sits right on the Potomac, just a few minutes outside D.C. It’s a massive place: bright, loud, and packed most nights. There are over 2,200 slots, from one-cent spins to high-limit machines for serious players.
The tables stay busy too, with blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, and a bunch of poker-style games like Ultimate Texas Hold’em and Three Card Poker. Upstairs, the poker room has 50 tables running cash games day and night, plus daily tournaments that draw a pretty good crowd.
Horseshoe Casino sits downtown, a few blocks from Camden Yards. It’s a big place (there's about 122,000 square feet of gaming space). You’ll see more than 1,600 slot machines, including some in the high-limit room that go up to $500 a spin.
There are close to a hundred table games, plenty of video poker machines, and a few dozen electronic tables mixed in. The casino also has a Caesars Sportsbook (for retail sports betting) and a 23-table WSOP Poker Room.
This was Maryland’s first casino to open, and it’s still going strong. The gaming facility's got around 800 slot machines and a handful of table games: Blackjack. Craps. Roulette. And plenty more.
There’s also a poker room that opens every morning at 10:00 AM. One extra perk? You can get a credit line here with no interest or fees.
Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland is in Hanover, right by Arundel Mills. It’s huge (the biggest casino in the state) with over 4,000 slot machines and 200+ table games packed inside.
You’ll also find a FanDuel Sportsbook on site, and their betting kiosks run all day, every day. If you’re a regular, the Live! Rewards® Players Club is definitely worth checking out for special perks like comps and discounts.
Online gambling can be a lot of fun, but it can definitely turn into a problem if you're not careful. If you or someone you know needs help, here are some resources available in Maryland:
Will Maryland legalize online casino gambling? At this point, there is no confirmed timeline.
State lawmakers have introduced multiple iGaming proposals in recent years, including HB 17 and SB 340 in 2025. None have passed so far, but continued legislative activity suggests the issue remains under consideration.
Several neighboring states — including Delaware, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia — already operate regulated online casino markets.
New Jersey, which is also nearby, has one of the longest-running iGaming frameworks in the U.S. The performance of these markets, particularly in terms of tax revenue and regulatory oversight, may influence future discussions in Annapolis.
Maryland also already has a regulatory body in place. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) oversees retail casinos and online sports betting, meaning an administrative structure exists if lawmakers choose to expand into online casino regulation.
At the same time, concerns remain. Some stakeholders argue that online casino expansion could impact retail casino revenue, while others raise responsible gambling considerations. These factors have contributed to the slower pace of legislative progress.
For now, online casino legalization in Maryland remains a possibility rather than a certainty. Any change would require voter approval through a constitutional amendment before implementation.
Is online gambling legal in Maryland?
Yes and no. Online sportsbooks are allowed in Maryland. But real-money online casinos? Still off-limits.
Can you play online casinos in Maryland?
Yup... just not for real money. Your only legal options are social casinos and sweepstakes casinos. These platforms are legal since they don't offer online gambling, and they even give you a chance to win real cash prizes.
Can I use BetMGM Casino in Maryland?
Nope. BetMGM Casino isn’t available in Maryland because real-money online casino games aren’t legal here. You can use the BetMGM Sportsbook app though, since online sports gambling is allowed. And if you're looking to play casino games in person, MGM National Harbor has plenty of options.
Written by Peyton Powell, U.S. iGaming Expert & Industry Analyst
Peyton Powell covers U.S. sports betting, online casinos and daily fantasy sports, including app reviews, bonus term analysis, and state-by-state availability. His work focuses on explaining contest formats, promo mechanics, and key restrictions in plain language so readers can make informed decisions.