Sports betting is legal and regulated in Maryland, with around a dozen licensed online sportsbook apps available statewide. These platforms allow users to place wagers on professional and collegiate sports through mobile apps or desktop sites, all operating under state gaming rules.
This guide reviews the best Maryland sports betting apps and legal sportsbooks available in 2026. It explains how sports betting works in the state, what to look for when comparing apps, and what bettors should know before creating an account or placing a wager.
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The sportsbook apps listed below are among the most commonly used options by Maryland bettors. While each platform is licensed to operate in the state, they differ in areas like app design, betting tools, available markets, and how withdrawals are handled.
The mini reviews that follow break down what each sportsbook offers and where those differences may matter, depending on how and what you like to bet on.
Caesars Sportsbook is a legal online sportsbook in Maryland and has been available since the state launched mobile sports betting in late 2022. It supports a wide range of betting options, including major professional sports, approved college markets, live betting, and common wager types such as parlays and player props.
The app is tied into the Caesars Rewards program, which may be useful for bettors who already use Caesars properties. On the downside, some bettors find the app navigation less streamlined than other sportsbooks, particularly for live betting. As with all sportsbooks, promotions and betting terms vary and should be reviewed before placing wagers.
BetRivers Sportsbook is a licensed online sportsbook in Maryland operated by Rush Street Interactive and launched with the state’s mobile betting rollout in late 2022. In Maryland, BetRivers is tied to a local retail presence through Bingo World in Baltimore, though most users place bets through the mobile app.
The sportsbook covers major professional leagues and approved college sports, with standard bet types such as spreads, totals, parlays, and live betting. BetRivers is often viewed as straightforward and easy to use, especially for bettors who prefer a simpler layout.
However, its betting markets and features may feel more limited compared with some larger national sportsbooks, particularly for niche props or advanced bet options.
BetMGM Sportsbook is operated by MGM Resorts and is one of the larger national betting brands available in Maryland. The platform is closely connected to MGM’s casino network, which shapes how its rewards program and promotions work compared to other sportsbooks.
BetMGM covers major professional leagues, approved college sports, and offers features like live betting, same-game parlays, and standard wager types. Its integration with the MGM Rewards program can be a plus for bettors who already use MGM casinos or travel to MGM properties.
However, some users report slower performance and less intuitive navigation in the app, which can make the experience feel less efficient than competing sportsbooks.
FanDuel is one of the most commonly used sportsbook apps in Maryland and is especially popular with bettors who like to build same-game parlays. The app makes it easy to combine multiple legs within a single game, and FanDuel regularly runs daily odds boosts and short-term promos tied to major events.
FanDuel covers all major professional leagues, approved college sports, and supports live betting alongside standard wager types. While the app offers plenty of ongoing promotions, it does not include a loyalty or rewards program tied to long-term betting activity. For bettors who value points, comps, or casino-style perks, that may be a limitation.
DraftKings is a licensed online sportsbook in Maryland operated by DraftKings Inc., a company that originally built its audience through daily fantasy sports. In Maryland, DraftKings also has a retail presence at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, though most betting is done through the mobile app.
The sportsbook offers a wide range of betting markets, including major professional leagues, approved college sports, live betting, and a deep selection of props and same-game parlays. Many bettors find the app easy to navigate once familiar with it, but its feature-rich design and large number of betting options can feel overwhelming for users who prefer a simpler experience.
Sportsbooks featured on ATS.io are reviewed using a consistent evaluation process focused on legality, usability, and player protections. Rankings are based on hands-on testing and publicly available criteria, not promotional considerations.
Key factors considered are:
This approach helps ensure Maryland bettors have clear, objective information when comparing legal sportsbook apps.
Getting started with sports betting in Maryland is straightforward. Licensed sportsbook apps follow a similar signup process, with identity verification required before wagering.
1. Choose a Maryland Sportsbook
Select a licensed Maryland sportsbook that fits your betting preferences, such as available sports, odds formats, or app features. Many sportsbooks offer introductory promotions, and bettors can review current Maryland sports betting bonuses before signing up to understand how these offers work.
2. Create an Account
After choosing a sportsbook, complete the registration process by providing basic personal information, including your legal name, address, and date of birth. This information is used to verify identity and confirm eligibility under state regulations. Promo or referral codes can typically be applied during signup.
3. Make a Deposit
Once your account is approved, you can fund it using supported payment methods. Available deposit options vary by sportsbook but commonly include debit cards, online banking, and digital wallets.
4. Place Your First Bet
After funding your account, you can place wagers on available sports and events. Withdrawals are processed through the sportsbook’s approved banking methods and may require additional verification before funds are released.
Yes. Online sports betting is legal and regulated in Maryland.
Voters approved sports wagering through a statewide referendum in 2020, and the legal framework was established by subsequent legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly. Online sportsbooks officially launched after the state completed its licensing and regulatory process.
Sportsbook apps are approved by the Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) and regulated by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA).
Before launch, operators must meet state standards related to consumer protections, responsible gambling measures, data security, and wagering integrity. Approved sportsbooks may legally accept online wagers from users physically located within Maryland.
Retail sports betting is legal in Maryland, with in-person sportsbooks available at a mix of casinos and major sports venues across the state. These locations allow bettors to place wagers on-site rather than through mobile apps.
Well-known retail sports betting locations in Maryland include:
While retail sportsbooks are available for in-person betting, most Maryland bettors now use licensed online sportsbook apps, which offer statewide access and (typically) a wider range of betting options.
Maryland sports bettors have the ability to bet on both professional and collegiate sports, instate or otherwise. Esports betting is also legal in Maryland thanks to the eSports Act of 2019. This makes for an extensive list of sports betting markets in Maryland which includes, but isn’t limited to:
Moneyline is the simplest type of sports bet. Players just bet on which team they’re expecting to win a game or event.
Betting on the spread introduces handicaps to the final score of the game. Players don’t just bet that one team will win the game, they bet that a team will win the game by a certain number of points.
Betting doesn’t stop once the game begins. Most online sports betting apps will allow bettors to wager on the outcome of a contest as the action unfolds, with odds shifting over time.
Over/Unders allows bettors to predict whether a competitor will exceed or fall short of a measurable statistic. This almost always comes in the form of a team’s points. For example, a line will be offered on a team scoring 10.5 points in a game with a bet on “over” hitting if the team gets 11 points or more, while the “under” bet is successful if they get 10 or fewer points.
Prop bets are wagers on unique happenings within a contest. The standard prop bet offering varies from sport to sport, with bettors able to wager on things like the outcome of the coin toss in an NFL game, whether a grand slam will happen in an MLB game, or whether a point deduction will happen in a boxing match.
Parlays are a group of bets made together as a package. In order to have the parlay pay off, every bet needs to hit and if even one doesn’t, the bet is a loss. Parlays offer better and better odds based on the number of bets included in the parlay, allowing players to increase the risk of a bet for a greater potential reward.
The Baltimore Ravens franchise has had a chip on its shoulder since its formation in 1995. The franchise’s move from Cleveland to Maryland was met with utter fury from the Browns fandom, with its previous fanbase lashing out over the move.
The team morphed into a contender from there, further heating up a bitter rivalry with its divisional rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team has been a force more often than not since then, with a stout defense typically being the driving force behind success.
It’s been a few up-and-down decades for the Baltimore Orioles, with most recent years squarely falling into the “down” category. The franchise has the misfortune of competing in the persistently competitive AL East but has still managed to occasionally pop into the playoffs.
After a disastrous 2021 season where it finished 52-110, the Orioles bounced back in a big way in 2022. The team finished above .500 in the season and hinted at being a potential contender in the future.
While the team’s namesake is Washington, the Washington Commanders don’t actually play their home games in the capitol. The Commanders’ stadium is actually FedExField located in North Englewood, Maryland.
The team formerly known as the Washington Redskins looks to be a mainstay of Maryland sports for years to come. Though the rivalry with the Ravens has cooled down over time, it can heat up quickly if both teams can get on a roll at the same time.
Maryland isn’t home to any NHL teams, but the state’s de facto favorite is the Washington Capitals. Unlike the Commanders, the Caps actually play in Washington but hockey fans in Virginia and Maryland both call the team their own.
The team was feast-or-famine for decades but became a fairly steady contender after adding Alexander Ovechkin in 2005. Despite also bordering Pennsylvania and being a stone’s throw away from New Jersey, the second-most-popular NHL team in Maryland is reportedly the Colorado Avalanche.
As with the NHL, Maryland doesn’t have any NBA team to call its own. This has the state looking to another Washington team, the Washington Wizards.
Since rebranding from the Washington Bullets in 1997, the Wizards have run hot or cold depending on the season. Scott Brooks’ tenure as the team’s coach encapsulated this perfectly, with the team either making the playoffs or struggling to get 30 wins in the regular season.
The University of Maryland, College Park has the largest NCAA Division I presence in the state, with teams in football, basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer. It has 20 varsity teams in total and is part of the Big Ten Conference.
The Terrapins are most successful in lacrosse, but the school’s best-known athletic achievement to date is arguably from its basketball team. In 2002, its basketball team came out on top of March Madness, taking down the Indiana Hoosiers in the finals.
The United States Naval Academy boasts a number of competitive collegiate teams in the NCAA. The school is a staple of Maryland sports with over 100 years of history.
The Midshipmen competed in the Patriot League in basketball and the American Athletic Conference in football. Both its basketball and football teams are often competitive at the divisional level.
Alongside these staples of the state, Maryland has a long list of teams that compete in other sports at both the major league and minor league levels. However, many of its hometown favorites are technically shared with Washington, DC.
As with the Commanders, some of these teams ultimately still compete in Maryland despite bearing the “Washington” name but some have been adopted despite not having headquarters in the state. Here are some of the most notable:
Sports betting should always be done responsibly. If gambling stops being entertainment or starts to cause financial, emotional, or personal stress, help is available.
Maryland responsible gambling resources include:
If you or someone you know needs help, these resources can provide confidential support and guidance.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Maryland?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Maryland. The state passed legislation to legalize sports betting in 2021, and it is regulated by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission. Both in-person and online sports betting are permitted within the state.
How old do I have to be to participate in sports betting in Maryland?
In Maryland, you must be at least 21 years old to engage in sports betting, whether it's in-person at a retail sportsbook or through online platforms.
Can I bet on college sports in Maryland?
Yes, you can bet on college sports in Maryland. Unlike some states, there are no restrictions on betting on college sports, including in-state teams like the University of Maryland.
Can I bet on professional sports teams in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland sports betting will allow you to bet on a wide range of professional sports teams. You'll have the opportunity to wager on popular leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more.
Written by Mike McDermott, Online Gambling Expert & Industry Analyst
Mike McDermott has been part of the online gambling world since the early days back when dial-up connections were still a thing and online poker rooms were just starting to take off. With over 20 years in the industry, he's seen trends come and go, watched regulations tighten, and helped shape the strategies behind some of the most recognizable names in iGaming. Mike doesn’t just write about online casinos and sportsbooks he’s worked inside them. From advising on risk management and user experience to testing games for fairness and compliance, his experience runs deep. He’s consulted for operators, contributed to gambling safety initiatives, and still plays regularly to stay sharp. His goal? Simple. To help players make smarter choices, avoid shady sites, and understand the real odds behind the games. You’ll find his work quoted in major gambling publications and trusted by thousands of readers looking for real, unfiltered insights - not marketing fluff.