Maryland was one of the last states in the region to legalize casinos. All typical games are found at Maryland casinos, including slots, video poker, live poker, and table games. Other forms of legalized gambling in Maryland include retail sports betting, a state lottery, social gaming, charitable gaming, and daily fantasy sports. Mobile sports betting is legal in Maryland. It launched on November 23, 2022.
Social gaming is legal in Maryland. The maximum amount of a prize pool may not exceed $1,000. The house may not take a cut. Charities are permitted to offer bingo games, raffles, and casino nights. Daily fantasy sports are legal through companies like DraftKings and FanDuel.
Maryland content listed was previously provided on Maryland Advantage. All of the blog posts have been archived and are still available.
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MD commercial casinos
Maryland has six full-service casinos in the state. Games offered include slots, video poker, baccarat, blackjack, craps, pai gow poker, Mississippi Stud, roulette, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and other house-banked table games. Most Maryland casinos have a live poker room and a sportsbook.
Maryland casino gamblers must be 21 years of age or older. Minors are permitted to dine at most casino restaurants with exterior entrances.
Hollywood Casino Perryville
1201 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway, Perryville, MD
There are around 800 slot and video poker machines, 20 table games, and a poker room at Hollywood Casino Perryville. It has a Barstool sportsbook, a race book, and two dining options. There is no hotel on the property.
Horseshoe Casino Baltimore
1525 Russell Street, Baltimore, MD
In Baltimore, the Horseshoe Casino offers 2,200 slot and video poker machines, 150 table games, and a combined Caesars Sportsbook and race book. The property also has a poker room and multiple dining options. Partner hotels are available in the area.
Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland
7002 Arundel Mills Circle #7777, Handover, MD
Located at Arundel Mills, Live! Casino and Hotel has over 4,000 slot and video poker machines, 200 table games, a FanDuel Sportsbook, and a live poker room. It has almost a large selection of dining options and a 310-room hotel.
MGM National Harbor
101 MGM National Avenue, Forest Heights, MD
MGM National Harbor has around 3,300 slot and video poker machines, 120 table games, a poker room, and a BetMGM Sportsbook and race book. The property offers over a dozen restaurants and 234 hotel rooms.
Ocean Downs Casino
10218 Racetrack Road, Berlin, MD
Oceans Downs Casino is the only Maryland casino with a live horse racetrack. There are also 900 slot/video poker machines, 20 table games, and a TwinSpires Sportsbook. It has four dining options available. Shuttle service is provided between the casino and its partner hotels.
Rocky Gap Resort
16701 Lakeview Road NE, Flintstone, MD
Rocky Gap Resort is surrounded by state park lands. The casino offers 660 machines and 17 table games. The property has three dining options, a 216-room hotel, and a golf course.
MD retail and mobile sports betting
Sports betting became legal in Maryland beginning in 2021. The first sportsbook in Maryland opened in December 2021. Mobile sports betting launched on November 21, 2022. Licensed and legal operators include BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Sports bettors must be 21 years of age or older for both retail and online operations.
Bonus offers are available to new sports bettors in the state who are not on an exclusion list or otherwise not permitted to participate. Due to Maryland’s more recent entry into the online sports betting market, new player offers may vary from other states’ promotions.
Approved sports wagers in Maryland
Wagers on most professional sports leagues and NCAA sports are approved. Similar to other states, bets on high school sports and equivalent level clubs are prohibited.
Events approved by the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) include Australian Rules Football, badminton, baseball, basketball, biathlon, bowling, boxing, chess, cornhole, cricket, darts, disc, eating competitions, e-sports, floorball, football, futsal, Gaelic games, golf, handball, hockey (ice and field), jai-alai, lacrosse, MMA, motorsports, netball, Olympics, pesäpallo, pickleball, pool, rodeo, rowing, rugby league, rugby union, sailing, snooker, soccer, softball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, and water polo. Additional sports are permitted as summer and winter athletic events.
Online gambling options in Maryland
Sports wagers may be placed online or using mobile apps including daily fantasy sports contests. Sweepstakes contests are also allowed in Maryland.
MD live harness and thoroughbred horse racing
Maryland is home to both live harness and thoroughbred racing. Most tracks are family-friendly and allow minors to attend races. Simulcast and live race bets may be placed by persons 18 years of age or older.
Simulcast wagering is available at casino race books and at racetracks. Off-track betting locations include Greenmount Station in Hampstead, the Timonium Fair Grounds, Jockey Bar and Grille in Boonsboro, Riverboat on the Potomac, and Long Shot’s in Frederick. Race books are also located inside Hollywood Casino Perryville, Horseshoe Baltimore, MGM National Harbor, and Ocean Downs.
Advance deposit wagers are available online and through mobile apps. Approved ADWs include 1/st Bet, FanDuel Racing, NYRA Bets, TVG, and Twinspires Racing.
Harness racetracks in Maryland
- Ocean Downs – 10218 Racetrack Road, Berlin
- Live racing from June through September
- Standard race days are Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and select Thursdays
- Rosecroft Raceway – 6336 Rosecroft Drive, Fort Washington
- Live racing from September through May
- Standard race days are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in May
Thoroughbred racetracks in Maryland
- Laurel Park – RT 198 & Racetrack Road, Laurel
- Year-round live racing
- Standard race days are Sundays, Fridays, and Saturdays
- Pimlico – 5201 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore
- Live racing in May and September
- Standard race days are Sundays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Thursdays in May
MD state lottery
There is a state lottery in Maryland. Games include Powerball, Mega Millions, FAST PLAY, Pick 3, Pick 4, Bonus Match 5, Cash4Life, Multi-Match, 5 Card Cash, Keno, Racetrax, and scratch-offs. Lottery players must be at least 18 years old.
US Casino Advantage blog posts about Maryland
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Best Blackjack Rules to Help a Player’s Advantage
The best blackjack rules for players: blackjack pays 3/2, no. of decks, double down & split pairs rules, re-split aces, surrender, & hit/stand on soft 17.
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Help with How to Gamble Responsibly
With the growth of US gambling, players need to understand their limits. Gambling, like other activities, can be fun when enjoyed responsibly.
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Best Maryland Video Poker Games
We visited all six Maryland casinos in 2021. This article covers the best video poker pay tables and denominations available in the state.
Maryland Gambling FAQs
Are casinos legal in the state of Maryland?
Yes. Casinos are six casinos licensed to operate in Maryland.
What is the minimum age to gamble in Maryland casinos?
Players must be at least 21 years of age to gamble in Maryland casinos.
Is smoking permitted in Maryland casinos?
Casinos are covered by the statewide smoking ban. However, most Maryland casinos have outdoor patios with gaming.
Are sportsbooks legal in the state of Maryland?
Yes. Retail and mobile sportsbooks are legal in Maryland for players 21 years and older.
Is mobile sports betting legal in the state of Maryland?
Yes. Online and mobile sportsbooks are legal in Maryland for players 21 years and older.
What online gambling options are available in Maryland?
Available online gambling options in Maryland include daily fantasy sports contests, sports betting, and sweepstakes contests.
Are live horse races held in Maryland?
Yes. There are two active harness racetracks and two active Thoroughbred racetracks in Maryland.
Can I wager on horse races in Maryland?
Yes. Wagers may be placed at racetracks, off-track betting parlors, and on approved mobile apps.
What is the minimum age to wager on horse races in Maryland?
Horse bettors must be at least 18 years of age in Maryland.
Does Maryland have a state lottery?
Yes. Maryland lottery games include lotto drawings, keno, and scratch tickets.
How old do you have to be to play lottery games in Maryland?
Lottery players in Maryland must be at least 18 years of age.
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Last Updated on July 26, 2023 by Kristina Mehaffey