After a long and unnecessary wait, online sports betting is finally live in the state of Maryland. Bettors in the state had to wait much longer than expected for the online sportsbooks to launch, but this state could soon become a massive market.
Online sports betting officially launched in November 2022 in Maryland, and there were seven online sportsbooks that launched on the first day. The Maryland Lottery actually approved 10 operators, but there of them are going to sit it out until 2023 at the earliest.
The Maryland sports betting law is pretty favorable to both operators and bettors, and it should lead to plenty of action. There are some lofty expectations for this market as well, but Maryland has attracted the names that could lead to a highly-competitive industry.
Voters in the state of Maryland approved sports betting all the way back in November 2000, but it took more than two years to get online sportsbooks up and running. Retail wagering first launched in Maryland in December 2021, but those retail sportsbooks weren’t seeing a ton of action.
TOP 3 MARYLAND SPORTSBOOKS
Active Maryland Online Sportsbook Operators
Any time that a new state legalizes sports betting, potential operators waste little time in applying for a license. Maryland is a state that could have a ton of sports betting licenses available, but just seven sportsbooks went live in November 2023.
Since Maryland does have some pretty favorable rules for operators, it makes sense that most of the biggest names have applied for a license. The first seven online sportsbooks in the state are all household names throughout the country.
This list will continue to grow as time goes on, but it will be these seven sportsbooks that set the tone and will continue to lead the way.
Barstool Sportsbook: Penn National owns and operates the Barstool Sportsbook, and it is becoming a big name in the industry. The Barstool Sports personalities play a key role on the sportsbook, and that allows the operators to have a terrific following from a younger generation. You will find some interesting promotions offered at Barstool Sportsbook.
BetMGM Sportsbook: MGM Resorts International took a while to get into the legal sports betting industry, but BetMGM Sportsbook is now a terrific option. BetMGM has a terrific loyalty rewards program, and it also features betting on a wide range of sporting events. This sportsbook operator continues to grow in popularity and attract new customers.
BetRivers Sportsbook: BetRivers Sportsbook is usually a name that you can find in states with legal sports betting. One nice feature about BetRivers Sportsbook is that it is known for having a long list of daily odds boosts to take advantage of. BetRivers also tends to focus on some of the less popular sports, creating even more options.
Caesars Sportsbook: Caesars Sportsbook was able to take over William Hill, and that unlocked plenty of new options for this operator. Caesars does a great job of offering betting on international events, and there is a great rewards program available as well. This operator still has work to do to catch up to the leaders, but it is on the right track.
DraftKings Sportsbook: DraftKings got its start as a daily fantasy sports operator, but it has emerged as a leader in the sports betting industry as well. DraftKings has a terrific welcome bonus, it also gets high marks for the mobile app that is available. This operator continues to be aggressive in seeking out new opportunities to launch.
FanDuel Sportsbook: FanDuel Sportsbook is the number one option in the United States when it comes to online sports betting. This operator has the highest online market share, and FanDuel has a highly-rated mobile app available as well. FanDuel has deals with plenty of professional teams and leagues throughout the country.
PointsBet Sportsbook: PointsBet Sportsbook is a company that is originally from Australia, but it also has a U.S. headquarters in Denver, Colorado. This operator provides a much different sports betting experience than some of the others, and it has its own unique betting option as well. PointsBet is known for having some terrific daily and weekly promotions available.
Maryland Sportsbook Welcome Offer
When Maryland first launched online sports betting, there were some massive welcome bonuses available from each operator. This is similar to what has happened in other states, as online sportsbooks are always looking to compete to try and get the most customers.
A welcome offer from an online sportsbook is only offered when signing up, and usually applies to the first deposit or first bet that is placed. There are a couple of popular welcome bonuses that you will find, but sportsbooks can come up with whatever offer they choose.
Most of the top online sportsbooks continue to have the same welcome offer at all times, but there can be some different things offered. It’s important to find a list of welcome bonuses, and then choose the sportsbook that will give you the best offer.
When online sports betting launched in Maryland, here were the welcome offers that were out there.
- Barstool Sportsbook Welcome Offer: The Barstool Sportsbook offers a risk-free bet worth up to $1,000 for all new customers. You will also receive a free $10 bet when signing up for a new account at Barstool, and an additional free bet after you customize your profile to include your favorites teams and leagues to bet on.
- BetMGM Sportsbook Welcome Offer: BetMGM Sportsbook has a risk-free bet worth up to $1,000 for new customers, and this operator is also known for having weekly free bets and great daily odds boosts.
- BetRivers Sportsbook Welcome Offer: BetRivers Sportsbook is one of the biggest names in the sports betting industry, and it’s one of the few in this group that has changed its welcome bonus. New customers at BetRivers Sportsbook are now eligible to receive a risk-free bet worth up to $500, while the offer used to be a first deposit match.
- Caesars Sportsbook Welcome Offer: Caesars Sportsbook always tries to stand out in terms of a welcome bonus, and it does have the offer with the most value in the industry. New customers at Caesars Sportsbook can receive a risk-free bet worth up to $1,250.
- DraftKings Sportsbook Welcome Offer: DraftKings Sportsbook does not offer a risk-free bet as it is instead focused on a first deposit match. All new customers at PointsBet are eligible to receive a 20% first deposit match up to $1,000. To unlock the full value of this offer, you will have to make a deposit of at least $5,000 when signing up.
- FanDuel Sportsbook Welcome Offer: FanDuel Sportsbook offers what is called a “No Sweat, First Bet,” and it’s a welcome bonus worth up to $1,000. If your first wager at FanDuel Sportsbook is not successful, then you will receive a free bet for the amount in which you wagered, up to $1,000.
- PointsBet Sportsbook Welcome Offer: There is a very unique welcome bonus available from PointsBet Sportsbook, even though it’s similar to what you will get from other sites. PointsBet offers a pair or risk-free bets worth up to $2,000 for all new customers. There is a $1,500 risk-free bet on the first points betting wager that is placed and a $500 risk-free bet on the first fixed odds wager.
Maryland Sportsbook Promo Codes
Maryland sportsbooks are going to offer promo codes as a way to unlock the best offers from their sites. These promo codes can change quickly, and it’s important to check and make sure that you are always getting the best options out there.
If you see a promo code, then you will typically have to enter that code when you are signing up for a new account, or at least when making a deposit. You don’t want to miss out on the offer simply because you didn’t get the right promo code at the right time.
Here is a look at the latest promo codes offered from online sportsbooks in the state of Maryland.
- Barstool Sportsbook
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- BetRivers Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- PointsBet Sportsbook
Deposit/Withdrawal Methods Available in Maryland
Banking at online sportsbooks has gotten a ton better over the last few years, and there are now a ton of banking options available. Most of the top sportsbooks are going to offer the same types of banking options, but there might be some differences in what you see.
If you are looking to make a deposit into your online sports betting account, then you will find that the money is going to show up instantly. That won’t be the case when it comes to making a withdrawal request, but the money is still going to get there in a timely manner.
Deposit Options
It used to be that using a credit/debit card was one of the only deposit methods that you could use at an online sportsbook, but that is no longer the case. This is still an option that you can use, but there are other options that are better and even safer.
PayPal is a deposit option that is now preferred from sports bettors, and it will be found on all of the top sites. Most of the Maryland sportsbooks are also going to have a Play+ Prepaid card that can be used to send money back and forth.
Be sure to check out all of the deposit options that are available to ensure that you are choosing the one that works the best for you. If you are willing to travel, then you can make a deposit in person at a retail sportsbook inside of the casino.
Withdrawal Methods
Making a withdrawal request at an online sportsbook used to be a difficult process, and it was one that wasn’t met with immediate results. That is no longer the case as you will get your money quickly, and you won’t find much of a hassle.
Using PayPal is not only a great option when making a deposit, but it’s a great option if you are looking to get a payout. The same can be said for the prepaid card, as the money can then be reloaded onto your account.
You won’t see many sportsbooks offering the option to receive a check by mail because it takes too long and it’s easier to send money digitally.
Pros & Cons of Betting Online in Maryland
Pros
- No travel needed when betting online
- Some terrific mobile sportsbooks available
- Great bonuses/promotions available online
Cons
- Only seven online sportsbooks launched on first day
- Can take up to a week to receive winnings depending on withdrawal method
FAQ’s About Maryland Sports Betting
Is online sports betting legal in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland now has both online and retail sports betting options. Retail sportsbooks were the first to launch, with online sportsbooks going live in November 2022.
What is the legal gambling age in Maryland?
The minimum legal age to bet on sports in Maryland is set at 21 years of age.
Is PayPal an accepted banking option at Maryland sportsbooks?
Yes, PayPal can be used to make deposits or receive withdrawals from most of the online sportsbooks available in Maryland.
Can you bet on college sports in Maryland?
There are no restrictions placed on betting on college sports in the state of Maryland.