Legal Betting in Maine

Introduction

Since becoming legal through a voter referendum in 2020, sports betting has been a major part of Maryland’s entertainment industry. The state has constructed a strong foundation for retail and online sports betting, but there appears to be changes on the horizon with newly proposed legislation. We take a look in this report at the laws for betting in Maryland and spotlight the biggest companies and retail locations, along with bet types offered and an overview of regulations. It also covers the gambling market, economic effects, responsible gambling efforts, and recent legal developments, giving a thorough picture of the industry as of June 2025.

Maryland Betting Laws

The state legalized sports betting and has been up and running since December 2021 with retail sportsbooks and November 2022 with online platforms. Gambling was decriminalized by the Maryland General Assembly in 2020, with subsequent violations treated like a civil offense and not carrying jail time. Industry is regulated by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, which is tasked with enforcement of the Sports Wagering Law that included the creation of “exclusivity zones” for both Class A and Class B licensees, which are designed to prevent market oversaturation. But Senate Bill 1033, filed in February 2025, calls for ending online sports betting by Jan. 1, 2026 while allowing in-person betting to continue. House Bill 1418 restricts online gambling, with the exception of sports wagering and fantasy contests, as of July 1, 2025. Online casinos, poker and betting on politics are still in the purview of the law.

Offline Shops and Good Companies

Maryland’s sports betting industry includes a range of the best operators including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and Barstool, among others, who offer some of the most reliable sites and competitive odds. Retail sportsbooks are located at some of the state’s marquee properties, such as Live! Casino Maryland (with FanDuel), MGM National Harbor (BetMGM), Horseshoe Baltimore (Caesars), Hollywood Casino Perryville (Barstool) and Ocean Downs (TwinSpires). These places offer a full-service experience, combining betting with food and drink, entertainment, and live sports-watching in a way that would have broad appeal for other kinds of bettors.

Types of Bets Available

Maryland sportsbooks cater for all tastes and types of betting. It’s the difference between a moneyline bet (on the outright winner of a game) and a point spread bet (on the margin of victory). The over/under bets take aim at the total number of points scored, while prop bets focus on details of the game, including the performance of individual players. Parlays are bets that combine two or more outcomes for increased payouts, futures are bets on long-term results, like championship winners, and live bets allow wagers on games already in progress. Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency publishes a list of authorized event types and bet type combinations for fairness and adherence.

The Scene for Betting in Maryland

Maryland’s betting scene is alive and kicking thanks to a love of sports and its close proximity to Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Retail sportsbooks, which are usually set up at casinos, are places where there are large televisions playing live sports and seats with individual screens. Online gambling has opened access, allowing the general public to place bets on mobile phones with easy-to-use apps. While the market grew in size, the possibility of online sports betting being repealed has created some uncertainty and is spurring operators to concentrate on improving the on-property offer to keep bettors coming through the doors.

The Economics of Sports Betting

Maryland has seen major economic windfalls from sports betting. The proceeds from the betting also help fund education and other public programs. The industry has generated jobs at retail sportsbooks, technology companies and elsewhere and local businesses near the gambling establishments see more business. But fears of gambling addiction have driven investments in prevention and treatment programs to offset social costs and to seek a balance between economic gain and the well-being of the whole society.

Responsible Gambling Measures

Maryland has a keen focus on responsible gambling - protecting consumers in the process. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency mandates that sportsbooks provide self-exclusion options, deposit limits and time limits. Operators will also need to include responsible gambling messaging and access to support services. Public campaigns warn of the dangers of problem gambling and treatment is available for individuals who seek help. This is just a sign of things to come in Maryland, to insure a safe betting environment.

Current Legislative Trends

While the news is certainly a disappointment to sports betting hopefuls, they shouldn’t lose hope yet. The proposal in Senate Bill 1033 for the repeal of online sports betting is an attempt to address worries about problem gambling, while House Bill 1418 tightens up rules on other forms of internet gambling. The state is also looking at doubling a proposed tax rate of 15% to 30% for fiscal 2026 to generate additional revenue. At the same time, developments such as improved smartphone app capabilities and betting on esports continue to drive the market – albeit within the confines of rigorous regulatory approval.

Key Information About Maryland’s Betting Sphere

• Online Betting Status: Legal as of June 2025, but Senate Bill 1033 proposes repeal by January 1, 2026.
• Retail Betting: Available at licensed casinos and facilities since December 2021.
• Minimum Bet Amount: No state-mandated minimum; varies by operator.
• Betting Restrictions: No wagering on high school sports or non-sporting events.
• Licensing Renewal: Licenses are renewed annually with compliance audits.

Table: Maryland Sports Betting Overview

Conclusion

Despite Illinois’ reputation as one of the strictest gambling states in the country, sports betting remains a staple of the state’s betting scene through regulation and heavy hitters in the industry, such as FanDuel and DraftKings. Retail sportsbooks add to the betting experience and a broad variety of wager types provides for different interests. But proposed bills, such as Senate Bill 1033, are generating uncertainty for online sports betting, reflecting societal concerns. Maryland also takes pains to make sure that responsible gambling and economic benefits are placed in the forefront, which highlights its moderation. As the industry develops and tries to adapt to what a future might look like, the state’s boisterous approach to consumer protection and regulatory oversight will remain one of Maryland’s top reasons to its status as a sports betting market of importance.