Gambling In Maryland Laws

The Old Line State is one of the smallest in the US, but it boasts a significant presence when it comes to real money gambling. Online gambling in Maryland hasn't caught up to its brick and mortar counterparts as of yet, though.

• Gambling Laws Maryland
• Gambling In Maryland Laws 2019

Daily fantasy sports are already regulated, and mobile wagering will accompany sports betting if the voters give it the nod in November of 2020. However, the best Maryland gambling sites are currently located outside state borders.

Maryland is known for the Pimlico Race Course, the home of the Preakness Stakes. It also houses four other tracks, as well as six OTB outlets. Pari-mutuel wagering was the catalyst for gambling expansion but hasn't been the only game in town for several decades.

Five sister states surround MD, so it strives to keep up with the Joneses when it comes to betting and gaming opportunities. If it's not accommodating casino gaming and other alternatives, residents are just a short car ride away to other states that will fit the bill.

Maryland Problem Gambling Resources in Maryland. If gambling is causing a problem in your life we encourage you to ask questions, gather information and conduct research on the type of help that is most appropriate for your situation. This information is intended to be a starting point—it is not a complete list of information or services. As defined in chapter 12-102 heading (a) subsections 2,3, and 4 of the Maryland gambling laws, forwarding gambling actually carries the exact same penalties as gambling in accordance with the law, but is really the only way in which one who gambles in 'the old line state' could get in trouble for.

Maryland online gambling, though, has been on the back burner. The DFS approval was in 2017, but that's the temporary end to any state regulation for gambling online in MD. That doesn't mean residents are out of luck with real money online gambling, though, as there's a shortlist of reputable Maryland gambling sites that welcome residents of the state with (virtual) open arms.

We're always looking for the best things in life, aren't we? We want the best doctor, the best job, the best home, the best food, and on and on. When it comes to online gambling in Maryland, or anywhere for that matter, securing the best provider is also the goal.

Coming up with the best Maryland online gambling sites, though, isn't as straightforward as finding the best price or value. There are quite a few things involved when it comes to gambling online for real money. After all, you're not walking into a casino and exchanging cash.

• The LGCA is the authority that issues licenses for casinos, monitors casinos for adhering to all state regulations and ensuring that the lottery is run in a safe and legal manner. Criminal law in Maryland prohibits participating in or organizing gambling except when expressly permitted by the state. Section 12-102 states the following.
• Maryland has some active neighbors when it comes to legal gambling opportunities. Delaware, DC, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia surround the Old Line State, and residents can get to them quickly. So, to keep as much money in the state as possible, Maryland needs to stay competitive.
• In Maryland however, the law has a very broad definition of gambling. Maryland law simply states that it is illegal to wager, bet or gamble. The law does not define any of the three terms – wager, bet, and gamble – in detail.

You need ways to deposit to your online account and to claim your winnings when it's time. If you're a poker player or enjoy sports betting, you've got the challenge of finding a provider that offers more than casino games. Superior gambling sites also have a variety of bonuses and promotions, quality customer service, and an excellent reputation.

When you take all of those things into consideration, you can see how a simple Google search just won't cut it. But that's where we come in with our list of the top Maryland gambling sites. Our team of experts has done the legwork to come up with a list of recommended providers. So, you can pick from the best of the best, instead of starting at square one.

In addition to ranking the overall best online gambling sites for Maryland, we've also ranked the leading sites in a few more specific categories.

It takes quite a while for us to compile and maintain our list of recommended MD gambling sites, as it's a multi-part process.

We start by gathering up the names of all online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms that open their virtual doors to Marylanders. That's only the beginning, though. All of the websites go through a thorough review process by our team.

Our gambling site reviews include a long list of criteria covering many of the topics mentioned above, such as banking, promotions, and games. We keep records of the software providers, the number and variety of games, banking methods, and all of the other pertinent details that you'd want to know.

We also take into consideration the reputation and longevity of the ownership group. Player feedback, news articles, and our overall impressions also factor into the site's ratings.

Gambling Laws Maryland

Once we have proper evaluations, we can compare all of the Maryland gambling sites to each other. The ones that rise to the top and meet or, even better, exceed expectations make our 'best' list.

Regulated Online Gambling in Maryland

Before we get to the current state of gambling laws in Maryland, it's helpful to take a look back. Gambling history and expansion in the Old Line State reveals how many residents feel about legal betting opportunities.

Maryland is one of the more progressive locations regarding legal gambling pursuits. It's one of the few that had a successful casino gaming program in the mid-1900s that eventually returned bigger and better than ever after a hiatus.

The first bets, though, were well before then. Pari-mutuel wagering predates Maryland's statehood. The Maryland Jockey Club is the oldest of its kind, established in 1743, and MD also has the second oldest racetrack in the country. Pimlico, which is the home of the Preakness Stakes — the second leg of the Triple Crown Series — was built in 1870.

Horse racing and Maryland just go hand in hand. In 1912, pari-mutuel betting was legalized and hadn't gone anywhere since. You can't say the same for slot games, though. Slots were big business from 1947 to 1968. They generated $24 million annually before the legal status changed, and it took more than 40 years to bring them back.

Before casino gaming was back on the table, the Maryland Lottery launched in 1973, then things quieted again until the Hollywood Casino opened its doors in Perryville in 2010. More casino and racino expansion followed. Hanover's Live! Casino and Hotel even boasts a two-story live poker room.

So, the current state of in-person gambling activities includes the lottery, pari-mutuel betting, and casinos.

When it comes to online gambling, things haven't progressed quite as far, at least not with in-state opportunities. Daily fantasy sports were legalized in 2017, providing MD's first online gambling program.

Other online gaming in Maryland covers casino games, sportsbooks, and poker rooms. However, they're courtesy of operators from outside the area. There aren't any in-state real money gambling sites except DFS at this time.

The next piece of the gambling expansion puzzle could fall into place in late 2020. Sports betting is a hot topic for Marylanders, and voters are going to have their say in the November election.

A sportsbook bill has moved on to the voting stage and could result in brick and mortar books, as well as a mobile betting program.

• Casinos: Six casinos
• Sports Betting: Currently not legalized; bill is pending
• Poker: Approved in casinos
• Pari-Mutuel: Five tracks and six OTBs
• Lottery: Retailers throughout the state
• Daily Fantasy Sports: Legal and regulated for online play
• Online Gambling: Available through out-of-area operators only

If you're reading this information, you're at least somewhat curious about real money online gambling in Maryland. As we've previously mentioned, there are quite a few differences between walking into a land-based casino, like Ocean Downs and accessing a gambling site.

One part of the online service, that doesn't even closely resemble its in-person counterpart, is bonuses.

Brick and mortar casinos tend to keep it simple with bonus programs. If you're new and sign up for a player's card, you may get something like a free buffet or $10 in play cash. Cash incentives need to be played through, usually in slots or video poker machines. Once your wagers add up to $10 (or whatever the bonus amount), then you're typically free and clear to claim some winnings, if you've accumulated any.

That's not how bonuses work with online casinos.

Maryland online gambling sites are going to entice you with offers like a '200% deposit match for new players.' They're exciting bonus incentives because they can be quite valuable. After all, if you deposit $100 and get a 200% deposit match, that takes your credit balance to $300, right? Well, not exactly, but it could happen.

Before you jump right in and accept the bonus, you'll want to know more about it. There's a rollover (a playthrough requirement) that has the same basic concept as land-based venues, except it's much more challenging.

Instead of playing the bonus through at least once, you may have to roll it over 30 times or maybe even more. Plus, your deposit could also be factored into the equation, as crazy as it sounds.

Gambling In Maryland Laws 2019

So, using the $300 example ($100 deposit + $200 bonus), if your rollover is 30x, you have to accomplish $9,000 in betting before you can cash anything out of your player's account. The $9,000 is derived from adding the deposit plus bonus to get $300 in total. Then, you multiply it by 30.

These are just sample numbers, but an 30x rollover is average. The bottom line is that you need to be aware of the differences between online gambling in Maryland and walking into a casino.

You can reap quite a bit of benefit from bonuses and incentives, but you'll want to know and understand all of the terms and conditions, or you can just say no to the offer. Note that there are many different types of bonuses, and they don't just apply to casino gambling either.

Maryland has some active neighbors when it comes to legal gambling opportunities. Delaware, DC, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia surround the Old Line State, and residents can get to them quickly.

So, to keep as much money in the state as possible, Maryland needs to stay competitive. It's evolved with the times as far as casino gambling and daily fantasy sports. Sports betting, including mobile access, is a real possibility for 2021.

When it comes to gambling online, though, competition isn't enough incentive for MD to go 'all in,' at least not yet. However, Marylanders aren't lacking for real money online gambling options, as there are now quite a few originating from other jurisdictions.

It's just a matter of picking the best Maryland gambling sites to ensure safe, secure, and fair gaming.

• Year Maryland Regulated Gambling: Racing (1870), Lottery (1972), Bingo (1952), Casinos (2008)
• Estimated Tax Revenue from Gambling: $900 million
• Estimated Gambling Revenue: $2.8 billion
• Maryland Gambling Age: Bingo, racing and lottery: 18 Casinos: 21
• Smoking ban: Smoking is not permitted in any indoor businesses in Maryland.
• Maryland Online gambling: Horse racing

While Maryland casinos were legalized later than other states in the region, is has no aversion to gambling. Horse racing dates back to the 19^th Century. The regulation was originally left up to the city governments before pari-mutuel betting went online early in the 20^th Century. The state permits charities to offer bingo and other games of chance.

Maryland casinos were not approved until 2008. Resort casinos and some racetracks may offer Atlantic City style gambling.

Paying Gambling Taxes in Maryland

Do you have to pay taxes on your gambling winnings? OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos has gathered everything you need to know about paying taxes straight from a Certified Public Accountant. For more information please visit our exclusive Gambling Taxes article.

Maryland Casinos Map & Guide

• Rocky Gap Casino
• Horseshoe Casino
• Hollywood Casino
• Maryland Live!
• MGM National Harbor

• Number of B&M Casinos: 5
• Number of Poker Rooms: 4
• Number of Indian Casinos: 0

Types of Maryland Online Gambling Allowed

There are two forms of legal Maryland online gambling. Off-track horse racing is permitted on apps and registered websites. The main companies that accept this type of pari-mutuel action are TVG, XpressBet, and TwinSpires.

Maryland wanted to legalize fantasy sports by the end of 2015, but was repealed by state legislation in 2016. The state adopted language in the federal Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act that exempts fantasy sports. This is thought to give the green light to daily fantasy sports sites like DraftKings, FanDuel, Yahoo!, and CBS Sports. Even the most conservative daily fantasy sites accept players from Maryland.

Types of Live Maryland Gambling

• Slots: Yes
• Blackjack: Yes
• Poker: Yes
• Craps/Roulette: Yes
• Horses: Yes
• Lottery: Yes

Horse racing is the oldest form of Maryland gambling. There were once six tracks in the state. There are now just two that offer scheduled races with pari-mutuel betting. They are Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park. Pimlico is home to the Preakness race, which is part of the Triple Crown.

Are professional sports rigged. There are two types of games of chance widely available in Maryland. Charities may offer bingo and raffles. Bingo rules are liberal. Raffles may only be operated twice per year. Local governments set the licensing and location rules for charitable gambling in Maryland.

A state lottery sells scratch-off and lotto tickets. These are available at convenience stores throughout the state.

There are five Maryland casinos. They are Rocky Gap Casino, Horseshoe Casino, Hollywood Casino, Maryland Live!, and Ocean Downs. MGM National Harbor will open in late 2016. These Maryland casinos offer all the same games found in New Jersey or Nevada. These popular casino games include slots, video poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, and card games banked by the house.

Maryland Gambling Laws

Maryland gambling laws are strict for activities that are not specifically legal. Possession of gambling devices is illegal for residents. This also applies to vessels that may go out into international waters. Charities must register with local authorities. Charitable games permitted are paddlewheels, wheel of fortune, raffles and bingo. Charities may hold no more than two raffles per year. Bingo players may not purchase more than 54 tickets in a session.

Maryland casinos are allowed to operate if legalized through a local referendum. Each region may only have one gambling operation. There are six jurisdictions that voted to allow casinos in Maryland. The Maryland casinos are located in:

• Allegany County
• Baltimore
• Cecil County

• Anne Arundel County
• Worcester County
• Prince George's County

Maryland casinos may offer a wide variety of games. These casino games include slots, video poker, live poker, craps, roulette, blackjack, Three Card Poker, Four Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold'em, baccarat, and other card games. There is a 67 percent tax rate on slots. This is the highest in the country. The tax on table games and live poker is 20 percent.

Horseracing is legal in Maryland. Greyhound racing is not. Racetracks may offer live racing and race books. Registered interstate racing companies may accept bets over mobile apps and the Internet in Maryland.

The state lottery may sell scratch-off tickets and hold lotto drawings. It may participate in interstate lotto drawings. Tickets may not be sold over the Internet.

Maryland is one of two states, the other being Kansas, that specifically legalized fantasy sports. The state adopted the fantasy sports exemption in the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in 2012. There is some debate as to whether the language applies to daily fantasy sports sites like DraftKings and FanDuel. However, in 2016 this gambling law was repealed by the Maryland state legislation, making it once again illegal.

The minimum gambling age in Maryland is 18 years for lotteries, racing, and charitable gaming. Maryland casino gamblers must be 21 years or older.

List of Maryland Casinos

Beyond the hundreds of lottery retailers and bingo halls, there are just eight places to gamble in Maryland. Laurel Downs and Pimlico Race Course are the two racetracks. There are 146 days of live racing between these two venues. Each also has a race book for simulcast betting.

There are five Maryland casinos open for business in the state. A sixth is currently under construction. You can use the information below to find a location, or use our Maryland casinos map to help guide yourself to the nearest one.

History of Maryland Gambling

Horse racing dates back to the mid 18^th Century. The Maryland Jockey Club was founded in 1743. Its first races were held at Pimlico Race Course. It is still open today and home of The Preakness, one of the three Triple Crown races. Racing became specifically legal under state law in 1870. That is when pari-mutuel betting pools were created in Maryland under a state racing commission. Regulation of the specific tracks was left to the county or city where the track was located until 1912 when the state took control.

Maryland approved off-track betting in 1988. Simulcasting of races was only legal at the time when live racing was not operating on a track. In 1993, the state expanded off-track betting at any time the facility was open for business.

Voters approved a state lottery in November 1972. This was done through a constitutional referendum. The first ticket was sold on May 15, 1973. Early drawings were lottos of the Pick 3 and Pick 4 variety. The first scratch-off ticket was not sold until February 10, 1976. Scratch-off tickets are bigger sellers than lotto games today.

Casinos were approved through a statewide constitutional referendum in November 2008. Casinos operate under the oversight of the Maryland Lottery. Hollywood Casino in Perryville was the first to open on September 17, 2010. Ocean Downs opened the following year. Maryland Live! Who will win champions league 2019 predictions. opened in 2012. Rocky Gap Casino opened in 2013. Horseshoe Casino launched in Baltimore in 2014. MGM National Harbor was awarded the state's resort gaming license. It will open in 2016.

It takes quite a while for us to compile and maintain our list of recommended MD gambling sites, as it's a multi-part process.

We start by gathering up the names of all online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms that open their virtual doors to Marylanders. That's only the beginning, though. All of the websites go through a thorough review process by our team.

Our gambling site reviews include a long list of criteria covering many of the topics mentioned above, such as banking, promotions, and games. We keep records of the software providers, the number and variety of games, banking methods, and all of the other pertinent details that you'd want to know.

We also take into consideration the reputation and longevity of the ownership group. Player feedback, news articles, and our overall impressions also factor into the site's ratings.

Gambling Laws Maryland

Once we have proper evaluations, we can compare all of the Maryland gambling sites to each other. The ones that rise to the top and meet or, even better, exceed expectations make our 'best' list.

Regulated Online Gambling in Maryland

Before we get to the current state of gambling laws in Maryland, it's helpful to take a look back. Gambling history and expansion in the Old Line State reveals how many residents feel about legal betting opportunities.

Maryland is one of the more progressive locations regarding legal gambling pursuits. It's one of the few that had a successful casino gaming program in the mid-1900s that eventually returned bigger and better than ever after a hiatus.

The first bets, though, were well before then. Pari-mutuel wagering predates Maryland's statehood. The Maryland Jockey Club is the oldest of its kind, established in 1743, and MD also has the second oldest racetrack in the country. Pimlico, which is the home of the Preakness Stakes — the second leg of the Triple Crown Series — was built in 1870.

Horse racing and Maryland just go hand in hand. In 1912, pari-mutuel betting was legalized and hadn't gone anywhere since. You can't say the same for slot games, though. Slots were big business from 1947 to 1968. They generated $24 million annually before the legal status changed, and it took more than 40 years to bring them back.

Before casino gaming was back on the table, the Maryland Lottery launched in 1973, then things quieted again until the Hollywood Casino opened its doors in Perryville in 2010. More casino and racino expansion followed. Hanover's Live! Casino and Hotel even boasts a two-story live poker room.

So, the current state of in-person gambling activities includes the lottery, pari-mutuel betting, and casinos.

When it comes to online gambling, things haven't progressed quite as far, at least not with in-state opportunities. Daily fantasy sports were legalized in 2017, providing MD's first online gambling program.

Other online gaming in Maryland covers casino games, sportsbooks, and poker rooms. However, they're courtesy of operators from outside the area. There aren't any in-state real money gambling sites except DFS at this time.

The next piece of the gambling expansion puzzle could fall into place in late 2020. Sports betting is a hot topic for Marylanders, and voters are going to have their say in the November election.

A sportsbook bill has moved on to the voting stage and could result in brick and mortar books, as well as a mobile betting program.

• Casinos: Six casinos
• Sports Betting: Currently not legalized; bill is pending
• Poker: Approved in casinos
• Pari-Mutuel: Five tracks and six OTBs
• Lottery: Retailers throughout the state
• Daily Fantasy Sports: Legal and regulated for online play
• Online Gambling: Available through out-of-area operators only

If you're reading this information, you're at least somewhat curious about real money online gambling in Maryland. As we've previously mentioned, there are quite a few differences between walking into a land-based casino, like Ocean Downs and accessing a gambling site.

One part of the online service, that doesn't even closely resemble its in-person counterpart, is bonuses.

Brick and mortar casinos tend to keep it simple with bonus programs. If you're new and sign up for a player's card, you may get something like a free buffet or $10 in play cash. Cash incentives need to be played through, usually in slots or video poker machines. Once your wagers add up to $10 (or whatever the bonus amount), then you're typically free and clear to claim some winnings, if you've accumulated any.

That's not how bonuses work with online casinos.

Maryland online gambling sites are going to entice you with offers like a '200% deposit match for new players.' They're exciting bonus incentives because they can be quite valuable. After all, if you deposit $100 and get a 200% deposit match, that takes your credit balance to $300, right? Well, not exactly, but it could happen.

Before you jump right in and accept the bonus, you'll want to know more about it. There's a rollover (a playthrough requirement) that has the same basic concept as land-based venues, except it's much more challenging.

Instead of playing the bonus through at least once, you may have to roll it over 30 times or maybe even more. Plus, your deposit could also be factored into the equation, as crazy as it sounds.

Gambling In Maryland Laws 2019

So, using the $300 example ($100 deposit + $200 bonus), if your rollover is 30x, you have to accomplish $9,000 in betting before you can cash anything out of your player's account. The $9,000 is derived from adding the deposit plus bonus to get $300 in total. Then, you multiply it by 30.

These are just sample numbers, but an 30x rollover is average. The bottom line is that you need to be aware of the differences between online gambling in Maryland and walking into a casino.

You can reap quite a bit of benefit from bonuses and incentives, but you'll want to know and understand all of the terms and conditions, or you can just say no to the offer. Note that there are many different types of bonuses, and they don't just apply to casino gambling either.

Maryland has some active neighbors when it comes to legal gambling opportunities. Delaware, DC, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia surround the Old Line State, and residents can get to them quickly.

So, to keep as much money in the state as possible, Maryland needs to stay competitive. It's evolved with the times as far as casino gambling and daily fantasy sports. Sports betting, including mobile access, is a real possibility for 2021.

When it comes to gambling online, though, competition isn't enough incentive for MD to go 'all in,' at least not yet. However, Marylanders aren't lacking for real money online gambling options, as there are now quite a few originating from other jurisdictions.

It's just a matter of picking the best Maryland gambling sites to ensure safe, secure, and fair gaming.

• Year Maryland Regulated Gambling: Racing (1870), Lottery (1972), Bingo (1952), Casinos (2008)
• Estimated Tax Revenue from Gambling: $900 million
• Estimated Gambling Revenue: $2.8 billion
• Maryland Gambling Age: Bingo, racing and lottery: 18 Casinos: 21
• Smoking ban: Smoking is not permitted in any indoor businesses in Maryland.
• Maryland Online gambling: Horse racing

While Maryland casinos were legalized later than other states in the region, is has no aversion to gambling. Horse racing dates back to the 19^th Century. The regulation was originally left up to the city governments before pari-mutuel betting went online early in the 20^th Century. The state permits charities to offer bingo and other games of chance.

Maryland casinos were not approved until 2008. Resort casinos and some racetracks may offer Atlantic City style gambling.

Paying Gambling Taxes in Maryland

Do you have to pay taxes on your gambling winnings? OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos has gathered everything you need to know about paying taxes straight from a Certified Public Accountant. For more information please visit our exclusive Gambling Taxes article.

Maryland Casinos Map & Guide

• Rocky Gap Casino
• Horseshoe Casino
• Hollywood Casino
• Maryland Live!
• MGM National Harbor

• Number of B&M Casinos: 5
• Number of Poker Rooms: 4
• Number of Indian Casinos: 0

Types of Maryland Online Gambling Allowed

There are two forms of legal Maryland online gambling. Off-track horse racing is permitted on apps and registered websites. The main companies that accept this type of pari-mutuel action are TVG, XpressBet, and TwinSpires.

Maryland wanted to legalize fantasy sports by the end of 2015, but was repealed by state legislation in 2016. The state adopted language in the federal Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act that exempts fantasy sports. This is thought to give the green light to daily fantasy sports sites like DraftKings, FanDuel, Yahoo!, and CBS Sports. Even the most conservative daily fantasy sites accept players from Maryland.

Types of Live Maryland Gambling

• Slots: Yes
• Blackjack: Yes
• Poker: Yes
• Craps/Roulette: Yes
• Horses: Yes
• Lottery: Yes

Horse racing is the oldest form of Maryland gambling. There were once six tracks in the state. There are now just two that offer scheduled races with pari-mutuel betting. They are Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park. Pimlico is home to the Preakness race, which is part of the Triple Crown.

Are professional sports rigged. There are two types of games of chance widely available in Maryland. Charities may offer bingo and raffles. Bingo rules are liberal. Raffles may only be operated twice per year. Local governments set the licensing and location rules for charitable gambling in Maryland.

A state lottery sells scratch-off and lotto tickets. These are available at convenience stores throughout the state.

There are five Maryland casinos. They are Rocky Gap Casino, Horseshoe Casino, Hollywood Casino, Maryland Live!, and Ocean Downs. MGM National Harbor will open in late 2016. These Maryland casinos offer all the same games found in New Jersey or Nevada. These popular casino games include slots, video poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, and card games banked by the house.

Maryland Gambling Laws

Maryland gambling laws are strict for activities that are not specifically legal. Possession of gambling devices is illegal for residents. This also applies to vessels that may go out into international waters. Charities must register with local authorities. Charitable games permitted are paddlewheels, wheel of fortune, raffles and bingo. Charities may hold no more than two raffles per year. Bingo players may not purchase more than 54 tickets in a session.

Maryland casinos are allowed to operate if legalized through a local referendum. Each region may only have one gambling operation. There are six jurisdictions that voted to allow casinos in Maryland. The Maryland casinos are located in:

• Allegany County
• Baltimore
• Cecil County

• Anne Arundel County
• Worcester County
• Prince George's County

Maryland casinos may offer a wide variety of games. These casino games include slots, video poker, live poker, craps, roulette, blackjack, Three Card Poker, Four Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold'em, baccarat, and other card games. There is a 67 percent tax rate on slots. This is the highest in the country. The tax on table games and live poker is 20 percent.

Horseracing is legal in Maryland. Greyhound racing is not. Racetracks may offer live racing and race books. Registered interstate racing companies may accept bets over mobile apps and the Internet in Maryland.

The state lottery may sell scratch-off tickets and hold lotto drawings. It may participate in interstate lotto drawings. Tickets may not be sold over the Internet.

Maryland is one of two states, the other being Kansas, that specifically legalized fantasy sports. The state adopted the fantasy sports exemption in the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in 2012. There is some debate as to whether the language applies to daily fantasy sports sites like DraftKings and FanDuel. However, in 2016 this gambling law was repealed by the Maryland state legislation, making it once again illegal.

The minimum gambling age in Maryland is 18 years for lotteries, racing, and charitable gaming. Maryland casino gamblers must be 21 years or older.

List of Maryland Casinos

Beyond the hundreds of lottery retailers and bingo halls, there are just eight places to gamble in Maryland. Laurel Downs and Pimlico Race Course are the two racetracks. There are 146 days of live racing between these two venues. Each also has a race book for simulcast betting.

There are five Maryland casinos open for business in the state. A sixth is currently under construction. You can use the information below to find a location, or use our Maryland casinos map to help guide yourself to the nearest one.

History of Maryland Gambling

Horse racing dates back to the mid 18^th Century. The Maryland Jockey Club was founded in 1743. Its first races were held at Pimlico Race Course. It is still open today and home of The Preakness, one of the three Triple Crown races. Racing became specifically legal under state law in 1870. That is when pari-mutuel betting pools were created in Maryland under a state racing commission. Regulation of the specific tracks was left to the county or city where the track was located until 1912 when the state took control.

Maryland approved off-track betting in 1988. Simulcasting of races was only legal at the time when live racing was not operating on a track. In 1993, the state expanded off-track betting at any time the facility was open for business.

Voters approved a state lottery in November 1972. This was done through a constitutional referendum. The first ticket was sold on May 15, 1973. Early drawings were lottos of the Pick 3 and Pick 4 variety. The first scratch-off ticket was not sold until February 10, 1976. Scratch-off tickets are bigger sellers than lotto games today.

Casinos were approved through a statewide constitutional referendum in November 2008. Casinos operate under the oversight of the Maryland Lottery. Hollywood Casino in Perryville was the first to open on September 17, 2010. Ocean Downs opened the following year. Maryland Live! Who will win champions league 2019 predictions. opened in 2012. Rocky Gap Casino opened in 2013. Horseshoe Casino launched in Baltimore in 2014. MGM National Harbor was awarded the state's resort gaming license. It will open in 2016.

Maryland does not permit online gambling. It has been home to several busts related to the acceptance of internet bets. The Maryland office of the Department of Justice led busts like Operation Texas Hold'em where funds were distributed to local police departments for their participation.

The Linwood Payment Solutions sting operation originated in Maryland through the Department of Justice. This is where a bogus processor was created to handle payments for offshore online gambling sites and eWallets. This took down UseMyWallet and some sports betting sites in May 2011, just six weeks after Black Friday. This was referred to as Blue Monday in the online gambling world. Companies that survived saw their domain names seized and were forced to buy ones in other countries.

Calvin Ayre and two other officers of Bodog were indicted by the same Department of Justice office in February 2012. The Bodog.com domain was seized at the time. U.S. players had already been moved to Bovada.lv by that time as the company saw the risk of its .com domains. None of the three indicted ever traveled to the U.S. to fight the charges. Calvin Ayre was on the Top 10 List of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He dropped off the list even though he is still at-large.

Maryland was the first state to expressly legalize fantasy sports in 2012. The state legislature passed the exemption in the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. This made it clear that fantasy sports contests were legal in the state.

Maryland Casinos & Gambling FAQ

Race books are permitted at the two racetracks in Maryland.

Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Downs are the two pari-mutuel tracks in Maryland.

Off-track betting and fantasy sports are legal over the Internet and on mobile devices.

All fantasy sites accept Maryland players. The largest are DraftKings, FanDuel, CBS Sports and Yahoo! Even conservative sites like StarsDraft and Star Fantasy Leagues accept Maryland players.

The most popular off-track betting sites that accept players from Maryland are TVG, TwinSpires, and BetAmerica.

There are six casinos approved in Maryland. Five are open as of March 2016.

Slots, video poker, live poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, Three Card Poker, Four Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Pai Gow Poker and baccarat are among the available games.

The minimum Maryland gambling age is 18 years for bingo, racing and lottery, and 21 years for casinos.