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Best Maryland Sports Betting Sites: Top 10 MD Sportsbooks Reviewed 2024
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Scott Kacsmar
- April 19, 2024
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In 2021, Maryland approved retail sports betting and gaming. Six casinos have licensed sportsbooks, but most users prefer betting from home through mobile sites. Though state-regulated online gambling is new, the top Maryland sports betting apps have decades of experience providing sports betting services from other countries. Our reviews will help you find the best place to enjoy legal sports betting today.
| SPORTSBOOK | TRUST SCORE | ONLINE SINCE | Expert Review | BONUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BetOnline
|
2001 | Read Review | ||
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Bovada
|
2011 | Read Review | ||
|
Heritage Sports
|
2001 | Read Review | ||
|
Bookmaker
|
1996 | Read Review | ||
|
Everygame
|
1996 | Read Review | ||
|
BetAnySports
|
2002 | Read Review |
Budget negotiations by Maryland lawmakers conclude, leaving out online casinos. Now, a referendum may wait until 2027 at the earliest. Maryland’s online casino bill faces an uncertain future as Senate opts out. Supporters will have to wait until 2026 for another chance. Maryland legislators approve a bill to renovate Pimlico Race Course and transition its ownership to the state. Gov. Wes Moore is expected to sign it into law.
Sports Betting Apps in Maryland FAQs
Did Maryland pass sports betting?
Yes, Maryland passed a sports betting law legalizing sports betting on November 23, 2022. There is now a wide range of retail locations that accept sports bets. The legal betting age is 21 at retail sportsbooks in the state.
Does Maryland allow online betting?
Yes, in 2022 a law was passed that made online sports betting legal. The state has legalized sports betting and currently offers 12 online sportsbooks, which include BetMGM, Caesars, PointsBet Maryland and other online sports betting sites apps. Bettors in the state can also use an offshore sportsbook to place bets online.
Where can I mobile bet in Maryland?
In Maryland, you can place mobile bets through 12 online sportsbooks, including online options such as BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel and ESPN BET. You can also use top-rated offshore options such as BetOnline, Bovada and Heritage Sports. These sportsbooks provide user-friendly platforms and diverse sports options for mobile betting.
How do I place a bet in Maryland?
In Maryland, you can place a bet if you are at least 21 years old and located within the state. To place an online bet, choose an online sportsbook, create a new account and claim your bonus for new players. Then, select your preferred odds and place your bet.
Is Bovada legal in Maryland?
Yes, Bovada is available in the state and is our top-ranked sportsbook for Maryland bettors. New users can take advantage of a generous sign-up promo and Bovada accepts online wagering on college sports and professional teams in the state.
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Best Maryland Sports Betting Apps
Our industry experts reviewed hundreds of apps to find the absolute best mobile betting options for residents of Maryland. For your convenience, we have created a top 10 list of our favorite offshore sportsbooks:
- BetOnline – Provides opinionated lines for top markets
- Bovada – Best mobile platform overall
- Heritage Sports – Access unique perks and live betting
- BetAnySports – Offers the best reduced juice in the industry
- Everygame – Has the best site design and an intuitive interface
- WagerWeb – Offers free crypto payouts for users
- SportsBetting.ag – Offers a 50% welcome bonus for new bettors
- BetUS – Provides informative guides and expert analysis to bolster your betting
- JustBet – Great rewards program for active bettors
- BookMaker – Does not limit winning players and offers the highest limits
These sites allow bettors in Maryland to wager on professional sports teams, college teams and niche sports. They also offer some of the most competitive betting odds and generous bonuses in the sports betting industry.
Maryland’s Sports Betting Timeline
Maryland’s relationship with sports betting has been a remarkable tale of legislative shifts and economic growth. Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s pivotal decision in 2018 to overturn the federal ban on sports betting, the state has embarked on a path of progressive legalization and regulation, culminating in a vibrant market.
This timeline traces the key milestones in Maryland’s sports betting history, starting with legislative efforts and culminating in significant economic achievements and expansions in the industry:
Budget negotiations by Maryland lawmakers conclude, leaving out online casinos. Now, a referendum may wait until 2027 at the earliest. Maryland’s online casino bill faces an uncertain future as Senate opts out. Supporters will have to wait until 2026 for another chance. Maryland legislators approve a bill to renovate Pimlico Race Course and transition its ownership to the state. Gov. Wes Moore is expected to sign it into law.
Maryland lawmakers propose a bill (HB 1087) that seeks to ban betting on college campuses in the state.
Senator Ron Watson announces he will file an online casino bill in Maryland’s upcoming legislative session.
The state reports a monthly handle of $550.7 million, a figure 10% higher than the state’s previous record set in December 2022. Maryland State Lottery & Gaming Control Agency.
Lawmakers and iGaming experts at Morgan State University’s Center for Data Analytics and Sports Gaming Research weigh in on the expansion of online gambling during a meeting.
Delegate Jason Buckel proposes legislation to expand retail sportsbooks.
Maryland sports betting and gaming from all sectors contribute nearly $1.6 billion in revenue during the fiscal year for 2023.
Maryland lawmakers commission a study from the Maryland State Lottery & Gaming Control Agency about the possibility of expanding Maryland’s online gambling and present it by November 15.
Fanatics makes its online debut in Maryland, becoming the state’s 10th sports betting app.
Projections suggest that retail and online sportsbook operators in Maryland could generate more than $481 million in revenue from over $4 billion in legal wagers for the year.
Maryland voters approve a referendum to legalize sports betting in the state, with nearly two-thirds of the votes in favor.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan signs a bill into law to allow for the regulation and taxation of sports betting in the state, pending the outcome of the November 2020 referendum.
Maryland lawmakers introduce multiple bills to legalize sports betting in the state, but none of them pass.
The U.S. Supreme Court overturns the federal ban on sports betting, allowing states to legalize and regulate it on their own.
Maryland’s sports betting timeline is a testament to the state’s adaptability and forward-thinking approach in the rapidly evolving sports wagering industry.
Reviews of the Best Maryland Betting Apps & Mobile Sites
The following section is a detailed review of the top five offshore sportsbooks from our top 10 list above. Review the pros and cons of each and see where your personal preference guides you as you look for your top sportsbook for betting in Maryland on your favorite sports:
1. BetOnline: Best for Opinionated Lines
Key Features:
- Free pro league pick'em contests with real cash prizes
- Fun sports-related promotions
BetOnline stands as our number two sports betting app. It offers opinionated lines on major markets like football, basketball and baseball, providing options unmatched by other online sportsbooks.
BetOnline’s diverse betting portfolio includes various leagues and non-sports markets like entertainment and politics. The site’s design is user-friendly, featuring a prop builder, odds booster and an easily navigable live betting section on mobile devices.
New users benefit from promotional offers via BetOnline promo codes. These include a 50% Sports Welcome Bonus on the initial deposit (up to $1,000), a 25% sports reload bonus and a 35% bonus for crypto deposits.
The first player prop wager and live bet wager (valued at $25) are complimentary and users have the opportunity to suggest prop bets for the site.
2. Bovada: The Best Mobile Platform Overall
Key Features:
- Best prop builder in the industry
- Access to one of the busiest poker rooms for U.S. players
Bovada is a well-known sportsbook operating out of Costa Rica. You can bet on a wide variety of markets that are organized in a neat A-Z menu on the home page.
The props builder is one of the best in the industry with plenty of over/under choices for the top leagues as well as prepared specials and player-performance doubles for each game.
While Bovada lacks a native app for download, you can add the Bovada mobile site to your home screen for instant access on your mobile device. The site is also good for live betting on various sports and major event betting. There are also several generous bonuses which are available to Maryland residents.
3. Heritage Sports: Best for Reduced Juice & Live Betting
Key Features:
- Reduced juice cash-back program is great for sports and casino
- Free parlay on your birthday adds a nice personal touch
Heritage Sports is another great mobile sportsbook option that has been around since 2001. Formerly an invite-only service, anyone can join today, including Maryland users.
The reduced juice cash-back program is top-notch. Many sites will offer one or the other, but with Heritage Sports, you will get reduced juice betting lines (-108 lines instead of the standard -110) and cash back every quarter on your sports bets.
You also get some of the best live betting choices in the industry with one of the nicest-looking sites.
You won’t get the biggest promotions with Heritage, but their cash-back program is top-notch and you can get unique perks like a free parlay on your birthday (up to a $500 value) or getting every eighth deposit for free.
4. BetAnySports: Best for Competitive Betting Odds
Key Features:
- Reduced juice betting lines & competitive betting odds
- Features a wide variety of sports betting markets
BetAnySports stands out as a versatile betting platform catering to mobile bettors who enjoy a wide range of options. From mainstream sports like soccer and basketball to unique markets such as competitive eating and spelling bees, BAS has something for everyone.
What really sets BAS apart are its competitive odds, especially with reduced juice lines for major U.S. sports leagues, ensuring more value on every bet. The mobile site is user-friendly and is designed for quick navigation without any frustrating lags. There’s no need for a separate online betting app, as the browser-optimized site works seamlessly across devices.
Newcomers are greeted with a modest but welcome 30% bonus up to $600 and loyal customers can take advantage of various ongoing promotions.
5. BookMaker: Best for Sharp & New Bettors
Key Features:
- Sharp bettors are not limited
- Highest limits in the industry
If you’re serious about sports betting, then BookMaker’s mobile sportsbook is hard to pass up. This Costa Rica-based sportsbook has been online for over 25 years and has earned a reputation for getting the earliest betting lines out. Sharp bettors can hammer those lines before the public starts skewing things in another direction.
With high betting limits and the ability to request up to five payouts per week, you can get a lot done as a sports bettor with Bookmaker as your primary online sportsbook.
If you join BookMaker’s excellent loyalty program, then you can eventually get 20% cash on your reload bonuses (up to $2,500). The initial welcome bonus is worth as much as $500 in bonus money with a 10x rollover.
Is sports betting legal in Maryland?
Yes, sports betting enthusiasts in Maryland secured their first big win in 2021 when sports betting was legalized in the state. Right now, you can visit a casino or gambling establishment and place bets at a retail location:
- Horseshoe Casino Baltimore (Caesars)
- MGM National Harbor (BetMGM)
- Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland (FanDuel)
- Ocean Downs Casino (TwinSpires)
- Hollywood Casino Perrysville (Barstool)
- Riverboat on the Potomac (PointsBet)
- Bingo World Baltimore (BetRivers)
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) has also been legal for years in Maryland through popular companies such as DraftKings and FanDuel.
Eventually, bill HB 940 was introduced in April 2021 to formally lay out how sports betting will work and it was passed overwhelmingly — 47-0 in the Senate and 124-14 in the House — by the Maryland General Assembly. A month later on May 18, Governor Larry Hogan signed the bill into law.
By December 2021, retail sports betting was available at the state casinos with FanDuel, BetMGM and Caesars among the first to strike deals with the casinos. Governor Hogan himself ended up making the first legal sports wager in the state. Online sports bets were legalized in December 2022 but there are limited online betting options when it comes to state-regulated legal sports betting sites.
How We Rank the Best Maryland Betting Apps & Mobile Sites
At Bookmakers Review we research each offshore sportsbook and grade it against a series of important metrics that we think a quality site should possess. We want to share some of those metrics so that you know what to look for when choosing the right online betting site in Maryland:
User Experiences
With so many bets placed on a phone now, a site needs to have a user interface that makes it easy to enjoy mobile betting; live or pre-game. We also want to be able to add money to our account on the fly, build parlays with ease and enjoy a site that won’t crash during high-traffic times like right before the start of the next playoff game.
Live Mobile Betting & Streaming
Live betting continues to get more popular and is one of the best ways to use your handheld device to place bets while actively watching a game. Most of our top 10 sites offer deep live betting markets so, no matter which hour of the day it is, you can likely find some action going on somewhere in the world.
Banking Options
Our top sites do a great job of giving you different banking methods ranging from old-school methods (checks, credit cards, money orders, wire transfers) to more modern options (P2P, eWallets, cryptocurrency options). There are also fees and different waiting times associated with your preferred payment method.
These are available on each site and you should familiarize yourself with the differences when selecting what method is best for you. Sites that provide a detailed crypto guide for those wishing to learn how to use it get a higher grade as well.
Customer Service
The best customer service sites will offer 24/7 support in a variety of contact methods from email to phone calls to video chat. But 24/7 support with quick response time is the ideal goal.
Licensing & Security
You should feel confident that the site you are using is safe, that it will keep your personal information secure and that it is a legitimate company that is licensed to operate in its country of origin. The sites we have chosen for our top 10 all passed this test with flying colors.
Popular Types of Bets for Massachusetts Sportsbooks
When you’re looking to place a bet at a sportsbook in Massachusetts, you’ll find a variety of options to choose from. Each type of bet offers a different way to get involved with the action, catering to different preferences and strategies. Here’s a straightforward guide to the most common types of bets you’ll encounter:
Moneyline Bets: Moneyline betting is as straightforward as it gets. You’re simply picking the winner of a game or event. Odds are assigned to each team or player, indicating the potential payout. A favorite will have negative odds, showing how much you need to bet to win $100, while an underdog will have positive odds, showing how much you win if you bet $100.
Point Spread Bets: Point spread betting adds a twist to picking a winner. Sportsbooks set a spread to level the playing field between two unevenly matched teams. If you bet on the favorite, they need to win by more than the spread. If you bet on the underdog, they need to win outright or lose by less than the spread.
Totals (Over/Under): Totals betting, also known as over/under, involves betting on the combined score of both teams in a game. The sportsbook sets a number, and you bet on whether the final score will be over or under that number. It’s a popular bet for those who want to root for (or against) both teams.
Parlays: Parlays let you bundle multiple bets into one. To win, all your picks in the parlay must win. While this is harder to achieve, the payoff is significantly higher than placing individual bets. Parlays can be a fun way to stake a small amount for the chance of a large reward.
Props (Proposition Bets): Prop bets are wagers on specific events within a game that don’t directly affect the final outcome. This can include betting on which player will score the first touchdown, how many strikeouts a pitcher will have, or even the coin toss at the start of the game. Props add an element of fun and can be based on player performance or game situations.
Futures: Futures bets involve predicting the outcome of events that will be decided in the future, such as which team will win the championship or who will be awarded MVP. These bets can offer large payouts, especially if you make your picks early in the season.
Understanding these popular bet types can help you make informed decisions and enjoy your betting experience in Massachusetts. Whether you’re in it for the fun or looking to make strategic picks, there’s a type of bet that suits your style.
Types of Maryland Mobile Betting Bonus Codes & Promo Offers
There are always bonuses and sports betting promos available, so online sports betting sites can keep players coming back. It is important to understand how these promo codes work and know what a good deal looks like. The following are different examples of the types of promotions and perks you will see on these offshore sportsbooks.
Welcome Bonuses & Deposit Bonuses
The most popular sportsbook promo that you will often see advertised for an online sportsbook is the welcome bonus. This is usually in the form of matching your first deposit, sometimes up to $1,000 or more depending on the site or online sports betting app and can be claimed during the registration process.
Sometimes your second and third deposits also get matched if the promotion allows for it. Crypto users usually can get a little more on their first-deposit bonuses if they use that method to make their transactions.
But with any welcome bonus, you should read the fine print about what the rollover requirement is. That number is going to tell you how many times you will have to wager that bonus money until it is cleared to be withdrawn from your account as real money. That number can get very high for casino bonuses, but the sports rollover requirements are usually among the lowest.
Returning Customer Promotions
It is always nice to see your loyalty rewarded. Some sportsbooks will offer you more lucrative promotions based on your betting level with the site. The more you bet, the more likely those rewards are going to be a larger number.
But there is a variety of returning customer promotions you can expect to see:
- Odds Boosts: These are common for sports bets. You may see a line that is usually -110 get boosted to +150 for that day as part of a promotion. You just have to opt in and claim the promotion to get the odds. There is usually a strict limit associated with these boosts and they are one-time bets that cannot be combined into parlays. Some feel that you should always fade the books when they offer these boosts, but there are plenty of times when they do hit and anyone who played them got a nice boost in profit.
- Reload Bonuses: These are basically just deposit matches for people who have a history of depositing money on a site. Put in $100 and expect them to match 50% or so. If you were going to make a deposit anyway that day, it is basically getting free money. These are offered often.
- Risk-free Bets & Bonus Bets: These promotional wagers are always fun to see available. If you make a bet of a certain amount and it loses, you can get your stake back as a free bet. Just be aware those free bets earned through these promotional wagers usually expire within a week.
- Free Bets: These can come as the reward to a risk-free bet or as part of a promotion for the first time you place a certain bet, such as your first live bet, first parlay or first horse race bet.
Online sports betting sites frequently offer these types of ongoing promotions to existing customers.
Sports Teams in Maryland
Maryland is home to a diverse array of professional and collegiate sports teams that have garnered substantial followings both regionally and nationally. This state’s sports landscape is marked by a rich history and a passionate fan base, making it a notable hub for various sporting activities.
The following list highlights some of the most popular professional and collegiate sports teams in Maryland, each with its unique heritage and achievements:
- Baltimore Ravens (NFL): Established in 1996, the Ravens are a professional American football team based in Baltimore. They have won two Super Bowl championships, making them one of the most successful teams in the NFL in the 21st century.
- Baltimore Orioles (MLB): A Major League Baseball team, the Orioles have a storied history dating back to their establishment in 1901. They have won three World Series titles and are known for their iconic ballpark, Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
- Washington Wizards (NBA): Although based in Washington, D.C., the Wizards have a significant fan base in Maryland. This professional basketball team has seen various periods of success since its inception in 1961.
- Washington Capitals (NHL): Like the Wizards, the Capitals play in Washington, D.C., but are widely supported throughout Maryland. Established in 1974, they won their first Stanley Cup in 2018.
- University of Maryland Terrapins (NCAA): Representing the University of Maryland in collegiate sports, the Terrapins compete in the Big Ten Conference. They are particularly known for their achievements in basketball, football and lacrosse.
- Navy Midshipmen (NCAA): Based at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, the Midshipmen are renowned for their football program. Their annual football game against the Army Black Knights is one of the most storied rivalries in college sports.
Maryland’s sports scene is a vibrant part of its cultural fabric, offering a range of teams for fans to rally behind. From the gridiron of the NFL to the diamond of MLB and from the intensity of NBA and NHL games to the spirited competitions of collegiate sports, Maryland offers a rich tapestry of athletic prowess and team spirit.
How to Read Sports Betting Odds in Maryland
Understanding sports betting odds is essential for anyone using mobile sports betting apps in Maryland. Odds tell you how much you can win on a bet compared to how much you put in. Here’s a simple guide on how to read them.
- American Odds: American odds, also known as moneyline odds, are very common on sportsbook apps. They usually have a plus (+) or minus (-) sign in front of a number. A minus sign indicates the favorite and the number shows how much you need to bet to win $100. For example, -150 means you bet $150 to win $100. A plus sign indicates the underdog and the number shows how much you win if you bet $100. For example, +200 means you win $200 on a $100 bet.
- Decimal Odds: Decimal odds are straightforward and are becoming more popular on online betting apps. They show how much you win for every $1 wagered, including your original bet. For example, odds of 1.5 mean you win $1.50 for every $1 bet. To calculate your total return, multiply your bet by the decimal odds.
- Fractional Odds: Fractional odds are often used in horse racing and are represented by two numbers separated by a slash, like 5/1. This means you win $5 for every $1 bet, plus your original bet back. To calculate your potential profit, multiply your bet by the top number (numerator), then divide by the bottom number (denominator).
By understanding how to read the betting odds, you’ll not only enhance your betting strategy but also enjoy a more informed betting experience. This foundational knowledge is your key to engaging with sports betting in Maryland confidently.
Tips for Reading Odds
You can use the following betting tips to maximize your chances of success:
- Know the Types: Familiarize yourself with American, decimal and fractional odds so you can understand and compare them easily.
- Calculate Potential Returns: Always calculate your potential returns before placing a bet. This helps you understand the risks and rewards.
- Compare Odds: Use different sportsbook apps to compare odds. Slight differences can mean more winnings or lower risks.
- Understand the Context: Odds reflect the bookmaker’s view of the event’s likelihood, but they also include a margin to ensure profit. Knowing the context of the game and doing your research can give you an edge.
By understanding how to read and interpret odds, you can make more informed decisions and enjoy a better sports betting experience on Maryland’s online betting sites.
Mobile Site vs. App for Betting in Maryland
Most users generally look for a downloadable mobile sportsbook app when getting into sports betting. However, the online betting sites in our list currently lack a native app that can be downloaded on the App Store for iOS users or the Play Store on an Android device.
But you can always check out the mobile site on your favorite device, which can then be bookmarked or saved to your home screen for quick, future access. We looked at some of the pros and cons of the methods of engaging in mobile sports betting on a mobile site compared to a mobile app.
Mobile Site
Every offshore sportsbook in our list has a solid mobile site that you can access to place bets. Just visit the site and log in:
Pros:
- Not taking up storage space on your phone with a growing cache the more you use it
- Not using your monthly data allotment on your phone
- No need to worry about downloading app updates or removing old versions of app to install new ones
Cons:
- Higher security risks
- May have to type in passwords more often
Mobile App
Using a native app is going to be like using the website, but you will notice some differences:
Pros:
- One-click access to enter the app
- Use your phone’s high-tech login method (fingerprint or code) for quick access to your account
- Use the stored password on your phone so you don’t have to remember it or write it down somewhere
- You can quickly share photos of your bets with friends or social media following
- These usually have better aesthetics than the regular mobile site
Cons:
- Easier to multi-task (research stats) while betting on a PC or larger screen than on your phone
- Must always be on the lookout for app updates, which take up storage
- Geolocation on a phone can be very hit-or-miss
- Apps can lag more than the site based on the strength of your Wi-Fi connection
Maryland Betting Guides
For those in Maryland interested in other forms of gambling, we have these other expert guides:
