Maryland Casinos – Best Places to Gamble in MD

In Maryland, gambling is defined as “wagering or betting in any manner to receive something of value dependent upon the result of any race, contest, or contingency.” This definition even covers online games, which is pretty concerning.

Back in the day, if you got caught gambling illegally as a player, the punishment was harsh. You could get hit with a misdemeanor charge, which carried a maximum sentence of 12 months in jail and a hefty fine. But as of April 2019, the regulations have been updated. Now, if you’re caught placing an unlawful bet, you could get slapped with a citation ranging from $500 to $1,000, depending on the amount of money involved.

To learn more about gambling laws in Maryland, you should check out the Maryland Code, Criminal Law, Title 12, Subtitle 1, Section 1-102 et seq. and Maryland Business Regulations, Title 11, Subtitle 1, Section 11-101 et seq.; Business Regulations, Title 10, Subtitle 5, Section 10-502. They cover most gambling-related matters.

List of Popular Gambling Venues in Maryland

Related reading: Maryland online casinos

Reviews of the Top Maryland Casinos

1. Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland

Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland is one of the largest casinos in Maryland, located in Hanover. It was opened in 2012 and has since become a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

The casino features over 4,000 slot machines and electronic table games, including popular titles like Wheel of Fortune, Lightning Link, and Buffalo Grand. It also offers a variety of live dealer table games such as Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, and Craps.

The venue size is massive, covering more than 350,000 square feet of gaming space. It has an impressive 52-table poker room and a high-limit gaming area for those who want to play big.

In addition to gaming, Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland offers many dining options ranging from casual to fine dining. Some of the popular restaurants include The Prime Rib, Phillips Seafood, and Luk Fu.

For those who want to stay overnight, the casino also features a luxurious hotel with over 300 rooms and suites. The hotel is equipped with modern amenities such as a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa.

Overall, Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland is a great place to enjoy a wide variety of gaming options, dining, and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or just a night out, Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland has something for everyone.

2. Horseshoe Casino Baltimore

Horseshoe Casino Baltimore is a popular casino located in the heart of Baltimore, Maryland. The casino opened in 2014 and quickly became a go-to destination for those seeking gaming, entertainment, and dining.

The casino floor covers over 122,000 square feet and features a variety of slot machines and table games, including popular titles like Dragon Spin, Wheel of Fortune, and Lightning Link. It also offers a range of live dealer table games such as Blackjack, Roulette, and Craps.

Horseshoe Casino Baltimore has a spacious poker room with 25 tables and a variety of games and tournaments available to suit players of all skill levels.

For dining, the casino offers a range of options including Johnny Sanchez, Guy Fieri’s Baltimore Kitchen and Bar, and Jack Binion’s Steakhouse, which has won numerous awards for its high-quality steaks.

The casino does not have an attached hotel, but there are several hotels located nearby for those who wish to stay overnight. The casino does, however, offer many amenities including a full-service bar, a VIP lounge, and a concert venue that hosts a variety of popular acts throughout the year.

Overall, Horseshoe Casino Baltimore is a great destination for those seeking gaming, dining, and entertainment in the heart of the city. It has a wide range of options available to suit all tastes and budgets.

3. MGM National Harbor

MGM National Harbor is a luxurious casino resort located in Oxon Hill, Maryland, just minutes from Washington D.C. The casino opened in 2016 and quickly became a popular destination for gaming, dining, and entertainment.

The casino floor spans over 160,000 square feet and features over 3,000 slot machines and video poker games, as well as a wide variety of table games including Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, and Craps. Some popular slot titles at MGM National Harbor include Wheel of Fortune, Buffalo Gold, and Lightning Link.

The casino also features a 46-table poker room with daily tournaments and cash games available.

MGM National Harbor has an impressive array of dining options, including several high-end restaurants such as Voltaggio Brothers Steak House and Fish by Jose Andres. There are also more casual options available, including a food hall with a variety of international cuisines.

For those looking to stay overnight, the casino offers a luxurious hotel with over 300 rooms and suites. The hotel features modern amenities such as a fitness center, a spa, and an outdoor pool.

In addition to gaming and dining, MGM National Harbor also has a range of amenities including a theater that hosts popular shows and concerts, a nightclub, and a retail shopping area.

4. Hollywood Casino Perryville

Hollywood Casino Perryville is a casino located in Perryville, Maryland, and was opened in 2010. It is a smaller casino compared to others in Maryland, but it still offers a variety of gaming options.

The casino features over 800 slot machines and electronic table games, including popular titles like Lightning Link, Buffalo Gold, and Quick Hits. It also offers a range of live dealer table games such as Blackjack, Roulette, and Craps.

The venue size is relatively smaller than other casinos in Maryland, with a gaming floor covering around 34,000 square feet.

Hollywood Casino Perryville has a casual restaurant called The Greene Turtle, which serves American pub food and drinks.

The casino does not have an attached hotel, but there are several hotels located nearby for those who wish to stay overnight.

Overall, Hollywood Casino Perryville is a great place for those looking for a more laid-back, casual gaming experience. While it is smaller in size, it still offers a variety of gaming options and dining. It is a popular destination for those located in the northern part of Maryland or southern Pennsylvania.

5. Ocean Downs Casino

Ocean Downs Casino is a casino located in Berlin, Maryland. It was opened in 2011 and is located near the popular Ocean City beach resort.

The casino features over 900 slot machines and electronic table games, including popular titles like Buffalo Gold, Lock it Link, and Wheel of Fortune. It also offers live dealer table games such as Blackjack, Roulette, and Craps.

The venue size is relatively small, with a gaming floor covering around 34,000 square feet.

Ocean Downs Casino has a casual restaurant called the Sports Bar, which serves American pub food and drinks. There is also a food court with several fast food options.

The casino does not have an attached hotel, but there are several hotels located nearby for those who wish to stay overnight.

In addition to gaming, Ocean Downs Casino also has a race track, where visitors can watch live harness racing during the summer months.

Maryland Gambling Revenues

Maryland’s gambling industry has seen significant growth in recent years. According to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, the state’s six casinos generated over $1.48 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2021, an increase of nearly 8% from the previous year.

A portion of the gambling revenues generated in Maryland goes to support the state’s education system. In 2021, the state’s Education Trust Fund received nearly $606 million from the gambling industry. This funding helps to support public schools, community colleges, and universities across the state.

In addition to education, gambling revenues also support the horse racing industry in Maryland. The Maryland Racing Commission receives a percentage of the state’s gambling revenues, which is used to support the racing industry and maintain racetracks throughout the state.

The state of Maryland also uses a portion of its gambling revenues to fund problem gambling services. The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling received $4.1 million in funding from the state’s gambling industry in 2021. This funding helps to provide resources and support to those struggling with gambling addiction.

Indian Gaming Tribes in Maryland

Maryland is home to two federally recognized Indian tribes, the Piscataway Conoy Tribe and the Piscataway Indian Nation. Both tribes have a long history in the region, with evidence of their presence dating back thousands of years.

In recent years, there have been disputes between the two tribes over who has the legal right to open a casino in Maryland. The Piscataway Indian Nation has been pushing to open a casino on its land in Prince George’s County, while the Piscataway Conoy Tribe has opposed the idea, arguing that they are the only recognized tribe in the state and should have sole authority to open a casino.

Despite these disagreements, both tribes have been actively involved in the state’s gaming industry. The Piscataway Conoy Tribe operates a small casino in Charles County, while the Piscataway Indian Nation has partnered with a private developer to pursue a casino project in Prince George’s County.

Maryland Indian Gaming Tribes:

• Piscataway Conoy Tribe
• Piscataway Indian Nation

A History of Gambling in Maryland

Gambling has a long and storied history in Maryland. One of the earliest forms of gambling in the state was horse racing, which became popular in the 18th century. By the 19th century, there were several race tracks throughout the state, and betting on horses was a common pastime for many Marylanders.

In the early 20th century, Maryland became one of the first states to allow charitable gambling, including bingo and raffles. These types of games were regulated by the state and required a license to operate.

The 1940s saw the introduction of slot machines in Maryland, which quickly became a popular form of gambling. At one point, there were over 10,000 slot machines operating in the state, generating millions of dollars in revenue each year.

However, in the 1960s, Maryland cracked down on illegal gambling, including slot machines. By 1968, all forms of gambling were illegal in the state.

It wasn’t until the 1970s that Maryland began to loosen its gambling laws. In 1973, the state created the Maryland State Lottery, which allowed residents to purchase lottery tickets for a chance to win cash prizes. Over the years, the lottery has grown to include multiple games and generates hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue each year.

In 2010, Maryland voters approved a referendum to allow the state to issue licenses for up to five casinos. The first casino, Hollywood Casino Perryville, opened its doors in 2010, followed by several others in the years that followed.

Today, Maryland’s six casinos generate billions of dollars in revenue each year, making the state one of the top gambling destinations in the country. In addition to casinos, the state also allows sports betting, which was legalized in 2021.

Despite its long and varied history with gambling, Maryland still faces challenges when it comes to regulating the industry. There have been disputes over casino ownership and revenue sharing agreements, as well as concerns about problem gambling and the potential for increased crime.

Gambling Taxes in Maryland

If you’re a gambler in Maryland, it’s important to understand the state’s gambling tax laws. All gambling winnings in Maryland are subject to state and federal taxes. In Maryland, the state tax rate on gambling winnings is 8.95%. This means that if you win $1,000 at a casino in Maryland, you’ll owe $89.50 in state taxes.

When it comes to paying gambling taxes in Maryland, it’s important to keep detailed records of all your winnings and losses. You can deduct your gambling losses from your winnings for tax purposes, but you’ll need to be able to prove your losses if you’re audited by the IRS.

If you win more than $5,000 at a casino in Maryland, the casino is required to withhold 24% of your winnings for federal taxes. This means that if you win $10,000, the casino will withhold $2,400 for federal taxes. However, you may be able to get some or all of that money back when you file your tax return.

If you’re a professional gambler in Maryland, you’ll be subject to a different set of tax rules. Professional gamblers are considered self-employed and must pay taxes on their gambling income as well as their regular income. They may also be able to deduct their gambling expenses, such as travel and lodging.

When it comes time to file your taxes, you’ll need to report your gambling winnings on your federal and state tax returns. You’ll also need to provide documentation of your winnings and losses, such as W-2G forms from the casino and detailed records of your gambling activity.

Overall, it’s important to be aware of Maryland’s gambling tax laws if you’re a frequent gambler in the state. Keeping accurate records and understanding how to deduct losses from your winnings can help you minimize your tax liability and stay in compliance with state and federal tax laws.

Maryland Gambling FAQ

How much can you win at Maryland casinos before being taxed?

In Maryland, any gambling winnings over $5000 are subject to a 24% federal tax withholding, and any winnings over $1200 are subject to state income tax. However, you are still required to report all gambling winnings on your federal and state income tax returns, regardless of the amount.

How to ban yourself from casinos in Maryland?

If you feel that you have a gambling problem and want to self-exclude from Maryland casinos, you can do so by filling out a self-exclusion form, which is available on the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency website. Once you have submitted the form, you will be barred from all Maryland casinos for a period of one year, five years, or for life, depending on your preference.

Who regulates gambling in Maryland?

Gambling in Maryland is regulated by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. This agency is responsible for issuing licenses to casinos, regulating all types of gambling in the state, and enforcing state and federal gambling laws.

What is the minimum gambling age in Maryland?

The minimum gambling age in Maryland is 21 for all forms of gambling, including casinos, racetracks, and poker rooms. Anyone under the age of 21 is not allowed to enter a gambling establishment in Maryland or place bets on any type of gambling.

Can I gamble online in Maryland?

Online gambling is currently not legal in Maryland. However, there is pending legislation that could allow online sports betting in the state. For now, all forms of online gambling, including online casinos and poker rooms, are illegal in Maryland.

What types of gambling are legal in Maryland?

In Maryland, the following types of gambling are legal: slot machines, table games, poker, horse racing, off-track betting, and the state lottery. Sports betting is currently not legal in Maryland, but there is pending legislation that could change that in the future.

Can I deduct gambling losses on my taxes in Maryland?

Yes, you can deduct gambling losses on your Maryland state income tax return. However, you must be able to provide detailed records of your gambling activity, including winnings and losses, in order to claim these deductions. You should consult with a tax professional to determine how much you can deduct and what records you will need to keep.