Maryland is home to the Preakness – one of the Triple Crown events – and has been one of the gambling-friendly states for centuries. The state has six casinos where Maryland residents can play casino games.
Besides being a regional gambling hotspot for horse racing and tournament poker, Maryland has recently added an essential component of gambling – online sports betting. The ever-expanding horizon of gambling that paved the way for sports betting legalization in 2021 clearly suggests that legal real-money online casinos will follow suit sooner or later. However, as we write this review, Marylanders don’t have locally regulated online casinos where they can enjoy real money gambling.
But the good news is you can still play your favorite online casino games at the top offshore online casinos in Maryland.
Key Things You Need to Know
- The legal online gambling age in Maryland is 21 years and older. For online lotteries, the minimum legal age is 18 years.
- Online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker sites in Maryland cannot legally operate from the state. Residents of this state have to gamble online at offshore casinos.
- Online casinos that accept players from Maryland are typically licensed in Curacao or Panama.
- When gambling at an online casino from Maryland, you’ll get to claim bonus offers. Some welcome bonuses can match your first deposit by several hundred percent.
- You can deposit using both USD and cryptocurrency at most US offshore casinos. It’s recommended you use crypto, both for safety and for fee-free transactions.
- Games you can find at online casinos include slots, table games, scratch cards, and jackpot games. Some even offer a live casino, a sportsbook, or poker rooms.
Types of Legal Gambling in Maryland
In Maryland, six state-licensed casinos offer a wide array of gaming activities, ranging from slots and table games to poker rooms. The state has been receptive to the idea of casino gambling, considering the revenue it generates for local communities and the state government. Unlike some states, Maryland doesn’t have tribal casinos.
The state is home to the renowned Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown in American horse racing. Established in 1873 at Pimlico, Baltimore, pari-mutuel horse racing has deep roots in Maryland’s history. This form of betting allows individuals to wager on the outcomes of horse races, with the odds being determined by the pool of bets.
Maryland offers various state-run lottery games, which are popular for their simplicity and the opportunity to win substantial prizes. Lottery tickets can be purchased from authorized retailers across the state.
In addition to in-person pari-mutuel betting, Maryland law also permits online horse betting. This allows residents to place bets on horse races through authorized online platforms, adding convenience and expanding the reach of this form of gambling.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) have been categorized as games of skill, rather than chance, and are therefore legal in Maryland. Participants can enter various contests, create fantasy teams based on real-world athletes, and win prizes based on the performance of their chosen lineups.
Charitable Games
Charitable gaming has an interesting legal status in Maryland. State law terms it as “Not illegal,” essentially delegating the regulation to local jurisdictions. Permits for charitable games such as bingo, raffles, and other fundraising activities are usually issued at the county level.
While not explicitly legalized, home poker and mahjong games fall into a gray area in Maryland law. These games are generally tolerated as long as they are conducted in a private setting and are not part of a commercial operation.
Bingo Halls
The legal framework surrounding bingo halls in Maryland is unique. The state itself categorizes charitable gaming, which includes bingo, as “Not illegal.” This leaves the issuance of permits and regulation to county-level authorities rather than the state. Therefore, bingo halls usually operate under permits granted by local jurisdictions and are often organized for charitable causes or by nonprofit organizations.
As for specific venues where you can enjoy a game of bingo in Maryland, there are numerous options, each offering its own set of games and atmospheres. Some popular venues include:
- Bingo World in Baltimore
- Elkton Bingo
- North Point Bingo in Dundalk
Overall, Maryland’s stance on gambling is rather favorable, reflected both in its legislation and the variety of legal options available to residents.
Maryland Online Casinos vs. Local Casinos
Despite the availability of Maryland casinos, the online casino gambling trend has increased dramatically among Maryland residents. Most Marylanders find more convenience in gambling online at offshore casinos from the comforts of their homes rather than planning and visiting a physical casino. In comparison, online gambling saves their time and energy, besides offering them more security at the top Maryland casino sites.
These offshore sites also offer more game variations, whether in slot machines or table games, and huge bonuses that players cannot find at the best land-based casinos in Maryland.
The following section will look closely at the best alternatives for Maryland gamblers who like to play online. Our team of experts has invested a considerable amount of time in producing formidable data to find out the best Maryland gambling sites for real money in 2024.
Obviously, the ranking of the top-rated casinos and online poker sites is subject to change depending on various factors – such as security, bonuses, variety of games, payment options, and payout speeds. We would recommend you keep visiting our site to know the latest ranking whenever you plan to join a new online casino in Maryland. But for now, the following sites are the best real-money online casinos for Marylanders.
How To Gamble Online in Maryland
Step 1: Pick Your Online Casino
Cafe Casino emerges as our top recommendation for online gambling within the state, although we have conducted reviews on alternative platforms that you may also consider.
Step 2: Get Registered
Navigate to Cafe Casino’s official website and select the “Join” option. You will be required to furnish elementary information such as your name, email address, and date of birth to initiate the account creation process. Upon completion, a verification email containing a link will be sent to you. Click on the link to finalize your registration.
Step 3: Add Money to Your Account
With your account now fully activated, the next step involves funding it. Proceed to the “Cashier” section for this purpose. Cafe Casino offers a particularly attractive deal for first-time deposits made using cryptocurrency, with bonuses extending up to an additional $2,500. Select your preferred payment method and follow the accompanying instructions.
Step 4: Start Betting
Having deposited funds into your account and availed yourself of any relevant bonuses, you are now prepared to commence gambling. Browse through the range of games available, which include options such as video poker, live dealer games, and slots with considerable jackpots. Identify a game that aligns with your interests, place your bet, and engage in gameplay.
Gambling in and Near Maryland
In this section, we explore the various gambling options available within the state of Maryland and offering a comprehensive look at what gamblers can expect.
MGM National Harbor
Address: 101 MGM National, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
MGM National Harbor is a high-end casino located in Oxon Hill, offering a luxurious gaming experience. It features a broad selection of slot machines and table games, including blackjack, roulette, and poker. The facility also boasts an exquisite hotel, multiple dining options ranging from casual to fine dining, and a venue for concerts and other live performances. Additionally, the property offers a spa and retail shops, rounding off a comprehensive entertainment experience.
Hollywood Casino (Perryville)
Address: 1201 Chesapeake Overlook Pkwy, Perryville, MD 21903
Situated in Perryville, Hollywood Casino offers a variety of gaming options, from slot machines to table games like poker and blackjack. The venue has a more relaxed, laid-back atmosphere compared to some of the other high-end casinos. Amenities include a variety of dining options and occasional live entertainment. The casino is ideal for those looking for a straightforward, no-frills gambling experience.
Horseshoe Casino (Baltimore)
Address: 1525 Russel Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
Located in Baltimore, Horseshoe Casino provides a vibrant gaming environment with a large selection of slots and table games. The facility stands out for its World Series of Poker room, attracting poker enthusiasts from around the area. Additional amenities include several bars and restaurants, each offering unique culinary experiences. Live music and other entertainment options are also frequently available.
Maryland Live Casino (Hanover)
Address: 7002 Arundel Mills, Circle #7777, Hanover, MD, 21076
Maryland Live Casino in Hanover offers a comprehensive gaming experience, featuring an expansive range of slot machines, table games, and even a dedicated poker room. The casino is known for its high energy and modern atmosphere. In addition to gaming, the facility offers numerous dining options, a live music venue, and a hotel with luxurious accommodations.
Oceans Downs (Berlin)
Address: 10218 Racetrack Rd, Berlin, MD 21811
Ocean Downs in Berlin is primarily a racetrack but also offers a variety of slot machines. The venue provides a unique mix of horse racing and casino gaming. Dining options are more limited compared to other venues, but the focus here is on the thrill of betting on live horse races in addition to traditional casino games.
Rocky Gap Casino Resort (Flintstone)
Address: 16701 Lakeview Rd NE, Flintstone, MD 21530
Nestled in Flintstone, Rocky Gap Casino Resort offers a scenic gambling experience near the mountains. The casino features a range of slot machines and table games, but it’s also known for its resort amenities, including a golf course, a spa, and outdoor activities like hiking and boating. This makes it an ideal destination for those looking to combine outdoor adventure with casino gaming.
Other Forms of Gambling in Maryland
Whether you’re interested in sports betting, casino gambling, or other wagering activities, our resources offer detailed insights to enhance your understanding of the gambling landscape in the Old Line State.
- Maryland online casinos
- Maryland online sportsbooks
- Maryland poker sites
- Maryland casinos
- Maryland bingo
- Maryland lottery
- Maryland sportsbooks
- Maryland race tracks
Casino Games You Can Play in Maryland
Offshore online casinos accessible to Maryland residents offer a diverse range of games, much like the major Maryland casinos such as MGM National Harbor and Horseshoe Casino Baltimore.
Slots
Slots are perhaps the simplest casino games to play. Players insert coins, tokens, or digital credits into a slot machine and then pull a handle or press a button. This action spins a series of reels with varying symbols. The aim is to line up matching symbols across the paylines to win prizes, which can include money or free spins.
Blackjack
Blackjack is a card game where the objective is to have a hand value closest to 21, without exceeding it. Players compete against the dealer. Each player receives two cards and can choose to “hit” (take an additional card) or “stand” (keep their current total). Aces can be counted as either 1 or 11, and face cards count as 10.
Craps
Craps is a dice game in which players make wagers on the outcome of the roll, or a series of rolls, of a pair of dice. Bets may range from simple plays, such as guessing the outcome of a single roll, to more complex bets like “pass and don’t pass” line bets.
Roulette
Roulette involves a spinning wheel divided into 37 or 38 sections, depending on the variant (European or American), and a small ball. Players bet on where they think the ball will land after the wheel stops spinning—options include specific numbers, ranges of numbers, or the color (red or black) of the pocket.
Three Card Poker
Three Card Poker is a simplified version of poker. Players receive three cards and must make the best poker hand they can. There are different ways to win and various strategies for betting, but typically players are aiming for a straight, flush, or three of a kind.
Four Card Poker
In Four Card Poker, players receive five cards but must create the best four-card poker hand. Like Three Card Poker, the game is played against the dealer, and the best hand wins. The game also has a side bet known as the “Aces Up” bet, which pays out if the player has a pair of aces or better.
Fortune Pai Gow Poker
Fortune Pai Gow Poker is a variation of the traditional Chinese game Pai Gow but is played with cards instead of dominoes. Players receive seven cards and split them into two hands: a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand. The objective is to beat the dealer’s corresponding hands.
Mississippi Stud
Mississippi Stud is a poker game in which you don’t compete against the dealer but aim to get a pair of jacks or better with five community cards and two hole cards. The game also features a three-card bonus side bet.
Live Poker
Live poker involves competing against other players in real-time and is available in various formats including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud. The objective is to have the best hand at showdown or to bluff your opponents into folding.
Pari-mutuel Betting on Simulcast Races
Pari-mutuel betting involves wagering on the outcome of live races. Simulcast races allow you to bet on races happening in different locations. All bets are placed into a pool, and winners share the total amount, less any operator fees.
Keno
Keno is a lottery-style gambling game. Players choose numbers, usually between 1 and 80. Twenty numbers are then drawn randomly, and players win based on how many numbers they correctly predicted.
Lottery Games
Lottery games are operated by state agencies and involve purchasing a ticket with a set of numbers. Draws are held at regular intervals, and prizes are awarded based on matching the drawn numbers in various combinations. Games can include state lotteries, Powerball, and Mega Millions.
Timeline of Gambling Legislation in Maryland
This timeline provides an overview of the key events that have shaped gambling legislation in Maryland, showcasing the state’s openness towards various forms of gambling.
- 1740s: Horse racing starts at Pimlico Race Course, marking the earliest form of regulated gambling in the state.
- 1952: Charitable bingo is legalized, providing a foundation for future expansions in charitable gaming.
- 1973: Maryland voters approve a state lottery, bringing in a new form of gambling that would become a significant revenue source.
- 2008: A referendum approves the construction of Atlantic City-style commercial casinos. This ushers in a new era for legalized gambling in Maryland.
- 2010 – 2016: Six state-licensed casinos are constructed and opened for business, offering slots-like games and traditional table games.
- 2020: Maryland voters approve the expansion of gambling, giving a green light for online sports betting.
- 2021: HB 940, the sports betting bill, receives the governor’s approval. State regulators begin finalizing the details for the launch of legal online sportsbooks in Maryland.
- Ongoing: As of now, legal online casinos and poker sites are not yet operational. Maryland residents can gamble at six state-regulated casinos or opt for offshore sites that accept players from Maryland.
Maryland Online Gambling FAQs
Are online casinos legal in Maryland?
Yes, gambling is legal at six casinos in Maryland.
Can I gamble online in Maryland?
Yes, you can gamble online at the top Maryland online casino that offers more gambling options than their physical counterparts in the Old Line State.
What types of gambling in Maryland are allowed?
Currently, the following gambling types are legal in Maryland: in-person gambling and poker, retail and online sports betting, retail and online horse racing, daily fantasy sports contests, and lottery. In addition, charitable gambling is also legal in most state counties.
Is online gambling legal in Maryland?
Online casino gambling is currently not regulated in Maryland. However, it is not legal nor illegal but currently lies in a gray area. It means no existing laws prevent you from gambling online in Old Line State.
How do I stay safe playing online in Maryland?
Usually, online gambling is safe, though some sites have been found operating shady practices. However, you can ensure the safest online gambling experience in Maryland by sticking to the sites we have recommended.
Will I face trouble for playing at online gambling sites in Maryland?
It is highly unlikely you will ever face trouble playing at the best online casinos. Many Maryland gamblers regularly play at top offshore casino sites without ever reporting any problems.
What is the best online casino in Maryland?
There is no straight answer to this. It depends on what you expect from an online casino. If you’re looking for the best overall gambling site, then we’ll recommend Wild Casino. However, if you want the best Maryland online sports gambling site, then nothing rivals BetOnline.
What types of gambling are available in Maryland?
Maryland has commercial casinos, pari-mutuel betting, charitable gambling, and a state-controlled lottery. The local gambling industry is currently undergoing a rather rapid expansion, which started in November 2012 with a vote on less restrictive gambling laws and which resulted in the launch of Caesar’s Entertainment’s Horseshoe Casino Baltimore in 2014. The state of Maryland hasn’t regulated online gambling yet, but many experts believe that the state is planning to launch its own iGaming market over the next few years.
Is online gambling legal in MD?
Yes, but legal online gambling in Maryland is limited to sports betting.
In November 2020, voters approved a referendum to legalize retail and online sports betting. Although retail sportsbooks in Maryland formally launched at the state’s casinos in December of 2021, online sports betting wasn’t available until the summer of 2023.
How old do you have to be to gamble in Maryland?
In Maryland, the minimum gambling age is 18 for MD bingo, lottery games, and pari-mutuel betting and 21 for casino-style games, poker, and sports betting.
Can you gamble online in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland law doesn’t list online gambling as an offense. The state offers legal online sportsbooks and betting apps. Some industry experts claim that playing at offshore gambling sites is both legal and safe. Nevertheless, if you have any doubts about joining a specific site, you should consider consulting a lawyer first just to stay on the safe side.
What’s the best sports betting app in Maryland?
Our favorite betting app is BetMGM sportsbook online in Maryland.
What are the most popular banking options supported by Maryland -facing sites?
Offshore sites don’t support all that many banking options, so most people decide to stick with basic credit card or debit card payments for deposits and wire transfers for payouts.