Gambling Laws in Maryland (2026): Know Before You Bet
Most people assume gambling laws are simple. They’re not. In Maryland, what’s legal depends on your age, what you’re betting on, and where you’re doing it. Get it wrong and you could be facing real fines or worse.
Let’s break it all down so you know exactly where you stand.
What Is Gambling Under Maryland Law?
Maryland defines gambling as betting or wagering to gain something of value based on the outcome of a race, competition, or event. That’s a broad definition. It covers everything from casino table games to private card games in someone’s living room.
Not all gambling is legal. Maryland allows some types of gambling and bans others. The key is knowing which is which.
What Is Legal in Maryland Right Now?
Here’s the good news. Maryland has opened up quite a bit over the last few years. Several forms of gambling are fully legal in the state.
Casinos are legal in Maryland. There are six licensed casinos operating right now. Those include MGM National Harbor, Live! Casino and Hotel, Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, Hollywood Casino Perryville, Rocky Gap Casino Resort, and Ocean Downs Casino.
Sports betting became legal in 2021 after Governor Larry Hogan signed the legislation. Mobile sports betting followed in November 2022. Right now, there are 12 licensed online sportsbooks operating in Maryland. Big names like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and bet365 all have active licenses.
The lottery is legal and has been since 1973. You can buy scratch-offs and play draw games at thousands of retailers across the state.
Horse racing is also legal. Maryland has a long history with horse racing. You can bet on races at Pimlico, Laurel Park, and through licensed online platforms.
Bingo and raffles run by legitimate nonprofits and charitable organizations are allowed. The rules vary slightly by county, so always check local rules before hosting an event.
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) became legal in 2012. DraftKings and FanDuel both operate legally in Maryland.
Pretty comprehensive list, right? But there are real limits too.
What Is Illegal in Maryland?
Okay, pause. This part is important.
Online casino gambling is illegal in Maryland as of right now. There are bills being considered in 2026 that could change this, but they haven’t passed yet. Playing online slots or online poker through unlicensed websites is currently not allowed.
Unlicensed gambling operations are a crime. Think underground poker rooms, illegal sports betting rings, or private gambling dens. Running one of these is a serious offense.
Office pools and football squares sit in a gray area. Technically, they can violate Maryland law because they operate outside of licensed betting platforms. Most prosecutors don’t chase them down, but they’re not technically legal.
Greyhound racing is banned in Maryland. You won’t find it anywhere in the state.
Age Requirements for Gambling in Maryland
This one surprises a lot of people. Maryland actually has two different minimum gambling ages. Most people don’t realize there’s a split.
You must be 21 years old to gamble at casinos, place sports bets (both online and in-person), and use sportsbook apps. This applies to slots, table games, poker rooms, and all licensed betting platforms.
You only need to be 18 years old to buy lottery tickets, bet on horse races, and play daily fantasy sports.
So if you’re 19 and buying a lottery ticket? Totally legal. Sitting down at a blackjack table? That’s a different story.
Penalties for Illegal Gambling
So what happens if you break the law? Let’s talk about the consequences.
For individual gamblers, the rules actually got lighter in 2019. Maryland lawmakers decriminalized gambling for players. Now, if you’re caught gambling illegally as an individual, you face a civil fine ranging from $500 to $1,000, depending on how much money was wagered. No jail time. No criminal record.
Think of it like a traffic ticket, but for gambling. Annoying and costly, but not life-ruining.
Running an illegal gambling operation is a completely different matter. That’s still a criminal offense. If you’re caught operating an unlicensed gambling business, you could face up to one year in jail. You could also be hit with a fine of up to $5,000.
Honestly, this is the part most people miss. The law went easy on players but stayed tough on operators.
Under Maryland Criminal Law Code Section 12-102, keeping, conducting, or operating an illegal gaming device also carries up to one year in jail and a fine up to $500.
Underage Gambling Penalties
This one matters a lot. Maryland takes underage gambling seriously.
If a minor is caught gambling, they can face fines and potential criminal charges. Businesses that allow underage gambling face penalties too. Casinos train staff specifically to spot fake IDs. If you try to use one, you could face charges on top of the gambling violation.
Getting caught gambling underage can also lead to a permanent ban from Maryland gaming facilities. That’s a long-lasting consequence for a short-term decision.
The Big 2025 Tax Change for Sports Betting
Hold on, this part is interesting. Maryland made a significant financial change to sports betting in 2025.
Governor Wes Moore signed legislation raising the mobile sports wagering tax rate from 15% to 20%. That change took effect in 2025 and affects how much licensed operators pay the state. It doesn’t directly change the rules for individual bettors, but it reflects how seriously Maryland is managing this industry.
For context, Maryland generated $618.8 million in sports betting handle in January 2025 alone. That’s a lot of money moving through the system.
Online Gambling: Still a Gray Area
You’re not alone if this part confuses you. Most people struggle with this.
Maryland law does not specifically mention online gambling. This has created uncertainty for years. Authorities have never prosecuted an individual Maryland resident for playing at an offshore online casino. Still, those sites operate without state licenses, which puts players in an unprotected position.
In 2025, Maryland passed HB 1418, which explicitly prohibited unlicensed online gambling. This clarified what was already technically illegal but made the law much clearer. Local law enforcement now has more tools to act.
As of early 2026, a bill (HB 1226) is working through the legislature to further crack down on illegal online gambling operators. A separate voter referendum is also being considered for 2026 that could legalize online casino games. But that vote hasn’t happened yet.
Bottom line: playing at licensed Maryland sportsbook apps is totally legal. Playing at unlicensed offshore casino sites is not.
Sweepstakes Casinos: Proceed With Caution
Sweepstakes casinos are a newer category that’s gotten a lot of attention. These are websites that use a virtual currency system to offer casino-style games. They argue they’re running legal promotions, not gambling.
Maryland regulators disagree. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency sent multiple cease-and-desist letters to sweepstakes casino operators in 2024 and 2025. Several operators have already stopped serving Maryland residents.
As a player, you currently won’t face criminal penalties for using a sweepstakes site. But access can disappear overnight, and your winnings could be at risk. The regulatory posture is moving toward stricter enforcement.
How to Gamble Legally in Maryland
Want to stay on the right side of the law? Here’s what you need to do.
Use only licensed platforms. You can verify which sportsbooks hold valid Maryland licenses on the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency website. All six land-based casinos are licensed and legitimate.
Confirm your age before you play. Casino games and sports betting require you to be 21. Lottery and horse racing require you to be 18. Both ages require valid government-issued ID.
Stick to approved apps for mobile betting. Apps like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars are licensed in Maryland. They use geolocation technology to verify you’re inside state lines before accepting bets.
Report your winnings correctly. Gambling winnings are taxable income in Maryland. If you win more than $5,000, the casino or sportsbook will withhold 25% for federal and state taxes. Talk to a tax professional if you have questions.
How to Report Illegal Gambling
If you see illegal gambling happening, you can report it to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. The agency has an Enforcement Unit that investigates unlicensed operations.
You can find contact information and file reports at mdgaming.com. Maryland also occasionally posts cease-and-desist notices on their website, which is a good way to check if a specific platform is operating legally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online gambling legal in Maryland? Licensed online sports betting is legal. Online casino games are not currently legal, though legislation to change this is being considered in 2026.
What is the minimum age to gamble in Maryland? You must be 21 for casinos and sports betting. You must be 18 for the lottery, horse racing, and daily fantasy sports.
Can I get arrested for placing an illegal bet in Maryland? Since 2019, individual gambling violations are civil offenses, not criminal. You’d face a fine between $500 and $1,000, not jail time.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Maryland? This is currently a gray area. Regulators are actively trying to shut down sweepstakes casino operators. Players don’t currently face criminal charges, but access can be cut off suddenly.
Are office pools and football squares legal? Technically, no. They fall outside licensed betting operations. Prosecutors rarely pursue them, but they aren’t legal under state law.
Where can I get help for problem gambling? Call the Maryland Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Final Thoughts
Maryland’s gambling laws have changed a lot and are still changing. Legal sports betting is thriving. Online casino gaming is illegal but might be heading to a voter referendum. Unlicensed operations are getting cracked down on more aggressively than ever.
The safest move is simple. Use licensed platforms, know your age requirements, and stay away from offshore sites and underground operations. When in doubt, check the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency website or talk to a lawyer.
Now you know the basics. Stay informed, bet smart, and don’t risk a fine over something easily avoided.
