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Written by: Filip Gromovic Reviewed by: Nashon Khamala
Updated: October 9, 2026
Online gambling for money in Maryland is allowed for lotteries, horse racing, sports betting and daily fantasy contests. Residents cannot partake in online casino in MD for an obvious reason — legislative efforts made to that end have been abortive.
In this article, we discuss some of the efforts made to legalize the process and what you can do for now pending when it’s done.
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The current status in the state is restrictions on online casino in MD. Due to the inability of the proposed bills to that end to go through hearings, this process has been stalled.
Nashon Khamala
Senior iGaming Reviewer · FreeSlots99
“Maryland sits in one of the most competitive iGaming corridors in the country — New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia all have legal online casinos generating billions in revenue, yet MD residents still can’t access a state-regulated platform. Until legislation passes, the only casino-style options are sweepstakes sites, and not all of them are playing by the rules. The MLGCA has already issued cease-and-desist letters to several providers, so before you deposit anywhere, check whether that brand is still authorized. In the meantime, stick to the state’s regulated sportsbooks if you want full player protections and dispute resolution.”
Speaking at the Morgan State Data Analytics and Wagering Research Town Hall in March 2026, gambling attorney Abbey Block of Ifrah Law noted that even with sports betting, horse racing, and retail casinos legal in Maryland, online casino sites are still viewed differently due to their round-the-clock availability, which raises problem gambling concerns among lawmakers. (Source: CasinoReports.com, March 10, 2026)
Though legislative review might be considered in the future, the fate of online casino gambling in the state hangs in the balance. A Lake Research Partners poll conducted in October 2026 for the National Association Against iGaming found that 71% of MD voters would oppose legalization after being presented with information about potential risks. (Source: Southern Maryland Chronicle, July 2026)
⚠ Key Update – 2026 Session Result
The 2026 General Assembly session ended on April 13, 2026 without advancing either Senate Bill 761 or Senate Bill 885, marking the fourth consecutive year that online casino legislation failed to reach voters. The earliest a referendum could appear on a statewide ballot is now 2028. (Source: BettingNews.com, September 2026)
Sports betting is permitted and available across a wide range of authorized sportsbooks, including online casino sites. This form of wagering became active in November 2020. The gambling age requirement is twenty-one (21), and residents must use sites like BetMGM and FanDuel to bet on their favorite events.
Maryland’s betting market generated $6.5 billion in total handle in 2026, with digital sportsbooks accounting for the vast majority of wagering activity. The state collected approximately $132.3 million in betting tax revenue during fiscal year 2026, a 48.8% increase over the prior year. (Source: Covers.com Revenue Tracker & Deadspin, July 2026)
The lottery is another form of legalized gambling in the state. Under the regulations, only people who meet the gambling age requirement of eighteen (18) will be allowed to buy subscriptions for lottery draws.
Residents can also engage in daily fantasy contests, which are open to those from the age of 18. It requires using services like DraftKings to create virtual teams and favorably gamble based on the individual performances of athletes.
Horse racing is the third legal form of wagering. Only residents from the gambling age of 18 are allowed to engage in it. It also requires using the shortlisted sites to ensure compliance with state rules.
| Form of Gambling | Legal Status | Minimum Age | Key Sites |
| Sports Betting | Legal (online & retail) | 21+ | BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings |
| Lottery | Legal (online subscriptions) | 18+ | Maryland Lottery (official) |
| Daily Fantasy Contests | Legal | 18+ | DraftKings, FanDuel |
| Horse Racing | Legal (online wagering) | 18+ | Authorized pari-mutuel services |
| Online Casinos (real money) | Not legal | N/A | N/A |
| Sweepstakes / Social Casinos | Operate under sweepstakes model | 18+ | Legendz, Funrize, etc. |
The one chance you have to find the best online casino-style experience in MD is on sites that offer sweepstakes. The regulation permits residents to use those and social casinos instead of offshore services offering different games.
Online casinos offering real money gameplay are not yet legal in the state. This is just as legislators are working to enact rules that allow that going forward. While that’s in the works, MD might become the next state in the U.S. to open up its doors for providers to come in legally.
According to the American Gaming Association’s 2026 State of the States report, iGaming revenue in the seven states with legalized online casinos exceeded $10.7 billion in 2026, growing 27.6% year over year. Pennsylvania leads the pack with $3.46 billion in annual iGaming revenue. In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, iGaming revenue surpassed commercial land-based casino revenue for the first time in 2026. (Source: American Gaming Association – State of the States 2026)
In a July 2026 interview with Casino.com US, iGaming author Jack Garry observed that states bordering established iGaming markets often face growing pressure to legalize as residents see neighboring jurisdictions generating tax revenue from the activity. This pressure is particularly visible in the Mid-Atlantic region, where online casino sites already match demand in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia – all of which surround MD. (Source: Southern Maryland Chronicle, July 2026)
| State | 2026 iGaming Revenue | MD Status |
| Pennsylvania | $3.46 billion | MD generated $0 in iGaming revenue – online casinos remain not legalized, while neighboring states collect billions |
| Michigan | $3.8 billion | |
| New Jersey | ~$2.1 billion | |
| Connecticut | $937 million | |
| West Virginia | $375 million | |
| Delaware | $132.5 million | |
| Rhode Island | $58 million |
Several efforts have been made in times past and more are being made to legalize online casino sites in MD. The House Ways and Means Racing Subcommittee amended the bill proposing that voters should be allowed to cast their votes on whether the legalization of online casino gambling in the state should be done or not.
MD iGaming Legislative Timeline:
| Date | Event | Outcome |
| December 2022 | Online sports betting launches in MD | Market opens; sets stage for iGaming discussion |
| January 2023 | House Bill 1319 introduced (iGaming Authorization) | Did not pass committee |
| 2023 | Senator Ron Watson files Senate Bill 340 | Did not pass |
| March 2024 | House passes HB 1319 | Stalled – did not appear in House budget |
| January 2026 | House Bill 17 filed by Delegate Atterbeary | Did not advance |
| February 2026 | Senate Bill 885 & Senate Bill 761 introduced | Neither reached committee vote |
| April 13, 2026 | 2026 General Assembly session ends | Fourth consecutive year without progress |
| 2027+ | Earliest possible next attempt | Pending new legislation |
Things looked up a year later, when in March 2024, the House of Representatives assented to it. That bill wouldn’t see the light of day, sadly, as it didn’t appear in the House budget.
The legalization of online sports betting in 2022 prompted what happened the year after — the introduction of House Bill 1319 aiming to legalize online casino gambling. It was titled «Internet Gaming — Authorization and Implementation.» It aimed to ensure legalization by empowering the Lottery and Gaming Commission Agency (MLCGA) to oversee these operations. It also proposed a revenue formula, which set the requirement that those with authorization retain 45% of the proceeds from other forms of wagering and 80% from live dealer games.
This would be the follow up, three months later, when Senator Ron Watson re-filed the House Bill 1319 as Senate Bill 340. It aimed to legalize and authorize the operations of online casinos in the state. Just like the House Bill 1319, it didn’t pass.
When it seemed like all efforts were in vain, a new proposal hit the floor and restored hope. It marked the reintroduction of the House Bill 1319, this time, as House Bill 17 by the original sponsor, Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary. The filing in January 2026 aimed to ensure online casinos could go live with the same provisions outlined in the former bill. This renewed attempt is expected to advance the cause for legal iGaming activities in the state.
In early 2026, Senator Ron Watson introduced Senate Bill 885, which would have placed an iGaming legalization referendum on the November 2026 ballot. A companion bill, Senate Bill 761, handled the constitutional component. Neither bill reached a committee vote, and the 2026 session closed on April 13 without progress, effectively postponing the iGaming question to at least 2027. During the 2026 hearings, Senator Watson pointed to Virginia’s progress on iGaming legislation as a key argument for the state to act, rhetorically questioning why MD has not followed suit now that a neighboring state has advanced its own framework. (Source: SBC Americas, March 24, 2026)
The best online casinos in MD abide by the prevailing regulations. They offer sports betting and support horse race wagers. This section discusses some of the choices open to residents.
Digital services dominate the state’s betting market. In June 2026, approximately $515.4 million out of $523.3 million total handle (98.5%) was wagered through online channels, according to the Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. (Source: Deadspin, July 2026)
Lotteries are now legal in the state and available on authorized sites. The Lottery is the official agency regulating this and wagering programs. Residents and visitors looking to engage in this must purchase the tickets online. You may also want to go for the subscription choices.
These are the legal forms of gambling in the state in 2026. They allow you to enjoy casino-style titles with virtual currencies. You will purchase gold coins for this purpose, rather than making real money deposits and withdrawals.
They operate differently from traditional online casino sites, in the sense that they offer cash prizes in the place of real money wagering. Using a sweepstakes model, they use a dual currency system that includes sweep coins, which are given as a bonus offer, and gold coins, used mainly for the titles.
[Image suggestion: Infographic showing the dual-currency sweepstakes model. Left column: “Gold Coins – purchased with real money – used for gameplay – no cash value.” Right column: “Sweep Coins – received as bonus – used to play – redeemable for cash prizes.” Central flow arrow: “Purchase GC → Play Games → Earn SC → Redeem for Prizes.”]
On these online casino sites in MD, you don’t bet with real money as you would have on traditional casinos. Instead, the offer is to use virtual currencies (the gold coins) for gameplay and the sweep coins (or the equivalent) given out as real cash prizes. Always review the terms and conditions before committing funds.
We now present you with some of the best online casinos in MD that operate on the social and sweepstakes model. Be sure to review each site’s terms and conditions and bonus offer details before signing up.
| Casino | Best For | Welcome Offer | Game Types | Key Feature |
| Legendz | Sweepstakes | 500 GC + 3 SC (on first purchase within 1 hr) | Slots, Live Dealer, Hold & Win | Early payouts, improved RTP |
| Bovada | Slot Titles | Varies | Slots, Table Titles, Card Games | Restricted in MD (skill-game access) |
| Red Stag | All Casino Titles | $2,500 + 500 free spins | Video Games, Slots, Keno, Table Titles | Crypto support (BTC, LTC) |
| Funrize | Bonus Offers | 75,000 free coins | Play’n’win, Megaways, Jackpots | 100% free gameplay model |
| Ducky Luck | Prize Pools | Varies | Jackpots, Live Dealers, Video Titles | Prize pools up to $500,000 |
⚠ Important: MD Enforcement Action
The Lottery and Gaming Control Agency has issued cease-and-desist letters to multiple providers, including Fortune Coins, Zula, McLuck, and others. Ensure that any online casino site you use holds valid authorization before making deposits and withdrawals.
Legendz is a social casino also offering live dealer titles for participants, including those from MD. Game categories include Vegas Hits, L Originals, slots and Hold & Win.
You’ll be featured in titles like Tasty Bonanza, Tree of Light: Fabled Fruits, Pyro Card Game and Bandit Megaways, thrilling to get you started on the path of sweepstakes action.
The fascinating thing is the integration of software from some of the leading suppliers. Companies like Booming, Evoplay, Pragmatic Play and Novomatic have their titles on this online casino in MD.
Bonus offers include the Welcome pack. This is offered to those who just made an account on the site. 500 gold coins and 3 sweep coins are up for grabs if you fund your account within an hour of signing up. You will also qualify for 50% extra coins. Review the terms and conditions before claiming any casino bonus.
And do not forget about Daily Races. This bonus offer is exclusive to the Legendz Daily Races. To contest, the following requirements must be met:
The casino is residents’ favorite because it offers early payouts, a trait that’s not so common. It also ensures fair gameplay, with an improved Return to Player (RTP) mechanism that pays out most of the winnings on slot titles. The experience works well on both desktop and mobile.
100/100
RTP: 97%
Payout: 0–3 days
Games: 400+
Residents have been restricted from using Bovada, because it’s one of the states where this provider limited the services. Four other states were also not accepted. They are:
Despite not being a legal online casino in MD, there’s a way to go about using the site. The site offers a selection of slots, which you can access as a game of skill.
Popular titles include:
Bovada also offers a host of casino titles, cutting across table games with categories like craps, blackjack, roulette. Other types of table titles match what you’d find at top-notch venues:
Looking to find the best selection of casino titles in the state? Head over to Red Stag, which describes itself as «the people’s choice casino.»
It utilizes the WGS software to provide the following categories:
Red Stag also has a flexible banking method for deposits and withdrawals, which provides for credit and debit cards, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Litecoin, PayPal and electronic wallets like Payz, Neosurf and AstroPay.
Bonus offers at this online casino site include $2,500 and up to 500 free spins for the first set of deposits. For those using cryptocurrencies, a 400% bonus applies, while a 25% cashback is offered to help you recover some losses. Always check the terms and conditions attached to each bonus offer.
Funrize is a social casino that offers 100% free titles to residents who sign up with it. It’s a Wyoming, USA registered casino by A1 Development LLC, the parent company. The website is the best for bonuses, with an awesome bonus offer of 75,000 free coins to enjoy for free.
The game section on this online casino in MD features some out of the ordinary. Rather than the conventional slot machines and table titles, you’re presented with the following:
Ducky Luck is where you get more than just a variety of titles and bonuses but also the biggest winning opportunities. It’s known for the prize pools, which are offered in jackpots. Ideally, the pool offers up to $500,000.
Popular jackpot slots are:
A choice of other casino titles includes live dealers, casuals and video games. Table games and virtual slots are also available.
For banking, deposits are processed with cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Tether USDT, Litecoin), American Express (AMEX), Interac e-Transfer, PayPal and the MasterCard and VISA cards. To withdraw winnings, payouts are processed with paper check, wire transfer and Bitcoin. The timeframe ranges between two and five business days. Review the terms and conditions for any requirement on minimum withdraw amounts.
HOT
97/100
RTP: 96%
Payout: 1–3 days
Games: 200+
No real-money casino apps residents can use hold a state authorization. The MLGCA has not authorized any provider for mobile slots or table titles, and iGaming legislation remains stalled until at least 2028.
| App Type | Examples | What You Get | Age |
| Authorized sportsbook | BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings | Wagers, DFS, horse racing | 21+ |
| Sweepstakes casino | Legendz, Funrize | Slot-style titles via gold/sweep coins | 18+ |
| Loyalty / companion | Maryland Live Casino app | Rewards balance, promos, hotel booking – no real-money action | 18+ |
BetMGM, FanDuel and DraftKings each offer a dedicated MD casino app that combines wagering with DFS contests and, in some cases, horse-racing markets. Geolocation must confirm you are within state lines, and deposit limits, self-exclusion and VEP integration are built in. The requirement to verify your identity ensures a safe experience on desktop and mobile alike.
Sites like Legendz and Funrize provide slot and table-game titles through a virtual-currency model. They operate under federal sweepstakes regulation, not a state authorization, so protections differ from a regulated casino app. Check the MLGCA’s enforcement page before signing up – Fortune Coins, McLuck and several others have received cease-and-desist letters.
The Live Casino app from Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover tracks rewards points and upcoming promotions but does not offer any form of real-money action. It is a companion tool for in-person visits, not a casino app alternative for online wagering.
Until iGaming passes, a full-featured MD casino app with authorized slots remains unavailable. Stick to the sportsbook and sweepstakes choices above and avoid offshore apps that lack U.S. regulatory oversight.
Your journey into gambling in the state would be on the right footing if the necessary steps are taken. Here, we talk about some of the things to do to find the best fit.
| Step | Action | Details |
| 1. Choose | Pick your gambling type | Betting (21+), lottery (18+), DFS (18+), horse racing (18+), or sweepstakes casinos (18+) |
| 2. Register | Create an account | Full name, username, password, phone number, age verification |
| 3. Fund | Purchase Gold Coins | For sweepstakes casinos; or deposit for betting |
| 4. Try | Start with demos | Try free versions before committing real funds |
| 5. Cash Out | Redeem Sweep Coins | SC redeemable for cash prizes at sweepstakes casinos |
| 6. Repeat | Continue responsibly | Manage your bankroll and gamble responsibly |
The regulations permit wagering only for sports betting, daily fantasy contests, horse races and lotteries. If an online casino in MD is the expectation, then sweepstakes and social casinos are the current alternatives.
However, if interested in casinos, it must be at any of the land-based locations regulated by the Lottery and Gaming Commission Agency. One can also participate in casino-style titles offered at sweepstakes and social casinos. We have covered the top five above.
Create an account with your full name, preferred username and password, telephone number and specify whether you meet the gambling age requirement of eighteen for lotteries and twenty-one for casinos. Remember that this applies to all authorized sites.
The process to start at land-based locations differs. Walk into any of those and be guided on what it takes to wager on casino titles.
The game of gambling requires money. Bankroll is a requirement both at land-based and online venues, only that the latter requires the purchase of Gold Coins (GC) rather than depositing real money.
A good number of the slot titles at MD casinos allow you to try for fun. The demo version is a mirror for understanding the gameplay dynamics. Only after that can you be confident to put down money to gamble for real winnings.
For social and sweepstakes casinos, you can withdraw your winnings as real cash prizes. These may also be converted to more GC to continue with more titles.
That’s basically it. Starting at casinos is a combination of determining the best choice, creating an account on the site, putting funds down, winning and repeating the process.
The Lottery and Gaming Commission Agency, the regulatory body in-charge of casinos and wagering activities in the state, has stipulated the types of accepted titles. These are offered across the six (6) authorized venues scattered in different locations.
Total gambling revenue reached $1.637 billion in fiscal year 2026, a state record and $48 million higher than fiscal 2026. Wagering alone brought in $132.3 million in state contributions, up from $88.9 million the year before. (Source: Maryland Gambling Revenue Report, FY2026)
The first are table games, which can be accessed at most of the authorized casinos. You’ll also find variants like Three Card and Let It Ride, as well as classics like blackjack and craps.
Live dealer titles, which became popular in recent years, are available at land-based casinos. They help participants adjust their bets in time. Roulette, blackjack and baccarat are some of the types available.
Classic slots like Buffalo Gold and Wheel of Fortune are also available. Participants also get to enjoy progressive jackpots and a host of other categories, including classic reels.
In addition to those classics, the Lottery and Gambling agency also regulates the activities of other ancillary types.
State-authorized slots do not exist yet. Four consecutive legislative sessions (2023–2026) failed to advance an iGaming bill past committee, pushing the earliest possible voter referendum to 2028.
| Choice | How It Works | Slot Count | Regulated by MLGCA? |
| Sweepstakes casinos (Legendz, Funrize, Red Stag) | Gold coins for action, sweep coins redeemable for cash prizes | 200–800+ titles | No – federal sweepstakes regulation |
| Land-based casinos (MGM National Harbor, Live! Casino) | Physical slot machines on the floor | 2,000+ per venue | Yes |
Services like Legendz and Funrize offer slots-style titles through a dual-currency model. Gameplay uses gold coins; sweep coins earned during sessions can be redeemed to withdraw cash. These providers are not authorized by the MLGCA, so confirm a site has not received a cease-and-desist before depositing.
If variety matters more than convenience, the six authorized casinos carry a broader range of slot themes than any sweepstakes site. MGM National Harbor alone runs over 2,200 machines – from classic three-reel titles to progressive jackpots like Buffalo Gold and Wheel of Fortune.
Pennsylvania’s regulated market generated $3.46 billion in iGaming revenue in 2026, with slots driving the largest share. New Jersey, West Virginia and Delaware run similar markets – all four states border the state, adding competitive pressure. Once legislation passes, residents can expect a mobile slots experience to match those neighboring markets.
The state saw the need to allow for casino regulation some seventeen (17) years ago, when in 2008, the decision of voters led to the ratification of a constitutional amendment that introduced slot machines.
The ratification also provided for the authorization and regulation of slots in these five locations:
Worth mentioning is that the opening of these venues in the aforementioned locations took a period of four (4) years. The first to open was Hollywood Casino Perryville, located in Cecil County. It opened in 2010, on September 17.
It’d be followed closely by the opening of Ocean Downs Casino in January 2011. The last to open based on that provision was the Horseshoe Casino, Baltimore, located in Baltimore City.
Four years later, after the constitutional amendment, the voters also voted for the approval of the expansion of casino activity. This also set the requirement for the following to be in place:
Following the approval, the sixth casino, MGM National Harbor, was approved and located in Oxon Hill in Prince George’s County.
This brought the total number of authorized land-based casinos to six (6). These were selected and given locations by the Video Lottery Facility Location Commission.
Together with lottery and wagering, these six casinos contributed to the state’s record $1.637 billion in total gambling revenue during fiscal year 2026. Wagering alone brought in $132.3 million in state contributions, up from $88.9 million the previous year. For fiscal year 2026, sportsbooks accepted $6.91 billion in wagers, representing an 11.1% increase from the $6.22 billion recorded during fiscal year 2026. (Source: Maryland Gambling Revenue, FY2026 & Deadspin, July 2026)
The table below shows the land-based casinos and what they offer to residents:
| Name of Casino | Location | Casino Titles Offered |
| Rocky Gap Casino | Flintstone, Allegany County | Slot machines, table titles and lottery draws. It also offers casino credits, which are a line of credit that allows you to gain access to funding for faster action. |
| Horseshoe Baltimore Casino | 1525 Russell Street, Baltimore | This is a 122,000 square foot floor offering 97 table titles and 56 electronic table games. It also has over 1,600 slot machines. |
| MGM National Harbor | 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill | This is the last land-based casino launched in the state. It features rooms housing 50 tables. The slot machine offerings include over 2,200 titles, including classics like video reels, as well as varieties of many in-demand slots. Titles include Ultimate Fire Link Explosion and Phoenix Link. |
| Live! Casino Hotel | 7002 Arundel Mills, Circle #7777, Hanover | Home to slots, table titles and card games. It’s home to over 2,000 slot machines and 200 table titles. |
| Ocean Downs Casino | 10218 Racetrack Road, Berlin | Home to 18 table titles and over 800 slot machines. This 70,000 square foot casino also plans to introduce electronic tables that offer multiple variants of blackjack, roulette and card titles. |
| Hollywood Casino Perryville | 1201 Chesapeake Overlook Pkwy, Perryville | This is the first physical casino to open in the state. It offers card games and table titles, as well as over 500 reel and video slots. |
The state hasn’t legalized online casino gambling and as such, residents are dissuaded from engaging in such activities. Consequently, legislative efforts to this end haven’t brought forth any meaningful resolutions, especially given that the crossover deadline set for these regulations has been exceeded.
All eyes are on the 2026 legislative session, when the regulations are expected to hit the floor again for debates. Also, the current choices boil down to daily fantasy contests, betting and horse race wagering.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives passed the Illegal Online Gambling Enforcement Act by a 134-2 vote in March 2026. If signed into regulation, the state would join Indiana in officially outlawing sweepstakes activity in 2026. (Source: SBC Americas, March 24, 2026)
In a rather counter-active move, legislation has been proposed to halt the chances of online casino sites in the state. One critical one is the House Bill 1418, which was heard in February 2026. It, among many other things, clarified the stance that online gambling is illegal and only open to providers that have been authorized to offer wagering alone.
Furthermore, the legalization of online casino in MD is subject to the following requirements:
[Diagram suggestion: Flowchart showing the path to legalization — Bill Filed → Committee Vote → General Assembly Approval (both chambers) → Voter Referendum (general election year) → MLGCA Develops Regulations → Online Casinos Launch. Note: all four attempts (2023–2026) have stalled at or before the committee vote stage.]
Pending when all these are done, prevailing rules in the state prohibit online casino gambling.
Offshore sites allow residents to bet on casino titles over the internet. These services are usually regulated and registered in other locations, other than the state. A couple of them tap into the «legal» framework provided by sweepstakes and social casinos to operate.
This section clarifies the differences between the two:
| Feature | Authorized / Legal Providers | Offshore Sites |
| Regulatory Oversight | MLGCA-regulated | Foreign jurisdiction or unregulated |
| Player Protections | Deposit limits, self-exclusion, dispute resolution | Varies; no state-level recourse |
| Game Selection | Betting, lottery, DFS, horse racing | Full casino titles (slots, table, live dealer) |
| Payment Security | Authorized payment processors | Often crypto-only; limited chargeback on deposits and withdrawals |
| Tax Revenue to MD | Yes – contributed $132.3M in FY2026 | None |
| Legal Risk | None | Potential enforcement against providers |
Due to the non-legal status, online casinos are not allowed to operate in the state. This is also one reason for the limited number of titles available. Residents are limited to a few selections of betting and horse racing markets.
Nothing beats a fully regulated online casino site. However, residents have to make do with the casino-style titles offered at social casinos and sweepstakes.
Generally, legal or authorized providers stand a better competing chance when compared to offshore sites. They have the authorization and architecture to offer titles.
This is better off when compared to offshore sites that raise concerns about their security systems, specifically about the payment methods and the overall personal information of users at their disposal. An independent review of any site’s security credentials is always advisable.
The Lottery and Gaming Commission Agency has had to issue cease-and-desist letters to providers in the state. This came on the heels of concerns on the non-authorization and illegality of their activities.
Affected sites include Fortune Coins, Bet US, Rebet, Everygame, Zula and McLuck. Others are Golden Hearts, BetAnySports and Kalshi. They have been asked to verify their genuine operations to ensure compliance.
The state has developed some frameworks to protect the residents who are on the point of tipping due to excessive concentration on gambling. The following measures have been put in place to ensure player safety:
A 2026 prevalence study highlighted by the Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling found an uptick in disordered gambling behaviors since the legalization of online betting. The report noted that as newer modes of gambling such as iGaming become legally available, future studies will need to track how residents’ behavior evolves in this changing landscape. (Source: Maryland Matters, October 2026)
The MARG is a brainchild of the Lottery and Gaming Commission Agency. It’s constituted to address the growing gambling-related problems in the state and ensure residents have access to support.
The MLCGA developed this plan as a framework for aiding residents with gambling problems, by way of educating them on how to be responsible while at it.
The VEP is a player-centric program with the requirement that residents who, after self-assessment, think they’re at risk of gambling addiction stop for a while. It launched in 2011.
Since its launch, VEP participation has grown every year. As of late 2022, over 2,698 individuals had enrolled, with 1,074 opting for a lifetime ban and 1,624 choosing a two-year exclusion period. Over 70% of participants are men, and the majority are between the ages of 35 and 54. The program now covers casino activity, lottery tickets, wagering, and daily fantasy contests. (Source: PlayMaryland.com, December 2022 & MLGCA – Responsible Gambling)
| VEP Metric | Data |
| Total Enrollees | 2,698+ |
| Lifetime Ban | 1,074 (40%) |
| 2-Year Exclusion | 1,624 (60%) |
| Gender | 70%+ male |
| Primary Age Group | 35–54 years |
| Coverage | Casinos, lottery, wagering, DFS |
Given the clampdown on some providers, the future of online casino sites in MD looked bleak. The introduction of Senate Bill 860 seeking to prohibit sweepstakes from operating made it bleaker.
Going forward, there’s a need for legislation to reintroduce the topic into the General Assembly, especially now that some other states are considering the choice.
Deutsche Bank analyst Carlo Santarelli and industry veteran Richard Scheutz have observed that state-level approvals for iGaming are unlikely to arrive at the pace seen with online betting. The analysts identified the state as one with the strongest odds of eventually passing iGaming legislation, alongside Ohio. (Source: Casino.org, January 2026)
The potential revenue opportunity is significant. A Baltimore Sun guest commentary from July 2026 noted that depending on the tax structure, the state could generate hundreds of millions of dollars per year in iGaming tax revenue, potentially helping offset fiscal pressure without raising income or property taxes. Maryland would be the ninth state to join the legalized iGaming market, following Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and West Virginia. (Source: Baltimore Sun, July 2026)
Also, the future of online casinos in MD depends on whether the assembly will put the question on the ballot. That way, residents get to have a referendum on whether or not it should be considered.
Johnny Kampis, writing in a Baltimore Sun guest commentary in July 2026, argued that legalizing iGaming would bring new tax revenue to the state while offering consumer protections to residents who currently access unregulated offshore services. He noted that a regulated market could provide a safer alternative to the numerous unregulated sites that are currently accessible. According to Kampis, a well-structured iGaming tax could meaningfully offset fiscal pressure without raising income or property taxes on families. (Source: Baltimore Sun – “Maryland lawmakers should say yes to iGaming,” by Johnny Kampis, July 13, 2026)
💡 Player Tip
The Lottery and Gaming Commission Agency has clamped down on the operations of some providers. You want to check the updated list to ensure your favorite brand is not among them. Also, be careful when using offshore sites that promise to offer online casino gambling. You can use the ones we recommended to find the best experience. They’re safer!
Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling
Contact: 1-800-522-4700 (option 1 for Maryland) – State-specific problem gambling services, referrals, and Voluntary Exclusion Program information.
Contact: 1-800-662-HELP
Contact: Refer to the website for local numbers.
National Council on Problem Gambling
Contact: 1-800-522-4700
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