History Behind Proposed Sports Betting Bill in Maryland
Online sports betting in Maryland was approved on the 2020 November ballot, but did not go live until late 2022. Even though Maryland was one of the last states in the region to conceive an online sports betting industry, there is an argument to be made that they did it better than anyone else. With more than 30 licenses on the table, Maryland is poised to have more online sportsbook operators than any of its neighbors.
When online sports betting in Maryland launched, the usual suspects were first to the punch. FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars were among the first online sportsbook operators in Maryland, but it did not take long for names like PointsBet and BetRivers to make an appearance. Over time, there will be a diverse offering of online sportsbooks in Maryland, from operators we are all familiar with to ones that are brand new..
Maryland is unlike most other states that offer online sports betting for a number of reasons. For one, the sheer length of time between when online sports betting was approved to when online sports betting went live dwarves that of any other state. Marylanders were forced to wait more than 2 years before they could wager on sports online. On the other hand, Maryland is set to boast more online sportsbook operators than any other nearby state, with more than 30 licenses on the table.
Maryland Online Sportsbook Operators
The slate of online sportsbooks available in Maryland resembles a lot of otherr states, specifically its neighbor to the north, Pennsylvania. The online sportsbooks available to bettors in Maryland include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, BetRivers, PointsBet, BetFred, Caesars, and Barstool. In most cases, if you have an account with these online sportsbooks in other states you can seamlessly log in when betting in Maryland. With that said, some online sportsbooks will have apps that are state-specific, meaning that the you will need to download a new app in order to wager in Maryland.
It is important to remember that all of Maryland’s approved online sports betting operators need to know your location before you are allowed to place bets. This is true in every state where online sports betting is legal. What’s more, bettors need to verify their identity when siging up for a Maryland online sportsbook, and this will almost always require individuals to submit the last four numbers of their Social Security number. This is a totally safe process that is required by law, but is something that can catch people off guard.
When compared to other Mid-Atlantic states, Maryland’s online sports betting landscape is in its infancy. There is still a lot to be excited about, especially when you consider the number of operators that can operate there. With more than 30 sportsbooks all vying for bettors, you can rest-assured knowing that Maryland will be one of the most competitive online sports betting states in the country.
Bonuses and Other Offers From Maryland Online Sportsbooks
The bonuses offered to new players who have just created an account at a Maryland online sportsbook are in line with what you will find in other states. No two bonuses are created equally, and not every bonus is right for every bettor, but in Maryland there is ample choice. Some sportsbooks will offer a risk-free first bet, where others offer players the opportunity to receive multiple free bets by placing a single wager of just a few dollars. PointBet, for example, offers a series of free bets if an account’s first wager loses. On the other hand, DraftKings gives players $150 in free bets for placing just a single $5 wager.
Understanding that many Maryland bettors have created an account and taken advantage of a sign up offer in other states, it is important to note that most sites do not allow you to double-dip in Maryland. In other words, if you have signed up for Caesars sportsbook in Pennsylvania and took advantage of the sign up bonus there, you cannot also receive the sign up bonus in Maryland.
With that said, there are a few online sportsbooks in Maryland that offer sign up bonuses even if you have created an account elsewhere. Both BetRivers and BetMGM allow bettors to receive a sign up bonus in Maryland, even if they have signed up for a similar bonus in another state. As online sports betting competition in Maryland grows, the expectation is that this will be a wholly good thing for players. More operators means a larger number of bonuses, but also means that the bonus offers themselves will be more attractive.
Sports Teams to Bet on in Maryland
Maryland legislatures haven’t stated that it will be illegal to bet on college sports or schools within the state. Maryland is the home of nine colleges that participate in D1 athletics. The University of Maryland and the United States Naval Academy are the two most popular colleges within the state.
There are three professional sports franchises that play in Maryland. These three teams are the Baltimore Orioles, Baltimore Ravens, and the Washington Football Team.
The Baltimore Orioles play in the American League East division of the MLB. the team has struggled in the 21st century, but they have won three World Series titles in franchise history. The last time that the Orioles won the American League East was in 2014. The team is managed by Brandon Hyde and they play in Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Right down the street from Camden Yards is M&T Bank Stadium, which is home to the Baltimore Ravens. The Baltimore Ravens play in the AFC North Division of the NFL. The team is coached by John Harbaugh, who led the Ravens to a Super Bowl championship in 2012. The Ravens have made the playoffs six times since 2010.
The Washington Football Team plays at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. The Washington football team is formerly known as the Washington Redskins, and they are members of the NFL’s NFC East Division. The team is coached by Ron Rivera, and the franchise has won three Super Bowl championships.
Maryland Sports Betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Maryland?
Yes, sports betting was legalized by residents of the state in the November 2020 election. Online sports betting went live during the final months of 2022.
What’s the legal age to place a bet in Maryland?
The legal age to place a bet in Maryland will be 21 years of age.
What type of sports betting options are available?
Maryland sports betting features mobile and retail gaming throughout the state. With more than 30 online licenses and up to 60 retail licenses available, it is safe to say there are plenty of options for players.
Is it be legal to bet on college sports in Maryland?
There hasn’t been any legislation put in place to deny bettors from wagering college sports as well as local schools.
What will Maryland’s sports betting tax revenue be dedicated towards?
Initially, Maryland sports betting tax revenue will support the effort to rebuild the educational system within the state.