Top Online Sportsbooks & Betting Platforms in Maryland, USA

Top 5 Best Maryland Betting Sites in 2025

The online sports betting scene in Maryland is changing faster than ever. Several offshore platforms are now rivaling regulated options in popularity. Our analysis of user experience, bonus structures, and platform reliability reveals the top five Maryland betting sites for 2025. These platforms stand out for their distinctive features, user-friendly design, and attractive promotions.

1. SportsBetting.ag – Best for Rewards and Flexibility

SportsBetting.com has become a top choice for Maryland bettors looking for great odds and flexible banking options. This 13 year old platform has grown from a small brand to a prominent name in online betting.

The platform's VIP Rewards program shines with its multi-tiered structure that gives back to regular players. SportsBetting.ag uses a unique point system where sports, esports and racebook wagers are worth 3x more than casino wagers for VIP progress. Sports fans love this system because it allows them to move up tiers faster.

SportsBetting.ag stands out with these key features:

• Comprehensive deposit options: Players can use traditional banking and cryptocurrencies, with higher limits for Bitcoin and Ethereum withdrawals
• Competitive sign-up bonus: New players get a 50% match up to $250 with just a 1x rollover requirement
• Weekly Cash Boosts: Regular players automatically receive weekly bonus rewards

Maryland players can access SportsBetting.ag in all but one of these US states - New Jersey. The legitimate licensing of the platform allows Maryland residents to safely bet on major sporting events. Most payouts are made within 24 hours.

2. BetUS – Best User Experience and Live Betting

BetUS shines with its excellent user experience and powerful live betting features. This 31 year old platform uses decades of experience to create a user-friendly site that works for everyone - from beginners to pros.

Live betting at BetUS really impresses with up-to-the-minute odds on more than 10 sports. Maryland bettors can place bets during the games, making watching an exciting interactive experience.

Maryland bettors choose BetUS because

• Competitive MLB odds: The odds beat domestic U.S. sportsbooks in baseball markets
• Generous welcome package: New players can claim a 125% bonus up to $2,625 across their first three deposits
• Cryptocurrency incentives: Players get a 200% crypto sign-up bonus split between sports (150%) and casino (50%)

BetUS TV helps players learn more through analysis, insights and betting tips. The loyalty program kicks in automatically, allowing players to earn points on real money bets as they progress through six reward levels.

3. BetOnline.ag – Best for Promotions and Loyalty Program

BetOnline.ag leads the way with its promotions and VIP loyalty system. This 25-year-old platform offers a personalized service that rewards regular bettors.

The VIP Rewards program uses an intelligent tier system where betting activity earns points. Like SportsBetting.ag (under the same company), sports betting, esports and racebook wagers count 3x more than casino play - great news for sports bettors.

Players love these promotions:

• 100% Reload Bonus: Returning players get matching funds up to $500 on deposits
• Risk-Free Wagers: Special events offer bet insurance up to $100
• Daily Odds Boosters: Selected markets pay more to maximize wins

Maryland players will find BetOnline.ag easy to use with great perks. First time players receive up to $250 in free bets and 100 free spins. The platform focuses more on sports betting than casino games.

4. XBet.ag – Best for Live Betting and Pools

XBet.ag has become a strong choice for Maryland bettors who love in-play betting and pool contests. This 11 year old platform has built trust especially with US bettors.

Live betting works great here - players can bet during games with odds that are constantly updated. The in-play system covers multiple sports from start to finish. Strategic bettors will enjoy analyzing games as they happen.

XBet.ag provides these great features:

• Mobile-optimized platform: Players can bet anywhere through their mobile system
• 24/7 account management: Help is always available by phone, email, or chat
• Comprehensive live betting markets: Real-time odds updates across many sports

Maryland players praise XBet.ag's competitive odds. One player says, "XBet has been my go-to place for several years now. They offer the most competitive odds on the market.

5. Bovada– Best for Merchandise Integration and FanCash

Bovada rounds out our top five with a fresh approach to merchandise integration and FanCash rewards. This platform shines with crypto-friendly policies and betting options that go beyond traditional wagers.

Maryland bettors interested in crypto will find Bovada to be the best choice. The platform accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and Tether. Crypto transactions are processed faster than regular banking.

Bovada's best features include

• FanCash rewards: Players earn bet rebates - 1% on straight bets, 3% on parlays, and 5% on same-game parlays
• Extensive global sports coverage: Markets cover both American leagues and international competitions
• Live streaming capabilities: Players can watch and bet on events directly through the platform

New players receive a 50% bonus up to $250. While this may seem smaller than the competition, Bovada makes up for it with crypto benefits and ongoing promotions that provide long-term value.

Bovada takes responsible gaming seriously with tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion options. This commitment to player safety makes Maryland bettors more confident in the platform.

Best Maryland Sportsbook Bonuses and Offers

Savvy sports bettors know that welcome bonuses at trusted Maryland betting sites can significantly boost their bankrolls. Operators are now offering combined promo values worth over $550,000 as of May 2025. You need to understand these offers to get the most out of your betting experience. Let's take a look at the types of bonuses, ongoing promotions and rewards systems available to Maryland bettors.

Welcome bonuses: What to expect

Legal Maryland betting sites use welcome bonuses to attract new players. These sign up offers come in several different types, each with its own benefits:

First Bet Safety Nets: These offers protect your first bet. BetMGM leads the market with a first bet offer of up to $1,500. If your first bet loses, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. This protection allows new players to make bolder first bets without worrying about the risk.

Bet and Get Promotions: These simple offers reward you for your first bet. DraftKings gives you "Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets" whether you win or lose. FanDuel goes a different route with their "Bet $5, Get $200 if your bet wins" offer.

Profit Boost Tokens: Caesars Sportsbook distinguishes itself by giving new users ten 100% Profit Boost Tokens after a $1 wager. These tokens double your potential winnings with a cap of $2,500 per token or $25,000 total.

Most welcome bonuses require you to meet certain conditions:

• Make a minimum deposit (usually $5-$10)
• Place a qualifying bet (often with minimum odds requirements)
• Use bonus funds within a set time (usually 7-14 days)

No-deposit vs. deposit match offers

Maryland betting site reviews highlight two main types of promotional value: no-deposit and deposit match bonuses.

No-Deposit Bonuses give you free betting credits just for creating an account. One industry expert says: "These no-deposit bonuses allow you to try out the online sportsbook's website and app completely risk-free before deciding if it is the right one for you." These offers have lower values than other bonus types.

Deposit match bonuses are a great way to get more value. Sportsbooks will match a percentage of your first deposit, ranging from 50% to 200%. Here are a few examples:

• DraftKings matches 20% up to $1,000
• BetMGM has offered 100% matches up to $500

Deposit matches give you extra funds instantly, but come with a wagering requirement before you can withdraw.

The best thing about deposit offers is that bigger deposits mean bigger bonuses. No deposit offers work better for gamblers who want to test out platforms before putting money down.

Ongoing promotions and odds boosts

Welcome bonuses bring new customers to Maryland betting sites, but ongoing promotions keep them coming back. BetRivers Maryland leads the way with year round promotions for all users.

Odds Boosts top the list of regular promotions. These offers improve the odds of an event - turning +120 into +150. Each Maryland sportsbook handles odds boosts differently:

• BetMGM's Lion's Boost: Daily featured props with better odds, often featuring Baltimore Ravens events
• Caesars Sportsbook: Offers so many nightly odds boosts that it "can often be overwhelming for the user"
• DraftKings: Provides Maryland's most valuable boosted odds, though bet limits may apply
• FanDuel: Features boosts from big names like Bill Simmons and Pat McAfee

Parlay Insurance protects you if a pick in your parlay fails. ESPN BET Maryland includes "Parlay Insurance and Boosts, Odds Boosts on the day's featured markets, Bet-and-Gets and more."

Sports-specific promotions peak during major tournaments and seasons. Sportsbooks create special offers for the NFL, NBA, MLB and major sporting events. NFL betting sees many odds boosts because it's the "most wagered sport".

Loyalty programs and rewards systems

Trustworthy Maryland betting sites reward regular players through loyalty programs. These systems track your bets and give rewards based on how much you wager.

Your wagers earn you Reward Points (for benefits) and Status Points (for tiers). Better levels mean better rewards.

Crossover Rewards combine online wagering with the land-based casino experience:

• MGM Rewards: BetMGM users earn points for MGM Resorts perks like "increased Rewards Points earnings, priority check-ins, comped rooms at MGM Resorts, and even free cruises and limo service"
• Caesars Rewards: Players link online and in-person play under one account, moving through six reward tiers with growing benefits

Digital-only rewards work for operators without physical locations. Golden Nugget's VIP program is a good example, offering faster payouts, cash back offers, exclusive promotions and better customer support at 5,000 points.

Regular gamblers can offset losses over time with loyalty rewards. Check to see if your platform offers "tier matching" - some operators will match your VIP status from other sites, giving you a "free path to VIP status or at least a higher card level."

Legal Status of Sports Betting in Maryland

Maryland's experience with sports betting shows how carefully the state has built its regulatory framework. After gambling laws changed nationwide, Maryland chose its own path. The state wanted voter approval, strong oversight, and gradual implementation. This background helps bettors find legitimate Maryland betting sites and avoid unauthorized ones.

Timeline of legalization

Maryland's path to legal sports betting began with an important Supreme Court decision and moved through several significant legislative steps:

• May 2018: The Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which let states legalize sports betting
• November 2020: Maryland voters strongly supported a referendum to legalize sports betting
• May 2021: Governor Larry Hogan signed House Bill 940 (HB 940), which created the legal framework for sports betting in the state
• December 2021: Five retail sportsbooks opened their doors, marking Maryland's first legal sports bets
• June 2022: Governor Hogan asked the Sports Wagering Applications Review Commission (SWARC) to accelerate mobile betting implementation
• September 2022: Regulators started accepting applications from mobile betting operators
• November 23, 2022: Online sports betting launched with seven operators going live at once

Maryland's approach stands out for its careful implementation strategy. Many states rushed to market after the repeal of PASPA, but Maryland officials wanted to have complete regulations in place before beginning operations. This cautious approach aimed to build a sustainable industry that balanced business opportunity with consumer protection.

Who regulates Maryland betting sites?

Maryland created two regulatory bodies to oversee sports betting operations. This system of checks and balances keeps the industry honest:

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) oversees all gaming regulation in the state. They:

1. Check the background of license applicants
2. Create and enforce operating rules
3. Monitor licensed operators
4. Review initial applications before sending them to SWARC

The Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) focuses exclusively on sports wagering. Established in May 2021, SWARC:

1. Reviews applications from MLGCA
2. Gives licenses to qualified operators
3. Makes sure the industry stays diverse and inclusive
4. Manages the competitive license bidding process

The credentialing process is a step-by-step process. Applicants first go through MLGCA's screening and background checks. Successful applications then go to SWARC for final review. This two-step process provides more oversight than many other states.

List of legal Maryland betting sites in 2025

Maryland's licensing system allows both retail and online wagering for different types of businesses. The Sports Wagering Act allows up to 47 retail sportsbooks, 60 online sportsbooks, and retains 3 licenses for professional sports teams that may relocate to Maryland.

Licenses come in several types:

Class A-1 licensees include major casinos and professional sports venues:

• MGM National Harbor (Oxon Hill)
• Live! Casino & Hotel (Hanover)
• Horseshoe Casino (Baltimore City)
• M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore City)
• Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore City)
• FedEx Field (Landover)

Class A-2 licensees include smaller casinos and racetracks:

• Ocean Downs Casino (Berlin)
• Hollywood Casino (Perryville)
• Rocky Gap Casino (Flintstone)
• Laurel Park Race Track and Pimlico Race Track (shared license)

Class B licensees include various entertainment venues:

• Maryland State Fairgrounds (Timonium)
• Bingo World (Anne Arundel County)
• Rod-n-Reel (Chesapeake Beach)
• Riverboat on the Potomac (Colonial Beach, VA)

The law designates 17 specific locations as eligible for licenses. SWARC may award an additional 30 Class B licenses through a competitive process.

These online sportsbooks will be legally operating in Maryland starting in 2025:

• BetMGM Sportsbook
• Caesars Sportsbook
• DraftKings Sportsbook
• ESPN Bet (formerly Barstool Sportsbook)
• FanDuel Sportsbook
• BetRivers Sportsbook
• Fanatics Sportsbook
• LetsBetMD
• Bally Bet
• betPARX
• Crab Sports

Betr and Queen Sportsbook are working to obtain their full licenses. This competitive market helps Maryland bettors get better odds and promotions.

Maryland's 60 potential mobile operator licenses make it one of the most open betting markets in America. States like New Hampshire and Rhode Island chose restrictive monopolies instead. Maryland's competitive environment is pushing operators to offer better user experiences, new features and good promotions.

How to Start Betting on Maryland Sites

Getting started with sports betting in Maryland is quick and easy for anyone over the age of 21. The state's regulated market offers strong consumer protections, so you can set up your account with confidence. Here's how to start betting at legal Maryland bookmakers.

Step 1: Choose a licensed sportsbook

The right platform is the foundation of your betting experience. Maryland has 11 licensed online sportsbooks, each with its own advantages:

Compare key features across platforms:

• Mobile app performance and user interface
• Available betting markets and sports coverage
• Banking options and withdrawal speeds
• Customer service accessibility
• Ongoing promotions beyond welcome offers

Maryland betting site reviews should focus on operators licensed by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA). The MLGCA actually screens all potential operators to make sure they meet high standards for security, financial stability, and customer treatment.

Step 2: Register and verify your identity

Registration takes less than two minutes after you choose your sportsbook. Most popular Maryland betting sites follow this pattern:

1. Visit the sportsbook website or download their mobile app
2. Click the "Register," "Sign Up," or "Join Now" button
3. Provide required personal information:
   • Full legal name
   • Physical address
   • Email address
   • Phone number
   • Date of birth (must be 21+ in Maryland)
   • Last four digits of your Social Security Number

Identity verification is essential under Maryland regulations. Legal Maryland betting sites must verify your identity before allowing you to place bets. This process helps prevent fraud and underage gambling through "age and identity verification" systems.

You may need to upload a government-issued photo ID. Some operators may be able to verify your identity through database checks, while others may require you to provide documents.

Step 3: Make your first deposit

Your verified account needs funding next. Maryland Sportsbooks offers several deposit options with different processing times:

Common deposit options include

• Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
• E-wallets (PayPal, Play+)
• Online banking transfers
• Electronic checks (ACH)
• Wire transfers
• Cash at casino cages or through PayNearMe

State-licensed operators can't accept cryptocurrency because they need traditional banking relationships and must comply with financial regulations.

Minimum deposits are usually $5-$10 depending on the platform. Your first deposit should meet any welcome bonus requirements - some promotions have specific minimum deposit requirements.

Step 4: Claim your welcome bonus

Welcome bonuses often require specific actions to be taken during sign up or first deposit. Maryland betting site reviews show these common promotional offers:

• First Bet Insurance/Safety Nets: Get your stake back (as bonus bets) if your first wager loses, up to specified limits
• Bet-and-Get Promotions: Place a qualifying bet (usually $5 or $10) to receive bonus credits regardless of outcome
• Deposit Match Bonuses: Get a percentage match of your initial deposit

Steps to activate these offers:

1. Check if you need a promotional code during registration
2. Look for code entry fields during signup or deposit
3. Make sure the offer shows in your account before placing qualifying bets

Maryland regulations state that all sports betting promotions must clearly state eligibility requirements, promotion dates, wagering requirements and withdrawal limits. Read these terms carefully - bonus money usually expires in 7-14 days and may require specific odds for qualifying bets.

Step 5: Place your first bet

Your funded account with secured bonus is ready for your first bet. Find your preferred sport and event in the Sportsbook menu. The betting slip will appear automatically or open when you click on the odds displayed.

Steps for your first bet:

1. Pick your betting market (moneyline, spread, total, prop)
2. Enter your stake amount
3. Check the potential payout on your betting slip
4. Confirm your wager

Your "first real money wager" is the first bet you make after depositing. Subsequent bets do not count towards the first bet promotion.

NFL or NBA games are popular first bets because they're easy to find on platform interfaces. Maryland's licensed sportsbooks allow you to bet on dozens of sports and leagues beyond the traditional American sports.

Comparing Features of Popular Maryland Betting Sites

Choosing the best platform boils down to features that make your betting experience more enjoyable. My analysis of Maryland's top operators will help you choose based on what matters most.

Mobile app ratings and performance

User ratings tell us a lot about how well these apps are working. FanDuel stands out in Maryland with stellar ratings - 4.8/5 on iOS and 4.7/5 on Android. Users love its easy-to-use design and fast loading. DraftKings matches the iOS score, but scores slightly lower at 4.6/5 on Android.

BetMGM shows mixed results with 4.8/5 on iOS, but drops to 4.1/5 on Android. Local player Crab Sports hasn't found its footing yet, with low scores (3.1 iOS, 2.3 Android) and ongoing stability issues.

Banking options and payout speed

Maryland's legal betting sites process withdrawals at different speeds. DraftKings can send money through Venmo in as little as two minutes. Most platforms process e-wallet payments within 24 hours.

You can move your money with:

• E-wallets: PayPal, Venmo (quickest option)
• Bank transfers: ACH/e-check (1-3 days)
• Cards: Debit card withdrawals (24 hours)
• Cash: Instant pickup at casino cages

Caesars, BetMGM, FanDuel and BetRivers send withdrawals to major banks within one day. Trusted Maryland bookmakers don't accept cryptocurrency yet.

Betting markets and sports coverage

DraftKings leads the way with options in more than 25 sports. Fanatics holds its own, offering both popular leagues and specialty games.

BetMGM puts Maryland teams first, which local fans appreciate.

Customer support and user reviews

The quality of support varies among the popular Maryland betting sites. BetMGM offers round-the-clock chat support and phone assistance from 11 AM to 8 PM EST. FanDuel users rave about their experience: "Excellent customer service and the best user experience by far compared to other sportsbooks!"

DraftKings has great features, but users point to long wait times for live agent support.

Concluding Thoughts on Maryland Sportsbooks

Maryland's sports betting industry has thrived since its launch in 2022. The state generated an impressive $5.94 billion in handle in 2024 alone. This 30% year-over-year growth demonstrates Maryland bettors' enthusiasm for legal betting platforms. A close look at the current marketplace reveals several key insights.

The mix of regulated and offshore options gives Maryland bettors plenty of choice. SportsBetting.ag excels with a rewards program that values sports betting 3x higher than casino play. BetUS offers superior live betting in 10+ sports. BetOnline.ag attracts regular bettors with promotions like their 100% reload bonus up to $500.

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency's regulatory framework protects consumers better than unregulated alternatives. The dual oversight system and identity checks maintain the integrity of the platform. The 15% tax rate has generated $30 million in education funding in 2023. Projections show that this figure could reach $100 million annually by 2027.

Banking options vary from platform to platform. DraftKings leads the pack with Venmo withdrawals that take as little as two minutes. FanDuel's mobile experience stands out with top app ratings (4.8/5 iOS, 4.7/5 Android).