Is Online Casinos & Poker Legal in Maryland? (2026)
Yes — Online Casinos & Poker are legal in Maryland as of 2026.
Law changed in 2026: In March 2026, a bill to legalize online casinos in Maryland stalled in the legislature. Lawmakers are instead focusing on banning sweepstakes casinos.
Quick Answer
Maryland legalized online casino gambling and poker in 2021 under the Maryland Expanded Gaming Act (SB 4). The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency regulates online gambling.
- Age restriction: 21 years old for online gambling
What the Law Says
Maryland has legal online sports betting, but online casinos are not yet legal. Maryland Code, Criminal Law, Title 12 covers gambling offenses.
— Maryland Expanded Gaming Act
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Online Casino Rules | Possession of licensed online gambling software is legal. |
| Licensed Platforms | Sale or distribution of licensed online gambling software is legal. |
| Penalties | Unlicensed gambling is a misdemeanor under Md. Code Ann., Criminal Law § 12-101. |
| Minimum Age | 21 years old for online gambling. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
In March 2026, a bill to legalize online casinos in Maryland stalled in the legislature. Lawmakers are instead focusing on banning sweepstakes casinos.
Enforcement Reality
Maryland is taking a strong stance against illegal online gambling, with the city of Baltimore suing six major online casino operators in March 2026.
A common mistake is using social casinos and sweepstakes games that are disguised as free-to-play but are considered illegal gambling by some authorities.
Local Exceptions
None identified. State law applies uniformly across Maryland. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Bottom Line
Online Casinos & Poker are legal in Maryland. You can playing at online casinos without violating state law, though federal rules and local ordinances may still apply. Always verify current law before acting.
Maryland vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, playing at online casinos is fully legal in 17 states, restricted in 12, and illegal in 21. Maryland falls in the LEGAL category.
View the full 50-state map →Sports Betting Laws Guide
This topic is closely related to sports betting and gambling laws.
Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.
Sources & Verification
This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
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