Maryland Gambling & Gaming Laws (2026)

A comprehensive legal reference for gambling & gaming in the state of Maryland. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 6 different categories.

Daily Fantasy Sports

LEGAL

Daily Fantasy Sports are legal in Maryland. Maryland legalized daily fantasy sports in 2012 and has been regulating it since.

DFS Rules

Legal

Licensed Operators

Legal

Penalties

N/A

Minimum Age

18+

View Full Daily Fantasy Sports Guide →

Gambling Age

RESTRICTED

The minimum gambling age in Maryland is 21 for casino gambling and sports betting. State law sets the minimum gambling age at 21 for casino gambling.

Casino Minimum Age

21+ for casinos/sports betting; 18+ for lottery

Lottery/Other Gambling Age

Legal

Penalties

Underage gambling is a misdemeanor; venues face license revocation.

Minimum Gambling Age

18-21 depending on type

View Full Gambling Age Guide →

Online Casinos & Poker

LEGAL

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.

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.

View Full Online Casinos & Poker Guide →

Online Gambling / Sports Betting

UNVERIFIED

Legal status of Online Gambling / Sports Betting in Maryland has not yet been verified. Online sports betting launched in November 2022.

Online Gambling Rules

Unverified

Licensed Operators

Unverified

Penalties

Unverified

Minimum Age

Unverified

View Full Online Gambling / Sports Betting Guide →

Poker Home Games

LEGAL

Social poker home games are legal in Maryland as long as no one takes a rake or house cut from the pot. The law legalizing home poker games was passed in 2016.

Home Game Rules

Legal for social games without a rake

Rake/House Cut Rules

N/A

Penalties

Taking a rake converts it to illegal gambling.

Age Requirements

Varies, typically 18+

View Full Poker Home Games Guide →

Sports Betting

LEGAL

Sports betting is legal in Maryland. Online sports betting launched in November 2022.

In-Person Betting

Legal for 21+. Maryland launched retail sports betting in December 2021 and mobile in November 2022 under HB 940. Online/mobile and retail available. Competitive market with FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, and others. Maryland's law includes a strong emphasis on minority business participation.

Online/Mobile Betting

Online/mobile betting available statewide. Retail sportsbooks at casinos, stadiums, and other licensed locations. Operator tax rate: 15% of gross revenue.

Penalties

Unlicensed gambling operations face criminal charges. Individual bettors using licensed platforms face no penalties.

Minimum Betting Age

21+

View Full Sports Betting Guide →