Sports Betting in Maryland
Maryland officially legalized sports betting in April 2021 after years of work from lawmakers. In-person sports betting launched in late 2021, but the launch of online sports betting has been slower. State regulators continue to work through the process to bring mobile sports betting to Maryland.
Legalization and Launch
Maryland residents voted to legalize sports betting in November 2020, with the referendum passing with nearly two-thirds of the vote. In May 2021, Governor Larry Hogan signed legislation to officially legalize sports betting in the state.
The first retail sportsbooks launched in December 2021 at five of the state’s casinos⁚ MGM National Harbor, Live! Casino and Hotel, Horseshoe Casino, Ocean Downs Casino, and Hollywood Casino. These retail sportsbooks have allowed residents to place in-person wagers on a variety of sports and events.
While the launch of retail sports betting was fairly straightforward, the rollout of mobile sports wagering has been much slower. The Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) is responsible for reviewing and awarding mobile licenses, but the process has faced several delays.
However, the SWARC has been making progress, and mobile sports betting is expected to launch in Maryland soon. Once live, residents will be able to place wagers from anywhere within state lines using their smartphones or other mobile devices.
Regulation and Licensing
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) has been tasked with overseeing and regulating sports betting in the state. This includes developing regulations for licensing, responsible gaming measures, advertising, and more.
The MLGCA has established different classes of licenses for sports betting operators⁚
- Class A-1 licenses are for the state’s largest casinos and require a $2 million upfront fee and a $6 million licensing bond.
- Class A-2 licenses are offered to smaller casinos and the state’s two major horse racing tracks.
- Class B licenses are available for smaller businesses, such as the state fairgrounds, commercial bingo centers, and other qualified businesses.
- Mobile licenses are required for operators wishing to offer online sports betting. These licenses cost $500,000 and require a $1.5 million bond. Mobile operators must partner with a land-based licensee in the state.
The MLGCA has been working to ensure a fair and competitive market for sports betting in Maryland. The agency has stated a commitment to achieving racial, ethnic, and gender diversity among licensees. The licensing process has been designed to consider a variety of factors, including an applicant’s experience, financial stability, and commitment to responsible gaming.
The MLGCA’s efforts to carefully regulate sports betting aim to create a safe and enjoyable experience for Maryland residents while generating revenue for state-designated purposes.
Maryland Sports Betting Rules
Maryland has specific rules and regulations governing sports betting, including the legal betting age, permitted betting markets, and advertising guidelines.
Betting Markets and Options
Maryland offers residents a variety of betting options, encompassing both professional and collegiate sports. Bettors can wager on popular sports such as football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and soccer, as well as niche sports like golf, tennis, and motorsports.
The state permits a wide range of bet types, including⁚
- Moneyline bets
- Point spread bets
- Over/under bets
- Parlays
- Futures
- Prop bets
- Live, in-game betting
One notable aspect of Maryland’s sports betting law is the allowance of wagering on college sports, including games involving Maryland-based teams. This is in contrast to some states that restrict or prohibit betting on in-state collegiate teams.
However, it’s important to note that certain types of bets might be restricted, such as proposition bets on individual college athletes. As the industry matures, it’s anticipated that Maryland’s sports betting market will continue to expand, potentially introducing new betting options and markets to cater to a wide range of sports enthusiasts.
Responsible Gaming Measures
Maryland has implemented several responsible gaming measures to promote responsible sports betting and address potential issues related to gambling addiction. The state recognizes that while sports betting can be an enjoyable form of entertainment, it’s crucial to wager responsibly.
Licensed sportsbooks in Maryland are required to provide resources and tools to help bettors manage their gambling habits. These resources typically include⁚
- Deposit limits⁚ Bettors can set limits on the amount of money they can deposit into their accounts within a specified timeframe.
- Spending limits⁚ Similar to deposit limits, bettors can set limits on their overall spending.
- Time-outs⁚ Bettors can opt for a temporary break from gambling, restricting access to their accounts for a predetermined period.
- Self-exclusion⁚ Individuals can self-exclude themselves from sports betting, either temporarily or permanently, by registering with the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency.
Additionally, Maryland law mandates that sportsbooks display information and helpline numbers for problem gambling resources. The state actively promotes responsible gambling awareness campaigns to educate the public about the risks associated with problem gambling and provide guidance on seeking help when needed.
