Best Sports Betting Sites in Maryland 2023

This Is How We Review Maryland Betting Sites

Maryland approved a long list of events and wagers for all major U.S. leagues and collegiate sports, including some non-traditional markets, such as e-sports and biathlon, excluding all Russian and Belorussian sports.

In fact, the online betting handle in February 2023 alone was close to $325.079M, about the lowest since December 2022. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that so many operators want a piece of the action.

To help you see which MD sports betting apps pass muster, we’ve come up with a stringent testing process that we put every leading Maryland betting site through.

Betting Site Complete History and Safety Checks

Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission oversees sports betting in Maryland and regulates sports betting operations. The lottery’s Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) is in charge of licensing operators and ensuring they abide by the rules.

These rules include the implementation of responsible gambling tools, fair betting practices, and security features, such as SSL/TLS encryption technology and two-factor authentication (2FA).

In fact, with the powers vested in Maryland Lottery, they can impose fines on operators who fail to comply, as they did with BetMGM, which had to pay $146,000 for taking online bets prematurely.

On the other hand, offshore operators do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission, so there’s no regulatory authority to oversee their operations and guarantee fairness and safety.

What’s more, these sites do not have any systems for resolving disputes with the players, nor can they vouch for the safety of their personal and banking information.

With that in mind, it is clear why you need to stay away from those predatory sites unless you want to fall victim to a potential fly-by-night operation. Therefore, we only look into those betting sites approved by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming.

Even with regulated sportsbooks, you need to browse forums to investigate their practices. Sure, you’ll find many Debbie Downers around there. However, if complaints are consistent and have not been handled by the operators, that’s a reason for concern and a definitive red flag.

Real Money Deposits and Withdrawals

MD online sportsbooks accept various payment methods, from PayPal and Play+ Card to Trustly online banking system, PayNearMe, and Visa/Mastercard credit and debit cards. In fact, most Maryland sportsbooks accept payments via these methods, so there’s no real leverage there.

However, leverage becomes clear when it comes to withdrawal pending times, processing cashouts on the weekends, the limits for payments, and the option of cashing out at a retail sportsbook at one of the casinos. Naturally, we give extra credit to those bookies like BetMGM and Caesars that facilitate early cashouts and cashouts at retail sportsbooks. However, we don’t give them credit solely for their speed and convenience but also for the more flexible limits that apply in that case.

Verifying Available Sports and Testing the Odds

Maryland online sportsbooks offer odds on all of the most popular sports, starting with the North American major leagues, plus tennis, soccer, motorsports, and MMA. Don’t get surprised if you encounter odds for Jai-Alai or Croatian International badminton. Top MD betting apps tend to cater to bettors who prefer wagering on obscure events.

Plenty of sports coverage is one thing, but market depth is quite another. You want to see books sporting Same Game Parlays, a variety of pitcher props for the Orioles, and many unique features, such as PointsBet’s “Pick Your Own Spread” feature, where you can adjust the points margin by up to 20 points.

We put special emphasis on the odds these sportsbooks post. Not only do we look at how competitive they are but also when sportsbooks post them, how often they change, and if they are accompanied by daily odds boosts. For example, DraftKings regularly serves odds and profit boosts for Same Game Parlay Extra (SGPx) and traditional Same Game Parlays.

Claiming and Wager Testing Bonuses

When you look at sports betting bonuses, they all seem like real gifts. However, as the saying goes, beware of Greeks bearing gifts. To determine whether a bonus is worth taking, we claim it ourselves.

First, we scrutinize each section of the terms and conditions, especially the ones dealing with the wagering requirements. Secondly, we look into odds requirements, the time allowed to clear the bonus, and other specifics.

For instance, if a sportsbook advertises a profit boost for a particular match and we see that the moneyline odds for the same fixture are just the same in another MD sportsbook, we flag it as inappropriate right away and tell you to pass up on that offer.

Our site has no tolerance for withholding the winnings from the players because of some false pretense. Operators that resort to such practices wind up on our blacklist.

Conducting a Scan of Non-Approved Sites

Maryland sports betting sites licensed by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission are safe and secure. However, not even they are immune to occasional mishaps.

If we catch a glimpse of problematic behavior, such as persistent geolocation issues, vague bonus terms, unreasonable delays in payments, and similar, we won’t refrain from putting them on our Not Approved list.

Betting forums are a good source for such information where it’s been known to spread like wildfire. However, some bettors may be intentionally adding to the sportsbook’s bad rap, so don’t swallow it hook, line, and sinker.

Quality Team Approval and Ranking

The last stage of our review belongs to our quality team. They take all the collected data and transform it into a detailed review. The editors then take over to make sure the grammar is adequate and that readability and flow of the text are top-notch, without any fluff.

Finally, the quality team takes another look to double-check that everything’s in the right place so the readers get a complete review, covering all the most important segments of sportsbooks.

Betting Site Gets Added to Our Ranked Toplist

All sportsbooks that make the cut will be ranked, starting with the best ones. We rely on an objective and unbiased ranking system so that the best are chosen, regardless of the operator.

We Compare the Top Real Money Online Betting Sites

It’s crucial to look at the big picture when comparing online betting sites in Maryland. We’ve devised a list of criteria that can be useful for benchmarking the operators, such as:

• Regular promotions. Returning bettors often get overlooked in promotional efforts by sportsbooks. A great sportsbook will regularly feature cashback, reload bonuses, free bets, and other freebies for loyal players.

• Site credit vs. free bets. The nuances between the sportsbooks are quite visible in how they deliver their bonuses. Namely, site credit works just like the free bets, but you can keep the stake if you win, plus you can use the site credit however you like. On the other hand, free bets, now known as bet credits, allow you to bet on a specific market and cash out only the winnings if successful. However, you can receive free bets without having to deposit, and they are more frequent.

• Odds boost on Same Game Parlays — Most MD online sportsbooks now offer Same Game Parlays, but few provide regular odds boosts for them. DraftKings leads the pack in improved odds for SGS, followed by Caesars, which can have up to 15 SGS parlay boosts daily.
• College betting opportunities — Whether we are talking about college basketball or football, Maryland bettors love college sports. The difference between the sportsbooks is seen in the future odds for the University of Maryland and the United States Naval Academy when it comes to NCAA or the Terps, newcomers to the Big Ten football scene.

We Include Only the Best Online Betting Sites in Maryland

Maryland’s sports betting scene is jam-packed with the biggest names in the industry, including DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, you name it. The biggest challenge here is to single out the best one since they all perform similarly in all aspects. However, our bag of tricks runs deep, and here’s what we pull out every time we review a site:

• Betting features and tools. Adding betting tools such as bet builders, quick parlays, edit my bet, early cashout, and others streamline the entire betting experience, so we are bound to give those sportsbooks extra credit for the effort.

• Reliable customer support. Sometimes, getting hold of a customer support agent means going through endless loops of FAQ pages in the Help Center. Responsive and easy-to-reach customer support means the world to bettors in their time of need.

• Top-notch desktop and mobile UX — A leading sportsbook must provide an app with an intuitive design, a clutter-free interface, and zero downtime. Sites whose desktop and mobile apps are too slow to respond and bombard their users with giant banners are miles away from delivering the best betting experience possible.
• Payment methods and limits — MD online sportsbooks that hope to secure a place on our list must cater to players with all types of bankrolls. DraftKings, for example, allows a minimum bet of just $0.10, whereas the maximum in the same sportsbook can be $250,000 on any event. The limit for in-person betting in Maryland is $5 million, but there’s no such limit on any online sports betting site.

Bonus Offers by MD Top Online Betting Sites

Online sports betting platforms rely on bonuses and promotions to attract players. You can often see deals worth $2,000 in bonus funds or more, leaving you to wonder if there’s a catch.

When a bonus is too good to be true, note that it probably is. You must learn to smell the rat and avoid those deals. To do so, you must read the details in the T&Cs and pay special attention to the following:

• Risk-free bets: All bettors like free bets, especially when they are risk-free. However, these promo deals usually come with unrealistic odds requirements or taxing wagering requirements to cash out the wins, making them less risk-free than advertised.

• Wagering requirements for deposit match deals: Bonus credits and free bet promos typically have a 1x rollover requirement. On the other hand, deposit match deals may have rollover requirements set between 1x and 30x the deposit amount, making it difficult to cash out.

• • Expiration date: Unless you use the bonus on time, it will become void. No argument there. Still, certain sportsbooks may impose unrealistic wagering requirements that you won’t be able to clear before the deadline, basically wasting your time.

• Vague T&Cs: If you notice any inconsistencies in the terms and conditions of a particular bonus, try solving the matter with customer support. If that doesn’t work, steer clear of that bonus. Never claim a promotion whose conditions you do not fully understand.

Learn About MD No Deposit Sportsbook Bonuses

No deposit bonuses in sportsbooks give you a certain amount of betting credits you can use to test the sportsbook without risking any of your own funds. These promos are usually for newcomers to claim and require a specific bonus code to unlock.

If you come across such a promotion, hold your horses. The thing is that there’s always a max win cap from the no deposit bonus. Also, you may have to bet on longshot odds. In that case, make a hail-mary bet and go for it all. In fact, by placing that wager, you might be able to unlock the live stream feature, making it a potential win-win situation.

Spot the Good vs. Bad Maryland Sports Betting Sites

Here’s a detailed table with helpful information on separating good and bad Maryland sports betting sites.

Play Online Betting Site in Maryland with These Eight Steps

Getting your sports betting game on is super easy. Just follow these simple steps.

1. Sign Up with a Licensed Betting Site Operator in Maryland

Choose a regulated sports betting site in Maryland and follow the link to its homepage. After you get redirected, create an account by entering your personal information.

2. Deposit Using Your Preferred Method

First, go to the Cashier section of your account and choose the deposit method. Secondly, provide the necessary details for the payment and confirm the transaction. Making payments is also possible at retail sportsbooks in Maryland.

3. Use a Betting Deposit Bonus (Optional)

Most MD betting apps offer a welcome deposit bonus for first-time depositors. Some may ask for the bonus code to trigger the promotion. In that case, a special box will appear during the registration or when making the deposit where you need to type in the code.

4. Play Your Preferred Games/Odds

Browse the betting selection and markets to make your picks. Click on the relevant odds, and your picks will appear on the betting slip. Decide on the stake and place your bet.

5. Complete the Wagering Requirement if You Used a Bonus

Complete the rollover requirements within the indicated time to be able to withdraw it as real cash.

6. Decide If You Want Email Promotions

When prompted during the registration process, sign up for promotional emails or don’t. However, by doing so, you’ll stay in the loop about all the best deals.

7. Prepare Verification Documents

Should the automatic account verification fail, you will be asked to provide copies of your ID card and proof of address so the sportsbook can verify your account.

8. Withdraw Your Winnings

MD sportsbooks usually process withdrawal requests within 24–48 hours. Once the payment is confirmed, the winnings should reach your account within 1–5 business days, depending on the method.

Why You Should Use the Top Maryland Betting Sites Listed by Gambla

Thousands of bettors put their trust in Gambla to deliver unbiased and thorough reviews, among other things. Here are some reasons you should, too:

• Regulated betting sites only. Gambla features only those sportsbooks with a stamp of approval from the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission.
• Fair assessment. We don’t have favorites. Bias does not play any role in our reviews. We are not in this for the money.
• Detail-oriented. As you can see, the bonus sections and the odds are just a portion of our review. We go way deeper than that, looking into app functionality, frequency of bonuses, in-app features, and more.
• Frequent updates. Our reviews get regular updates, so when Fanatics Sportsbook Maryland and other bookies join the show, we’ll review them too.
• Interactive community. We run a transparent business, and our readers are its backbone. We keep open communication with our community and welcome feedback so that we can improve our services further.
• Multi-layered editing system. A multi-stage review process ensures accuracy and expertise.

Know the Terms When Playing with Real Money Betting Sites

No matter how exhausting reading through lengthy terms and conditions pages may become, you must do so. There, you can find the house rules which dictate your betting experience. Remember that you need to accept the T&Cs during your registration to complete it.

Avoid Unlicensed Operators

Offshore operators bring nothing but trouble, and not only legal trouble. To avoid falling victim to fake bonuses and inflated odds, opt for regulated Maryland sports betting sites. There, you can enjoy fair odds, worthy bonuses, and a safe betting environment.

Playing on Your Mobile Phone

All Maryland online sportsbooks have developed Android and iOS betting apps that you can download through their respective app stores. Moreover, these apps let you bet anywhere across Maryland and enjoy multiple customization options.

Five Things to Be Aware of When Joining a New Online Betting Site in Maryland

1. Choose a Betting Site Carefully

Until you see that the site has been reviewed by Gambla, proceed with caution. Looks can be deceiving, and sportsbooks can trick players with their flashy ads and seemingly lucrative bonuses. Take the time to read our reviews and find out which sportsbook is the right choice for you.

2. Use Your Own Details

Maryland sportsbooks employ advanced verification systems that will notice if any user has used someone else’s information when registering. Therefore, you shouldn’t even think about trying to cheat the system. It may backfire.

3. Is Claiming a Bonus Worthwhile

Opt only for those bonuses with reasonable requirements. Don’t simply go for the biggest bonus. Weigh in on its rollover requirements and odds restrictions first. If these don’t seem reasonable, pass it up.

4. Only Use Personal Deposit Methods

When making a deposit, make sure it’s through a method in your name. Don’t use anyone’s card or PayPal account unless you want the sportsbook to lock up the funds and block your account.

5. Know When It’s Time to Stop Betting

If you feel like your luck is running thin, that is a good moment to pause and cool off for a bit. Only bet within your budget; never over it.

Major League MD Betting Sites

Betting Sites Where You Can Bet on NFL from Maryland

Sportsbooks see their busiest time of the year when the NFL season kicks off, and MD sportsbooks are no different. Bettors are spoilt for choice when it comes to NFL betting on their Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders, with 272 games to bet on during a season, including the playoffs.

MD betting apps prepare Super Bowl odds, Conference winner odds, NFL MVP odds, and NFL team win totals odds well before the season even starts. If you add the pregame bets and props, there’s much to bet on. So, how does one choose which NFL betting sites in Maryland are worth the effort?

First, choose an NFL betting site that is licensed and reputable, with all the safety features in place. Secondly, focus on the betting markets and the pricing. DraftKings is at the top there, with an impressive array of available bets, excellent pricing, and regular odds boosts that improve the odds by up to 25% on average. Caesars and BetMGM, both NFL-partnered books, are not far behind either.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Online Betting Sites

Responsible Gambling with MD Real Money Betting Sites

Here at Gambla, we have a lot of passion for betting activities, yet we never forget the importance of responsible gambling. All players must stay focused when betting. For responsible engagement, please consider the following guidelines:

• Establish time limits: Determine the specific duration you wish to dedicate to betting activities each week or month and stick strictly to this time limit. This strategy reduces the risk of excessive gambling and ensures a balanced lifestyle.
• Focus on familiar sports: Direct your betting activities towards the sports and leagues you know. By doing so, you can make well-informed decisions, increasing your likelihood of success.
• Leverage promo offers: It is a good idea to take advantage of betting platforms’ promotional offers and bonuses regularly. These incentives can offer a financial buffer, enabling you to enjoy the excitement of betting without going broke