Maryland Online Casino Sites – Best of 2024

Maryland has made significant progress in legalizing various forms of gambling, including land-based casinos and sports betting. However, real-money online casino gaming has yet to gain approval in the Old Line State. While the state explores the potential for legal online casinos, residents can enjoy sweepstakes sites as a legal alternative. This guide will explore Maryland’s gambling activities and highlight top picks for both online and land-based casinos.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Understand the legal gambling activities available in Maryland.
• Discover the best Maryland sweepstakes casinos for online gaming.
• Explore top recommendations for land-based casino gambling experiences.

Top Sweepstakes Online Casinos in Maryland

Sweepstakes casinos provide a legal way for Maryland residents to enjoy online gaming using virtual currencies like Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. These platforms not only offer some of the best casino games online, but they also provide the potential of real money winnings via prize redemptions.

Here are the top sweepstakes casinos available for players in MD:

Online Gambling in Maryland: An Overview

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission oversees and regulates gambling within the state. This state agency, composed of seven members appointed by the governor and approved by the State Senate, is responsible for licensing and ensuring compliance with state gambling laws. Additionally, it provides monthly revenue reports and oversees a division dedicated to responsible gambling.

Although real-money online casinos remain unregulated, most other forms of gambling are legal in Maryland.

Below is a summary of Maryland’s gambling framework:

Gambling Type	Legal?	Current Situation	Legal Age
Online Casinos	No	Unregulated; legislative efforts in progress	–
Land-Based Casinos	Yes	Numerous retail locations offering diverse games like slots and table games	21
Sweepstakes Casinos	Yes	Operates legally in Maine with virtual currencies like SC and GC	21
Bingo	Yes	Bingo and raffles are considered charitable gaming and therefore legal in Maine, but not online bingo	18
Lottery	Yes	State-run with multiple game varieties, including scratch-offs, and Keno.	18
Horse Racing	Yes	Legal off-track and at licensed venues	18
Sports Betting	Yes	Approved for online and retail; operational since 2021	21
Daily Fantasy Sports	Yes	Well-regulated, offering legal play	18

Looking to Bet Real Money? Land-Based Casinos in Maryland

Maryland is home to 6 land-based casinos where players can enjoy real-money games. Featuring a variety of slots, table games, and entertainment options, these venues offer an immersive casino experience. For more information, explore our detailed guide on Maryland’s top brick-and-mortar casinos.

Declaring Taxable Winnings in Maryland

All gambling winnings in Maryland are subject to federal and state taxes. Winnings above $1,200 may trigger the issuance of a W-2G form by the operator, which is used for tax reporting. State tax rates range from 2% to 5.75%, depending on total income, while federal taxes may withhold up to 24% for significant winnings.

History of Gambling in Maryland

Over the years, Maryland has experienced significant changes in its gambling laws, adapting to both social and legislative shifts:

• 1870: Pimlico Race Course opens, later hosting the Preakness Stakes, establishing Maryland’s horse racing heritage.
• 1973: The Maryland Lottery begins operations following voter approval of a constitutional amendment.
• 2008: Voters approve Las Vegas-style casino games, leading to the opening of Hollywood Casino Perryville in 2010.
• 2012: Maryland legalizes daily fantasy sports, becoming a pioneer in paid-entry DFS betting.
• 2018: The Supreme Court’s PASPA repeal allows states to legalize sports wagering, influencing future Maryland gambling initiatives.
• 2020: Legislation allows for a statewide voter referendum on sports betting, which passes with strong support.
• 2021: House Bill 940 is signed into law by Gov. Larry Hogan, permitting online and retail sports betting across various locations.
• 2023: The iGaming bill to legalize online casinos was introduced but wasn’t passed.

What’s In Store for Maryland Online Casinos?

Although real-money online casino gambling is not yet legal in Maryland, the path seems promising for future legalization. The state has already embraced various forms of online gambling, including sports betting. As online betting gains wider acceptance, it seems likely that Maryland will eventually align with neighboring states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, where online casinos are thriving.

In the meantime, visitors and residents of Little America have sweepstakes casinos online and land-based casinos to turn to.

Discover more about legal online gambling across the U.S. with our in-depth guide.

References

1. “HB 940”. Maryland General Assembly. Retrieved Nov 8, 2024.
2. Maryland Lottery and Gaming. Retrieved Nov 8, 2024.

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