Maryland is surrounded by states that allow online betting. West Virginia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania permit sports betting and online casino games. Virginia and D.C. enable sports betting.
Does the Old Line State permit online gambling? If you live in MD and would love to bet on sports or play slots online, this guide is for you. Stick around as we take a closer look at the online gambling space in the state.
Sports Betting Is Legal
Maryland is one of 38 states that permit sports betting. MD legalized in-person sports gambling in 2021 and mobile betting in 2022. Since then, over one million people have opened betting accounts at 11 mobile sportsbooks.
The state permits all major and minor sports in the country. That means you can bet on Major League Baseball, NHL, NFL, NBA, MLS, or even professional tennis. You can also wager on college sports, eSports, and international soccer.
The US Supreme Court gave states the power to legalize sports betting in 2018 after striking down the PASPA Act. Some states, like New Jersey and Delaware, made gambling legal immediately.
Maryland legalized the industry through a ballot vote held during the 2020 election. Lawmakers are drafting a similar bill to give voters the power to decide whether to authorize online casinos during this year’s election.
Online Casinos are Unregulated
Although Maryland has six land-based casinos, it has yet to legalize an online casino. That doesn’t mean people in the state don’t play slots and blackjack online. They do.
You can play casino games in Maryland by crossing state borders to play in Delaware, Pennsylvania, or West Virginia. But if you don’t want to leave your home, another option is to play at a safe offshore casino.
Internet gambling is a legal grey area, meaning the state doesn’t allow or prohibit the sector. Casino operators can’t set up their offices in MD. But local gambling fans can bet at overseas casinos.
The best Maryland online gambling sites all feature valid licenses, secure websites, and generous bonuses. They also offer every game available in Las Vegas, including popular options like poker, blackjack, and slot machines.
Choosing an Online Gaming Site in Maryland
If you would love to play casino games online in Maryland, take your time before choosing an ideal operator. Follow the steps recommended below:
#1: Security and Trustworthiness
Choosing an offshore casino doesn’t have to be difficult. But it can be confusing for a beginner. How do you choose a reputable site? Look at fundamental security features like a license, an SSL certificate and a professionally designed website.
Offshore casinos operating in Maryland hold licenses from one of these jurisdictions: Curacao, Costa Rica, or Panama. That’s alright. However, ensure the license is genuine.
Also, consider an operator’s reputation. A nice reputation gives you confidence in a site’s ability to deliver quality services. A bad reputation means you should stay away from an operator.
#2: Payments and Policies
When betting at an offshore casino, you need to pay a lot of attention to a site’s banking policies. For example, check the available payment methods. Can you use your card? Do you need to purchase Bitcoin?
Then look at the payment policies—minimum deposit, maximum withdrawal and the cashout period. The best operators allow you to deposit as little as $10. You can also withdraw a minimum of $20 and a maximum of $20,000 to $100,000.
Another thing to consider is an operator’s banking reputation. Find out if a site pays out money to winners consistently. Suppose it doesn’t find a better casino.
#3: Games and Software Providers
Ultimately, the main reason for finding an online casino in Maryland is to play your favorite games. Choose a site with a huge variety of games—both slots and table games.
If you’re an avid slots fan, pay attention to the types of slots featured and their payouts. Look out for popular video slots like Starburst and Thunderstruck II. If you dream of becoming a casino millionaire, check out the available jackpot games.
Today’s best casinos all feature a live casino with popular games like poker, roulette, baccarat, and blackjack. For the uninitiated, a live casino uses video streaming software to connect you with fellow human players.
The result is that you can see and interact with other players to spice up gameplay and make it more competitive. Find casinos with live casinos from Evolution Gaming, which offers the widest variety of live dealer games.
#4: Bonuses and Promotions
Let’s face it. Every casino fan loves bonuses. Promotions give you free money to play your favorite games. Unfortunately, bonuses aren’t always free money. And that means you shouldn’t be quick to claim every promotion out there.
Shop around for a generous bonus with fair terms and conditions. Pay attention to the welcome promotion. Almost every operator has it. Look at the amount offered and what you must do to turn it into cash.
Also, look at loyalty promotions. Most casinos have VIP programs through which you can earn points. Others have cashback programs and other rewards for loyal players.
Bonuses boost your account balance. This way, you can play your favorite games longer or take bigger risks. They also cushion your losses. But as mentioned, only claim bonuses with fair terms.
#5: Mobile Support and Customer Service
If you’re like many people, you spend multiple hours on a smartphone. Perhaps you use your iPhone for business. Maybe you spend a lot of time on social media. Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives.
Against that backdrop, it is in your best interest to find a mobile-friendly online casino. The best mobile casinos operate smoothly on popular browsers like Safari, Chrome, and Firefox.
Importantly, mobile casinos offer everything you would find at a desktop-based betting site. You can always opt for an operator with a native app. But it’s not compulsory.
When it comes to customer service, check the available contact methods. Ensure you can reach out to support through live chatting, email, or social media. Crucially, ensure the site offers excellent customer service.
