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Maryland
Gambling Laws 2026

Sports Betting: LegalCommercial casinosOnline Gambling Legal

Sports Betting

Legal

Casino Gambling

Commercial casinos

Online Casino / iGaming

Legal

State Lottery

Yes

Horse Racing / Racetracks

Legal

Maryland has built a substantial commercial casino market since 2012. Six licensed facilities operate including MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, and Live! Casino and Hotel in Hanover. These are large, full-service operations. Sports betting launched in late 2021 and mobile betting followed in 2022. Online casino gambling launched in 2023, making Maryland one of the newer states to offer legal online slots and table games.

The lottery has operated since 1973. Horse racing at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course is significant — Pimlico hosts the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, every May. The racing industry has faced financial challenges but remains active.

For residents in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, casino access is strong. Multiple large properties are within reasonable driving distance of most of the state's population. Mobile sports betting works statewide through major apps. Online casino gambling adds another layer, allowing residents to play slots and table games at home through licensed Maryland operators. The market is now one of the more complete gambling ecosystems on the East Coast.

6 commercial casinos including MGM National Harbor. Online casino gambling launched 2023.

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People Also Ask

Do I need to be 18 or 21 to gamble?

Lottery: California has a complete set of restrictions, typical of the state lotteries that have addressed youth gambling: (a) No tickets or shares in Lottery Games shall be sold to persons under the age of 18 years.

What two states prohibit gambling?

If state-run lotteries are included, then 48 states allow some form of gambling. The exceptions are Hawaii, where gambling was outlawed prior to statehood, and Utah, which bans gambling in its state constitution. Casino-style gambling, however, is much less widespread than lotteries.

What happens if I win $100,000 at the casino?

When you win a large sum at a casino, such as $100,000, the payout method can vary depending on the game and the casino. For standard winnings from table games, slots or poker, casinos typically pay out the amount in a lump sum with taxes withheld at the time of payout.

Is Slots of Vegas legal in Maryland?

Yes, MD residents are free to join the best Maryland online casinos like Slots of Vegas while the state is yet to fully legalize MD online gambling.

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Sources: American Gaming Association 2024, Legal Sports Report, NCSL. Gambling laws change frequently — verify current status before wagering.

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