Baltimore is the sports epicenter of Maryland and is the focus of fans who prefer to bet on local teams when they enjoy legal sports gambling. With the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles and technically the Washington Redskins (FedEx Field is located in Landover, Maryland), this region has a few different options in regards to local sports that you can bet on.
With this guide, Maryland residents can find the best legally sanctioned betting options available to them for betting on local teams or professional and collegiate teams that are based outside of the state. Gambling is a subject often discussed by lawmakers, so it’s important to make yourself aware of the proper protocol when it comes to gambling regulations. Legitimate sports betting is certainly possible in the Old Line State. It is imperative that you have an understanding of the legal status of sportsbook gambling in Maryland to ensure that you only place bets with those destinations that are operating legally within the industry.
Is Sports Gambling Legal in Maryland?
Maryland is one 46 states were state licensed sports gambling is illegal. While that sounds like bad news for MD sports fans, there is a silver lining. There are not any state or federal laws that make it illegal for Maryland residents to bet on sports as long as the destination at which you are placing your bets is legally licensed, regulated and located outside of the US. The prohibitions associated with US gambling laws are applicable to US based gambling only. Wagering at legally sanctioned sportsbooks like the ones listed in this guide is not illegal or considered a crime.
Most Reputable Online Sportsbooks For Maryland Residents
Limiting your betting action to only those destinations that are operating legitimately within the industry and that offer premium services is how Maryland residents can legally and securely enjoy betting on sports online. The sites you see listed below all fall into this category, and have been evaluated and approved for inclusion in this guide by a team of experienced gambling professionals with decades of combined experience. These brands are among the most trusted online sportsbooks for Maryland residents and US residents in general.
| Logo | Site Name | Bonus | Rating | USA | Visit Site |
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Betonline Sportsbook | 50% Max $2500 |  |
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Sportsbetting | 75% Max $1000 | |
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US Gambling Laws That Impact Maryland Sports Betting Options
There are no state or federal laws that make it a crime to wager on sports in Maryland. However, the law of the land governing brick and mortar sportsbook gambling states that US-based gambling is illegal everywhere except for four specific regions within the US, and Maryland is not one of them. The law we’re referring to is called the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). This law was passed in 1992 as an effort to thwart the rapid expansion of legalized gambling. The sportsbooks we have included in this guide that accept Maryland residents are legally sanctioned offshore sportsbooks, meaning they operate outside of the United States while still accepting the business of U.S. customers. Because of this, PASPA does not prohibit access to these sites.
The Federal Wire Act and Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act have to do with placing bets online and the transferring of money online that is related to Internet gambling. Just like with PASPA, these laws don’t affect these offshore sportsbooks that we’ve recommended for Maryland residents. Maryland residents are free to use these sportsbooks because these laws only address the owners and operators of US based gambling businesses, banks and payment processors. Neither law is directed at bettors or makes it illegal to place bets online at sportsbooks that are operating legally within the industry.
Popular Sports Teams to Bet On in Maryland
The Baltimore Ravens are a strong team in the AFC and won the Super Bowl in 2012. They haven’t been as successful since then, but still have a solid quarterback in Joe Flacco, a talented receiver in Mike Wallace and a defensive ace in Terrell Suggs. The Ravens are one of many teams that will be looking to best their AFC rivals in the 2017-2018 season. While the Redskins are known as the Washington Redskins, they play out of Maryland. The Redskins have notable players as well, such as QB Kirk Cousins, TE Jordan Reed, WR Pierre Garcon, CB Josh Norman and WR DeSean Jackson that could help them in their next campaign.
NFL Teams in MD
Washington Redskins (play out of Landover)
MLB Teams in MD
FAQ’s About Betting On Sports in Maryland
How Can I Transfer Money Into My Account At Offshore Sportsbooks?
In order to deposit funds into your account, you first have to select the option with which you’d like to deposit. The sportsbooks that accept Maryland residents have a few different ways that you can deposit money. These ways include Bitcoin, credit/debit cards and money transfers via MoneyGram or Western Union, among others.
How Do I Receive My Winnings If The Sportsbook Is Overseas?
Withdrawing your winnings can sometimes depend on the method you chose to deposit your funds with. If you used a credit or debit card, then you must choose either a check by courier or a money transfer. You can confirm available options by checking the policies of the sportsbooks that accept Maryland residents. You will find that the menu of US friendly withdrawal methods varies from site to site. Receiving your winnings is a simple, streamlined process. All of our featured brands provide efficient, responsive and knowledgeable customer support concerning your financial transactions.
Is It Safe For Maryland Residents To Place Bets At Offshore Sports Betting Sites?
Offshore sportsbooks are indeed safe to use as long as you are careful to only visit legitimate destinations that have been vetted ahead of time. This is one reason guides such as this one can be so valuable. Our team is h ighly experienced in evaluating online gambling businesses, and we only recommend the industry’s leading, most trusted options. If you’re looking to place bets on your local sports teams, or any other sports teams for that matter, then offshore betting sites are your only legally sanctioned option other than traveling to Las Vegas. The sportsbooks we recommend all utilize a very sophisticated security profile that includes advanced data encryption, firewall and antivirus protection, secure servers, and a trained technical team to monitor their protocols around the clock.
What Bonuses and Incentives Are Available To Maryland Residents?
Offshore sportsbooks have multiple types of promotions and bonuses available to Maryland residents. For example, when you sign up for an account and make a deposit, some sportsbooks will give you a match bonus in which they agree to match a percentage of your initial deposit, providing you with some ‘free money’. The bonuses with these sportsbooks are frequent, as they intent to retain you as a happy customer. They offer different bonuses throughout the year often associated with seasonal sports events.
What Are The Rules in Maryland Concerning Paying Taxes on Gambling Winnings?
According to Maryland’s tax laws, any winnings over $5,000 will be subject to Maryland income taxes automatically being withheld from your total earnings. When you bet offshore, these destinations are not subject to US tax law, and do not automatically withhold any taxes. You will be responsible for reporting and paying them yourself. In any case, gambling winnings are considered taxable income, so you should always report them if they meet the minimum threshold requirements for doing so. If you have any specific questions about taxes in regards to sports gambling earnings, seek out a local tax specialist.
Can I Place Bets On Sports From My Smartphone Or Tablet?
Yes you can! The offshore sportsbooks that accept Maryland residents that you find in this guide offer web-based apps for use on your mobile phone. The responsive technology used by these apps makes for seamless use across multiple device types and brands. These applications include advanced features such as live betting and in play betting, among others.
Are There Any Sports Teams in Maryland That Have A Shot At Winning A National Title in 2016/2017?
The Baltimore Ravens and Washington Redskins both missed out on the playoffs this year, though you can surely expect them to come back fighting in the 2017-2018 season. The MLB season doesn’t start for a few more months, but the same can be said for the Orioles. These teams are going to require close observation in the offseason, especially with trades and their respective Drafts.