Maryland Sports Betting Overview
As of April 2025, Maryland is home to roughly 6.31 million people and remains a politically blue state, with Democratic control of the governorship and legislature. Best known for its proximity to Washington, D.C., and the Chesapeake Bay’s seafood industry, Maryland has also positioned itself as a key player in the East Coast sports betting landscape.
Sports betting was legalized in May 2021 through House Bill 940, signed by then-Governor Larry Hogan. The bill authorized both in-person and mobile wagering. Retail sportsbooks went live in December 2021, followed by the official launch of online sports betting in November 2022. This dual rollout significantly increased consumer access and accelerated market growth, helping Maryland emerge as a competitive U.S. gambling industry.
Annual Sports Betting Growth in Maryland
Data is pulled directly from Maryland Lottery and Gaming's detailed annual reports.
Source:
RG
Monthly Sports Betting Growth in Maryland
Data is pulled directly from Maryland Lottery and Gaming's detailed monthly reports.
Source:
RG
Maryland Sports Betting Revenue
Maryland’s sports betting market has grown from a limited retail offering to one of the most robust mobile-integrated ecosystems on the East Coast. Backed by clear regulatory oversight and strong consumer demand, the state’s fiscal returns continue to rise.
📊 Key Year-by-Year Highlights:
2021 (Partial Year Launch – Retail Only)
- Handle: $16.5 million
- Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR): $3.17 million
- Tax Revenue: $469,297
2022
- Handle: $979.6 million
- GGR: $149.5 million
- Tax Revenue: $6.1 million
2023
- Handle: $4.6 billion (↑ 370% YoY)
- GGR: $514 million
- Hold Rate: 11.19%
- Tax Revenue: $46.2 million
2024
- Handle: $5.94 billion
- GGR: $629.01 million
- Hold Rate: 10.58% (annual average)
- Tax Revenue: $81.78 million
🎓 Public Benefit Programs (as of Dec. 2024)
- Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund: $130.5 million contributed
This statewide education initiative continues to receive a growing share of sports betting tax revenue, supporting long-term school investments, teacher salaries, and early childhood education. - Problem Gambling Fund: $4.1 million allocated
These funds are directed toward prevention, research, and treatment programs aimed at minimizing gambling-related harm.
2025 Sports Betting Revenue (Jan–Mar)
| Month | Handle | Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) | Hold % | Tax Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | $618,824,226 | $54,964,079 | 13.30% | $8,244,612 |
| February 2025 | $475,708,504 | $42,334,492 | 12.60% | $6,350,174 |
| March 2025 | $588,500,308 | $29,462,687 | 8.10% | $4,419,403 |
Q1 2025 Summary
- Total Handle (Q1): $1.683 billion
- Total GGR: $126.76 million
- Total Tax Revenue: $19.01 million
📅 Maryland Sports Betting & Regulatory Timeline
April 2025
- April 22: Kalshi, a federally regulated prediction market, initiated legal action against the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (MLGCC) in U.S. District Court (Northern Division) following recent regulatory crackdowns.
- April 3: The City of Baltimore—through its mayor and council—filed a lawsuit against DraftKings and FanDuel, accusing the operators of violating Baltimore’s Consumer Protection Ordinance through alleged exploitative and misleading practices.
March 2025
- March 21: Maryland legislators signaled growing support for sweeping restrictions on online sweepstakes casinos, potentially aligning with similar bills in other states.
- March 20: Governor Wes Moore and state lawmakers reached a tentative compromise to suspend a proposed tax increase on online sportsbooks, originally slated to double the existing rate.
- March 13: Maryland and Mississippi advanced legislative proposals to ban sweepstakes-style gambling, with Maryland’s momentum aligning with broader regulatory efforts nationwide.
February 2025
- Feb. 13: Maryland sportsbooks posted a strong start to the year with January’s handle reaching $618.8 million—up 13.6% year-over-year—driven by a 13.3% hold, marking the third-highest GGR ever reported in the state.
January 2025
- January 15: Governor Moore proposed increasing the sports betting tax rate from 15% to 30% as part of a broader budget plan to address a $3 billion deficit.
- Jan. 6: The Maryland legislature formally introduced a bill proposing legal iGaming, marking the latest attempt to expand the state’s digital gambling framework.
2024
- Dec. 11: November 2024 set a new state record for monthly betting volume, with a handle of $639.9 million. Fiscal Year 2025 totals neared $2.48 billion by this point.
- Nov. 13: Maryland’s sports betting handle jumped to $593 million in October, an 11% month-over-month increase.
- Sept. 27: The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Commission released proposed rule changes for sportsbook operators, including a provision that could eliminate deductions tied to promotional free bets.
- October 2024: Maryland Lottery and Gaming reports a 22.8% increase in the monthly handle at $593.1 million.
- Sept. 15, 2024: Hollywood Perryville rebrands as an ESPN Bet sportsbook. (ESPN Bet, 2024)
- Sept. 13, 2024 — In a new partnership between BetMGM and GameSense, M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens, will feature responsible gambling messages prominently throughout the venue.
Maryland Online Sports Betting
Maryland officially launched online sports betting on November 23, 2022, following the legalization of retail sports betting in December 2021.
Legal Online Sportsbooks in Maryland (as of May 2025)
As of May 2025, Maryland hosts 11 licensed online sportsbooks:
- BetMGM
- FanDuel
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- ESPN BET
- Bally Bet
- Crab Sports
- LetsBetMD
- betPARX
- SuperBook
In Maryland, sports betting operators are taxed at a rate of 15% on their revenue. This taxation framework has fostered a competitive market. Multiple Maryland sportsbooks enhance competition, benefiting consumers through more betting options.
How Maryland Sports Betting Tax Revenue is Used
Maryland's sports betting tax revenue is primarily allocated to the Blueprint for Maryland's Future Fund, which supports public education initiatives across the state. Since the inception of sports wagering in December 2021 through October 2024, contributions to this fund have totaled $116,720,865 (MD Gaming, 2024).
Additionally, unclaimed sports wagering prizes—those not redeemed within 182 days—are directed to the Maryland Problem Gambling Fund. As of October 2024, this fund has received $3,509,971 from expired prizes, aiding in problem gambling awareness and treatment programs.
Maryland Snapshot
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | Approximately 6.31 million residents as of 2025 (World Population Review, 2025). |
| Political Affiliation | Predominantly Democratic, the party controls the governorship and has a majority in the state legislature (270towin.com). |
| Year Sports Betting Legalized | Permitted from April 5, 2021. Sports betting operations began in September 2021. |
| Number of Sportsbooks Operating | Eleven major online sportsbooks: BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars, Fanatics Sportsbook, DraftKings, BetRivers, ESPN BET, BallyBet, Crab Sports, Superbook, and LetsBetMD. |
| Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) 2024 | $629,812,059.00 |
| Sports Betting Handle 2024 | $5,940,586,770.00 |
| Professional Sports Teams | Baltimore Ravens (NFL), Baltimore Orioles (MLB), University of Maryland Terrapins (NCAA). |
FAQs on Maryland Sports Betting Revenue
General Questions About Maryland Sports Betting
When did Maryland legalize sports betting?
Maryland legalized sports betting in May 2021 with the signing of House Bill 940, allowing for both retail casino sportsbooks and online wagering platforms.
What types of bets are available in Maryland?
Bettors can place various bets on major sports, including NFL games, basketball, baseball, and more.
Who regulates sports betting in Maryland?
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Commission oversees all sports wagering activities in the state to ensure compliance and fair play.
Maryland Sports Betting Revenue
How much revenue does Maryland’s sports wagering market generate?
Maryland's sports wagering market continues to grow, with a total handle of $4.6 billion reported in the 2023 fiscal year. This performance yielded $514 million in taxable wins, and state tax revenue contributions reached $46.2 million.
How does the fiscal year impact revenue tracking?
Maryland tracks sports wagering revenues based on the fiscal year, which runs from July to June. Key milestones in revenue growth often align with major sporting events, such as the football season.
What sets Maryland apart from other states like Michigan?
Maryland’s inclusion of localized online wagering options, such as Crab Sports, and its emphasis on additional public funding through the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund position it uniquely in the sports betting landscape.
Maryland Online Sports Betting
When did Maryland’s online wagering platforms launch?
Online wagering in Maryland launched on November 23, 2022, providing residents access to various operators and betting options.
Which operators are active in Maryland?
The Old Line State features ten major operators, including:
- BetMGM
- FanDuel
- DraftKings
- Caesars
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- BetRivers
- ESPN BET
- Bally Bet
- Crab Sports
- LetsBetMD
How do operators generate additional funding for the state?
By attracting bettors during peak times, such as the NFL season, operators contribute a portion of their taxable win to state programs like public schools and infrastructure initiatives.
Impact of Maryland’s Sports Betting on State Programs
How is sports betting tax revenue used in Maryland?
Tax revenue supports key initiatives:
- The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund to enhance education.
- Responsible gambling programs through the Maryland Problem Gambling Fund.
- Unclaimed winnings are redirected to support problem gambling prevention.
How does sports betting revenue help generate additional funding?
By aligning tax structures and incentivizing operators to limit promotional play, Maryland ensures tax revenue growth while maintaining a responsible gaming environment.
Seasonal Trends and Industry Insights
Which seasons see the most wagers placed in Maryland?
The football season, particularly the NFL season, drives significant wagering activity, with June, July, and September marking key months for sportsbook promotions and operator engagement.
What concerns do regulators have about the market?
Regulators remain concerned about maintaining market integrity, ensuring limits are in place for responsible gambling, and balancing competition among operators to benefit consumers.
How do major sporting events affect betting trends?
Events like the Super Bowl, March Madness, and playoff games contribute to spikes in bets and handle, with operators reporting record activity during these periods.
Future of Maryland’s Sports Betting Market
What does the future hold for Maryland's sports wagering market?
Maryland's sports betting market is expected to grow steadily as more operators enter the space and more bettors wager during key sporting events. The state will likely continue to see increased money collected from sports betting taxes to fund public programs.
How does Maryland compare to Michigan?
While both states boast robust markets, Maryland's diverse mix of local operators and emphasis on generating additional funding through education-focused programs offers unique advantages.