Maryland Gambling Laws – Legal Betting Options
Maryland is relatively liberal on gambling and the state is home to several fantastic casino resorts and the Ocean Downs racino. However, this article is not dedicated to the land-based establishments on the state’s territory. We’ll rather introduce the current Maryland gambling laws and some intriguing historical facts!
What Are the Gambling Laws in Maryland?
The first evidence for forms of gambling regulation in Maryland dates back to the late 19th Century. Residents of the state have always had a fine taste for entertainment, including betting activities. The Free State is one of the US jurisdictions with no tribal casinos, racetracks, or bingo parlors.
However, there are a few resorts where games of chance can be played! Gambling has been regulated since 1973 by the MLGCA. Lots of amendments happened in the last 15 years in Maryland, thanks to the three successful referendums.
History of Gambling in Maryland
Pari-mutuel wagering on horse races is extremely popular in Maryland and has been practiced by locals for centuries. Although it was officially legalized in 1920, various forms of regulation began to be applied much earlier – around 1870. Maryland is also one of the first states to allow charitable bingo.
The ban was removed in 1952, but it is under strict restrictions and regulation even today. Only organizations dealing exclusively with the charity have the right to organize such events. In 1972, Maryland finally ran a state lottery, and it seemed that the legalization of a wider range of gambling games was close.
Maryland State Lottery & Gaming Control Agency
A year after the state lottery became a reality, legislators decided that a special administrative body is required to enforce the Maryland gambling laws. Despite the fact that casino-style games and sports betting were strictly prohibited at this time, the number of activities has steadily increased.
The Maryland State Lottery & Gaming Control Agency was officially announced in 1973. The main role of the authority is to oversee and advise all privately held independent businesses involved fully or partially in gambling. That includes the lottery vendors, horse races, and later, the land-based casino establishments.
Referendums in 2008 and 2012
The big change in Maryland came in 2008 with the constitutional referendum! It approved the installation of slot cabinets in five specially selected and privately-owned facilities. A couple of years later, the first real casino opened in Perryville, MD. The Ocean Downs racino also upgraded its hall with spinning machines.
Nowadays, Maryland offers to all fans of gambling the following land-based establishments:
- Hollywood Casino – 1201 Chesapeake Overlook Pkwy, Perryville
- Horseshoe Baltimore – 1525 Russell St, Baltimore
- Live! Casino & Hotel – 7002 Arundel Mills Cir #7777, Hanover
- Ocean Downs – 10218 Racetrack Rd, Ocean City
- Rocky Gap Casino Resort – 16701 Lakeview Rd NE, Flintstone
- MGM National Harbor – 101 MGM National Ave, Washington.
In 2012 another referendum was held in Maryland, and voters furtherly approved the table games’ legalization for all active gambling facilities. Games like poker, roulette, dice, baccarat, and blackjack were now accessible to those willing to test their luck. Surely, the biggest breakthrough so far!
2020 Ballot Referendum – Sports Betting Hits Maryland
Lifting the ban on sports betting was the next logical step for the gambling supporters in Maryland. After the Supreme Court annulled PASPA in 2018, several attempts have been made. However, the legislators were pretty resistant to the idea, despite the many tax benefits that could follow.
Anyway, the 2020 referendum proved to be the tipping point! Voters approved sports betting, and legislators needed a year to create and pass the regulatory framework. As of 2021, residents and guests of Maryland can place their wagers on sports activities in the licensed and approved facilities.
Online Gambling – The Last Stand
Despite many victories, the Maryland gambling laws in regards to online betting didn’t change at all. However, local businesses seem to be gearing up for a change as they invest heavily in social casino sites. For the time being, they offer 100% free (demo versions) slots, poker, roulette, and other table games.
Charity tournaments are also organized, often with a symbolic entry fee for a cause. However, these platforms can easily turn into full-fledged real-money casinos once the legal situation changes. Until then, we welcome gambling enthusiasts in Maryland to check the best online casinos in the USA and learn to distinguish the premium experience.
FAQ
Hopefully, you’ve found the information you were looking for on our page. Check out the FAQ passages below if you are still missing a piece or two. We’ve shared comprehensive replies to some inquiries commonly received. You are welcome to message us as well if you have more questions about gambling laws in Maryland.
1️⃣ Can I gamble in Maryland?
Yes, casino-style gambling, pari-mutuel betting on horses, and sports betting are approved by the Maryland gambling laws. You'll find the hottest slots, many table games run by professional croupiers, and great sportsbooks. Don't miss the first-class racino in Ocean City.
2️⃣ Is online gambling legal in Maryland?
At the time of writing, online gambling in Maryland is not legal. However, there are plenty of social gaming sites, like Live! Social Casino. Games there are completely free and are for fun only. That's a great way to test the hottest slots and table games with no strings attached.
3️⃣ Who regulates gambling in the state of Maryland?
The Maryland gambling laws are monitored by the MLGCA, which oversees all privately held businesses involved in gambling activities. The State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency is also responsible for renewing or canceling licenses and will most probably be accountable for online gambling if legalized.
4️⃣ What are the best Maryland casinos?
After the 2008 and 2012 referendums in Maryland, several gaming venues were launched. Live! Casino & Hotel, located in Hanover, MD, is the largest and, for many, the most popular land-based casino in the state. It offers over 4,000 slots and nearly 200 table games. Visitors can take advantage of fantastic accommodation and many amenities as well.
5️⃣ Can I wager on sports while I'm in Maryland?
As of 2021, yes, sports betting is officially legal in Maryland. Voters approved it via the ballot in the 2020 constitutional referendum. Wagers are accepted at the bookmakers' desks in the licensed gambling salons across the state. Off-track and pari-mutuel horse race wagering are also allowed according to the sports betting regulations in Maryland.