Online Gambling in Maryland: Laws, Forms, and Player Behavior

As of August 2025, real-money online poker is not legal in Maryland. While the state has legalized online sports betting and online fantasy sports, other forms of real-money online gaming, including poker, remain prohibited . In 2025, House Bill 17 was introduced to legalize online casinos, including poker, but it did not advance before the legislative session ended in March . For now, residents can legally play poker through sweepstakes casinos, which use virtual currencies and operate under promotional sweepstakes laws rather than traditional gambling statutes . These platforms offer a legal alternative for those seeking online poker experiences, though they differ from traditional real-money gambling.

Lottery play is fully legal and widely available in Maryland. The state operates the Maryland Lottery, which offers a variety of draw games, scratch-off tickets, and multi-state games like Powerball and Mega Millions. Players must be at least 18 years old to participate, and tickets can be purchased at authorized retail locations or through the state’s official online platform for certain games. Revenue from the lottery supports public education, community programs, and other state initiatives, making it a highly regulated and socially beneficial form of gambling for Maryland residents.

Bingo is legal in Maryland and is primarily offered as a form of charitable gaming. Licensed organizations, such as nonprofits and community groups, can host bingo events to raise funds for their causes. Players must meet the minimum age requirement, usually 18, to participate. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency oversees bingo operations to ensure compliance with state regulations, fair play, and proper use of proceeds, making it a safe and regulated option for residents seeking low-stakes, community-focused gaming.

Charitable gambling is legal and regulated in Maryland, allowing nonprofit organizations to raise funds through activities such as bingo, raffles, and certain casino-style events. Licensed charities must obtain approval from the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency and comply with strict rules regarding prize limits, reporting, and the use of proceeds. These events are typically restricted to residents aged 18 and older, and all funds raised must benefit the designated charitable causes. This framework ensures that charitable gambling remains a secure, transparent, and socially beneficial option for Maryland communities.

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) are legal and regulated in Maryland. Residents can participate through licensed DFS operators, which offer contests based on real-world sporting events where players assemble virtual teams and compete for prizes. Participants must be at least 21 years old, and all platforms are overseen by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency to ensure fairness, secure transactions, and responsible play. DFS has become a popular form of skill-based gaming in the state, providing a legal and structured way for sports fans to engage with their favorite teams and athletes.

Social gambling in Maryland is generally legal when no real-money prizes are involved and the activity is purely for entertainment among friends or in private settings. This can include card games, board games, or casual betting where participants wager virtual credits, chips, or non-monetary prizes. These games must not be operated as a business or advertised to the public for money, as that would fall under unlicensed gambling. Social gambling provides a legal, low-risk way for residents to enjoy gaming in informal settings without violating state gambling laws.

Land-based casinos are fully legal and operational in Maryland. The state is home to six commercial casinos, including Maryland Live! Casino and Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, which offer a wide variety of table games, slot machines, and poker rooms. These casinos operate under strict oversight by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, ensuring compliance with state regulations, fair play, and responsible gambling measures. They cater to a broad range of players, from casual visitors to high rollers, and serve as major entertainment hubs while contributing significant revenue to the state through taxes and economic activity.