The legalization of online sports betting in Maryland creates new opportunities for fans in the state to bet on their favorite teams and athletes. But it also means that the pastime is now legal and regulated, which means there are rules and regulations surrounding the betting activity. Here’s a quick guide to when online sports betting is and isn’t legal in Maryland.
When Is It Legal To Bet On Sports In Maryland?
The legalization of online sports betting in Maryland creates new opportunities for fans in the state to bet on their favorite teams and athletes. The pastime is now legal and regulated, which means there are rules and regulations surrounding the betting activity. Here’s a quick guide to when online sports betting is and isn’t legal in Maryland.
When Is Sports Betting Legal In Maryland?
State law currently prohibits any sports betting, including placing wagers over the phone or via the internet. However, in an effort to keep up with sports betting trends and the evolving ways fans interact with sports, the Maryland General Assembly recently voted to legalize sports betting. The vote makes Maryland the 32nd state to join the ranks of those that allow for some form of legal sports betting.
The regulation of sports betting in Maryland will be done by the state’s lottery regulator, who will oversee all aspects of the activity. Licensed sports bookmakers will be allowed to place bets on NCAA, NFL, NBA, and NHL games. However, odds makers and daily fantasy sports sites will not be permitted to offer betting odds on sporting events.
In addition to the ability to place bets on sports events, Maryland fans will also have the opportunity to create their own line of bet to follow their favorite teams and players during the season. This feature will make it easy for fans to stay connected to the action even when they can’t be at the game. Fantasy sports and daily fantasy sports sites will also be governed by the state’s sports gambling laws.
Which Sports Will Be Available For Betting In Maryland?
The legalization of sports betting in Maryland creates new opportunities for fans in the state to bet on their favorite teams and athletes. The pastime is now legal and regulated, which means there are rules and regulations surrounding the betting activity. Here’s a quick guide to which sports will be available for betting in Maryland.
To start, the state’s sportsbooks will only be permitted to offer bets on the following events:
- NCAA Basketball Tournament
- NCAA Football Playoff (citation)
- NCAA Football Championship Game
- MLB Baseball
- NHL Hockey
- WNBA Basketball
- Super Bowl
- The Masters Golf Tournament
- The Derby
- The Kentucky Derby
- The Preakness Stakes
- The Belmont Stakes
- Arpels Tournament (citation)
- Liston Tournament (citation)
- Deutsche Bank Tennis Championship
- BMW Tennis Championship
- ATP World Tour Finals
- Premier Ligue Espanola de Football (La Liga)
- Premier League
- Eredivisie
- Serie A
- Bundesliga
- Red Bull Air Race World Championship
- Formula 1
- Australian Formula 3 Championship
- Formula E
- GP2 Series
- World Touring Car Championship
- Formula 2
- Pirelli World Challenge
- Dakar Rally
- Tour de France
- Ironman
- Michelin Tire Challenge
- 24 Hours of Daytona
- 24 Hours of Spa
- Vuelta a Espana
- Le Mans 24 Hours
- Porsche World Endurance Championship
- Petit Le Mans
- Total 6 Hours of Spa
- Total Rallye France
Some events, such as the Kentucky Derby, will be able to be followed and bet upon without any restrictions in Maryland. However, the majority of sports will be available for betting in Maryland only if certain conditions are met. For example, bets on baseball will be allowed only if the game is played in Baltimore or Camden, New Jersey. Similarly, bets placed on NCAA Basketball Tournament games will be allowed only if the NCAA is headquartered in the state of Maryland.
As time goes on and more states legalize sports betting, more and more opportunities will arise for fans in Maryland to bet on their favorite teams and athletes. It’s important to note here that the state’s sports books will only be able to offer bets on the above listed events, meaning there will be no betting options for fans of the Baltimore Ravens or the Orioles, for example. Additionally, bets can only be placed at legal sportsbooks that have registered with the state’s lottery regulator, which will be responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations surrounding sports betting in Maryland.