With the 2018 sports season underway, fans of all the major sports in Maryland are anxiously awaiting the start of the new season. One of the most popular sporting events in the state is the Maryland Stadium Superbowl. Every year, Marylanders flock to the stadiums to cheer on their teams as they take on each other in a battle of epic proportions.
While watching the big game is certainly exciting, betting on sports is a practice that is unfortunately illegal in Maryland. However, with the upcoming legalization of sports betting in Maryland, the state’s residents can finally get something to cheer about. Let’s take a look at when sports betting in Maryland will be legal, and what you need to do to get ready.
When Will Sports Betting be Legal in Maryland?
After years of lobbying by the Marylanders’ Basketball Association (MBA), the National Football League (NFL), and the National Hockey League (NHL), the Maryland Legislature finally passed a sports betting bill this year. The bill was signed into law by Governor Hogan on July 27, 2018, and will take effect on October 30, 2018. This makes Maryland the 23rd state to allow sports betting.
As of October 2018, bets can be made at any Maryland casino that is licensed to offer gambling services, as well as at the many online sports books that claim to be legal in the state. There are also a number of mobile sports betting apps that can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
What Is The Legal Betting Limit in Maryland?
The first and foremost thing that you need to do before you can place a wager on a sporting event is to determine how much you can legally bet on a game. The answer to this is usually determined by how old you are. In general, you cannot bet on most sports and games younger than 18. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, it is legal for someone over 21 to bet on college basketball and football games.
Which Sports Can Be Betted On In Maryland?
As mentioned above, it is illegal for someone under the age of 18 to bet on most sports and games. However, you can legally bet on the following sports and games in Maryland:
- American football
- Association football
- Basketball
- Bridge sports (e.g. E-Sports) – not yet, but may be in the future
- Cycling
- Darts
- Equestrian sports (e.g. Dressage)
- Gaelic games (e.g. Hurling, Gaelic Football) – not yet, but may be in the future
- Golf
- Hockey
- MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) – not yet, but may be in the future
- Racing (e.g. Horse racing)
- Rugby
- Scouting
- Snooker
- Tennis
- Whitewater sports (e.g. Kayaking, Rafting)
- Wing Chun Kung Fu
How Do I Place A Bet On A Sports Event In Maryland?
All you need to do to place a bet on a sports event in Maryland is to visit one of the many online bookmakers that claim to be operating in the state, log in, and make your wager. Remember, however, that you must be over the age of 18 to do this.
Do I Need To Register To Place A Bet In Maryland?
It is against the law in Maryland to bet without first registering with the state. To register, you must fill out a form that is available on the site of the Maryland State Lottery. Once this is done, you can place your wagers with complete confidence.
What Are The Different Types Of Sports Betting Available In Maryland?
When will sports betting be legal in Maryland? Find out everything you need to know about the various types of bets available, from online bookmakers to brick-and-mortar casinos, and what each one means.
For example, some sportsbooks only allow you to bet on the outright winner of a game, while others will allow you to make props (e.g. Over/Under X goals, Field Goals, etc.). Still others may offer in-play betting, where you can make wagers as the game is going on.
What Are The Different Types Of Sports Betting In Different States?
While some states have enacted bills to legalize sports betting, others have not. As a result, there are a number of different legal sports betting scenarios that you need to be aware of. To find out more, simply browse the internet for ‘sport betting’ wherever you are in the world, and you will come across a number of different websites and blogs that can teach you everything you need to know.