The core rules for betting in Maryland
Sports betting in Maryland is simple, but it is not unrestricted. The state enforces clear rules that apply to every bettor and every operator.
If you understand these basics, you avoid blocked bets, account issues, and unnecessary risk.
The most important rules are:
You must be 21 or older
You must be physically inside Maryland
You must use a licensed sportsbook
You must pass identity verification
You must follow state-specific market restrictions
These rules apply to all online and retail betting.
Age requirement
You must be at least 21 years old to place a sports bet in Maryland.
Every licensed sportsbook is required to:
Verify your date of birth
Confirm your identity
Block underage accounts
There are no exceptions. If you are under 21, you cannot legally place a wager.
Location requirement
All bets must be placed within Maryland state borders.
Sportsbook apps use geolocation technology to confirm:
Your device location
Your network environment
Your physical presence inside the state
If you cross into another state, the app will:
Let you browse odds
Block all wagers
You must return to Maryland to place a bet.
Using VPNs or location spoofing tools violates sportsbook terms and can lead to account closure.
Licensed operators only
Only sportsbooks licensed by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) are legal.
A legal sportsbook must:
Display its regulatory status
Follow state compliance rules
Protect player funds
Offer responsible gambling tools
Offshore sportsbooks are not regulated by Maryland or U.S. law. Using them exposes you to:
Unprotected deposits
Withdrawal issues
No dispute resolution
Data risk
If an app is not listed by the MLGCA, it should not be used.
What you can bet on
Maryland allows betting on:
Professional sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL)
College sports (with some restrictions)
International leagues
Live and in-play markets
Player props
Parlays and futures
Most markets available in other regulated U.S. states are also available in Maryland.
What’s restricted
Maryland enforces specific limitations:
No betting under age 21
No betting outside state borders
No use of unlicensed operators
Certain restrictions on in-state college events
No circumvention of geolocation systems
These rules are enforced automatically by sportsbook platforms.
Why these rules exist
Maryland’s framework is designed to:
Protect consumers
Prevent underage gambling
Ensure fair odds and payouts
Enforce responsible gaming
Keep betting revenue within the state
Licensed sportsbooks are audited and monitored. Offshore sites are not.
Common mistakes to avoid
Creating an account while under 21
Trying to bet while traveling
Using VPNs to bypass location checks
Signing up with offshore sportsbooks
Ignoring wagering terms on promotions
Most account issues come from breaking these basic rules.
Want to bet legally and safely in Maryland?
Use a licensed sportsbook and avoid all restrictions and risks.
