Two ways to bet in Maryland
Maryland offers two legal ways to place sports bets:
Mobile sportsbooks – apps and websites you use on your phone or computer
Retail sportsbooks – physical betting locations inside casinos and approved venues
Both are fully legal and regulated. The difference is in convenience, speed, and how you interact with the betting process.
Most wagers in Maryland are now placed on mobile apps, but retail sportsbooks still serve a specific audience.
Mobile sportsbooks: how they work
Mobile sportsbooks allow you to:
Bet from anywhere inside Maryland
Place wagers in seconds
Bet before games or live
Track all bets in one place
Access hundreds of markets per game
Once your account is set up, the entire process—from login to placing a bet—takes under a minute.
Mobile betting is ideal for:
Casual bettors
Live bettors
Players who bet frequently
Anyone who values speed and flexibility
You don’t need to travel. You don’t need to wait in line. You control everything from your device.
Retail sportsbooks: how they work
Retail sportsbooks are physical locations where you:
Walk up to a counter or kiosk
Select your bet
Pay in cash or card
Receive a printed ticket
They are usually located inside casinos or entertainment venues.
Retail betting is ideal for:
First-time bettors
Players who prefer face-to-face interaction
People who enjoy the casino environment
Cash-only bettors
Retail sportsbooks feel more traditional and social, especially during major events.
Key differences
FeatureMobile SportsbooksRetail SportsbooksLocationAnywhere in MarylandSpecific physical venuesSpeedInstantSlowerLive bettingFull accessLimitedMarket depthVery largeSmallerAccount trackingAutomaticManualConvenienceHighLowSocial experienceLowHigh
Mobile sportsbooks offer more control and more options. Retail sportsbooks offer atmosphere and human interaction.
Which one should you choose?
Choose mobile betting if you:
Bet often
Want access to live markets
Prefer speed and flexibility
Like managing everything digitally
Choose retail betting if you:
Are new to sports betting
Prefer in-person help
Enjoy casino environments
Bet only occasionally
Many Maryland bettors use both. They place most bets on mobile apps and visit retail locations for big events.
Can you use both?
Yes. You can:
Create mobile sportsbook accounts
Visit retail sportsbooks
Switch between them freely
There is no limit on how many licensed platforms you use.
Mobile and retail betting are complementary, not exclusive.
Prefer the fastest way to bet?
Mobile apps offer more markets, better speed, and full control.
👉 Compare the best Maryland sportsbook apps
