Maryland Gambling Laws

In the past few years Maryland gambling laws were significantly loosened, allowing for numerous casinos around the state. The state’s next step in the field of gambling involves daily fantasy sports and their regulation.

Maryland gambling laws

Currently, there are five casinos in Maryland. All of them opened after 2010, when Maryland gambling laws were finally relaxed. Generally, “Betting, wagering, gambling, etc.” are prohibited in Maryland. Violating Maryland gambling laws can result in “imprisonment for not less than 6 months and not exceeding 1 year or a fine of not less than $200 and not exceeding $1,000 or both.”

As in the case of many other US gambling laws, there are some exceptions to the prohibitions. Licensed casinos and gambling establishments offer authorized slot machines, live table games, and betting on horse races. Baltimore’s Horseshoe Casino features a World Series Poker room and Maryland Live! has a two-story poker room to satisfy the poker players of Maryland.

Charity gambling, including bingo and raffles, are regulated on a county level. Until 2010, these charity games represented legal gambling in Maryland. However, citizens have deiced in favor of expanded gambling. Ever since then, Maryland gambling laws have been constantly amended, allowing for more and more opportunities to gamble in the state.

Online Gambling in Maryland

Maryland gambling laws don’t explicitly address internet gambling. As with other states, the existing laws are supposed to cover the matter of online gambling in Maryland. So is it legal to play online casino games in Maryland? The answer seems to be yes, in some cases. Maryland Live! offers online slots and even promotions to the visitors of their website. However, it’s is still illegal to play at other, unlicensed online casino sites.

Lotteries in Maryland

The Maryland Lottery was established in 1973 and ever since it contributed with USD 14,4 billion to good causes, including the fields of education, public health, public safety, human resources and the environment. Maryland Lottery tickets can be purchased only at licensed retailers. The trade of Maryland Lottery tickets online is not allowed.

Daily Fantasy Sports in Maryland

According to recent US gambling news, legislators are preparing to hold a referendum on the matter of online daily fantasy sports in Maryland. State senators have already passed two bills: one would legalize daily fantasy sports in Maryland, if voters approve in November. The second bill would outlaw fantasy games in the state. If the voters decide in the favor of daily fantasy sports, the Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency will allot licenses and regulate the market.