2008 |
A state referendum approves commercial casino gaming. |
2012 |
Voters approve table games at commercial casinos. |
2012 |
DFS contests are authorized and regulated in the state. |
2020 |
Maryland voters approve retail and mobile sports betting. |
2021 |
Land-based sports betting launches. |
2022 |
Online sports betting launches at mobile gambling sites in Maryland. |
2023 |
Senator Ron Watson introduces Maryland Senate Bill 603 to authorize online casinos, but it does not advance out of committee. |
2024 |
Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary introduces House Bill 1319 to request a voter referendum on online casino legalization. |
Daily fantasy contests and sports betting are types of legal online gambling in Maryland. DFS was approved in 2012. In 2020, state residents voted to legalize sports betting. Retail betting launched in December 2021, with mobile sports wagering starting in November 2022.
Commercial casino gaming was approved by Maryland voters in 2008, and it was limited to electronic gaming devices at five casinos. The market expanded in 2012 when a further vote authorized table games at the existing casinos and approved a further casino to be opened in Prince George's County.
Casino gambling, DFS and sports betting in the state are regulated by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA). The MLGCA is overseen by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission.
The legalization timeline shows that efforts have been made to legalize online casinos in the state. Proposed legislation, including House Bill 1319 and Senate Bill 603, never passed out of committee. If lawmakers approve legislation allowing legal casino sites in Maryland, it would require voter approval in a statewide referendum.