Is online gambling legal in Maryland?

All gambling winnings are taxable income, and state withholding of 9.5% for residents applies to wins over $5,000. You can join the Voluntary Exclusion Program run by the agency for two years or a lifetime.

Only what is listed as legal above is licensed. Anything else offered to you online is unlicensed and gives you no protection.

Online sports betting is legal on sites licensed in Maryland. Online casino is banned in Maryland. Online poker is banned in Maryland. The lottery is legal on sites licensed in Maryland.

The minimum age on record for gambling in Maryland is 21+. The minimum age is 21 for all casino gambling and sports betting. The minimum age for purchasing lottery tickets is 18.

Federal law requires 24% withholding on wins over $5,000. Maryland requires state withholding on wins over $5,000 at a rate of 9.5% for residents and 8.75% for non-residents. All gambling winnings are considered taxable income.

Always verify a casino holds a valid Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency licence before depositing.

Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency's website

Prominent operators in Maryland

If a site isn't on the regulator's licensee register, ask the regulator before you play: an unlisted site is usually not licensed here (a register can lag behind a new licence). An unlicensed site is outside the regulator's supervision, so you cannot complain to the regulator about it.

1. 1

   1. Direct Complaint to Operator

   The player must first contact the customer support department of the licensed sports wagering operator to attempt to resolve the dispute directly. Operators are required to have an internal complaint process.

2. 2

   2. File a Complaint with the Regulator

   If the dispute is not resolved to the player's satisfaction, they can file a formal complaint with the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA). The agency will investigate the complaint against the licensee.

   File an MLGCA Complaint

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  Verify the License with the MLGCA

  Before depositing, confirm the operator is on the official list of licensees on the MLGCA website (mdgaming.com). A licensed site will always display the MLGCA seal, typically in the footer of its website and app.

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  Look for the Maryland-Specific Responsible Gaming Seal

  All licensed operators must prominently display responsible gaming information, including the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline number and links to Maryland's Voluntary Exclusion Program.

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  Confirm Geolocation Checks are Active

  A legal site MUST use geolocation software to confirm you are physically inside Maryland. If a site doesn't require a location check or allows you to play from out of state, it is an illegal offshore operator.

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  Check for ".gov" Sources in Payment and Tax Rules

  Licensed sites will refer to official Maryland and federal tax laws. Be wary of any site that claims winnings are 'tax-free' or allows anonymous crypto payments, as these are hallmarks of illegal operations.

• Myth

  Since sports betting is legal, I can play online casino slots and poker from Maryland too.
  Reality

  This is false. Only online sports wagering and daily fantasy sports are legal and regulated in Maryland. Any site offering real-money online slots, poker, or table games to Maryland residents is an unlicensed, illegal offshore operator, which offers no consumer protection.

• Myth

  My gambling winnings aren't taxed unless I win more than $5,000.
  Reality

  This is false. All gambling winnings are considered taxable income in Maryland. While automatic withholding of 9.5% state tax for residents applies to single wins over $5,000, you are legally required to report and pay state and federal income tax on any and all net winnings for the year.

• Myth

  Using a VPN to play on a site licensed in another state is a legal loophole.
  Reality

  This is a violation of the Federal Wire Act. Placing a wager across state lines on a platform not licensed in your current location is illegal. Licensed Maryland operators are required by law to use geolocation services to block out-of-state play.

What you can expect from a licensed site's offers in Maryland. The rules operators must follow are on the operator page.