Illinois sports betting is alive and well after launching during 2020. And, in 2021 we anticipate more Illinois sports betting apps will join the fray.

In fact, all of the sports betting sites in Maryland operating today allow you to place bets from anywhere with an internet connection. The majority even let you make wagers on the go using a smartphone! Forget trying to find a local bookie. There are a huge number of amazing Maryland sports betting sites.

Illinois sports bettors can expect to avoid the in-person registration requirement for online sportsbooks for the first half of 2021. This means unfettered access to all five of the state’s online sports betting apps and websites.

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3. In fact, all of the sports betting sites in Maryland operating today allow you to place bets from anywhere with an internet connection. The majority even let you make wagers on the go using a smartphone! Forget trying to find a local bookie. There are a huge number of amazing Maryland sports betting sites that offer thousands of odds every.

But that’s not news to thousands of Illinoisians – the state has already become the fourth largest sports betting market in the country.

Illinois Sports Betting Updates

• DraftKings Launches In Illinois- On August 5, 2020, DraftKings Sportsbook launched in Illinois in partnership with Casino Queen in East St. Louis. The app currently offers a 20% deposit bonus up to $1,000 for new members.
• FanDuel Launches In Illinois- On August 28, 2020, FanDuel Sportsbook joined the Illinois market in partnership with Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria. If you’re not already a member, you can place a risk-free bet up to $1,000 at FanDuel Illinois.
• In-Person Registration Requirement Suspended Again- On August 21, 2020, Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker suspended the in-person registration requirement for the second time, and has since renewed that order through January 2021. That means you can sign up at any Illinois online sportsbook remotely.
• PointsBet And William Hill Launch In Illinois- PointsBet Illinois launched on September 12, and William Hill Illinois launched on September 15, 2020. Those are the fourth and fifth options to enter the market, respectively.
• Illinois Sports Betting Hits $435 Million- In January 2021, the Illinois Gaming Board released their most recent sports betting revenue report: $435 million in October 2020, making it one of the largest markets in US sports betting. Online bets consisted of 95% of total wagering, and estimates suggest that the state could see more than $5 billion in sports wagers by the end of 2023.

The Best Illinois Sports Betting Apps

FanDuel Illinois Sportsbook (9.5/10)

Visit: FanDuel Illinois and Bet $5 to Win $275 on Super Bowl 55

• Welcome Bonus: Risk-free bet up to $1,000
• Retail Partner: Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria
• Available via desktop, iOS, and Android
• Mobile app rated 4.7 out of 5.0 in App Store
• Features of FanDuel Illinois: Great daily parlay offers, tons of ongoing promotions, quality loyalty program, same login as FanDuel DFS

The FanDuel Illinois Sportsbook offers an exceptionally smooth and intuitive platform that’s a joy to navigate. And that’s on top of the hyper-competitive odds and some of the best parlay deals in the state.

In Illinois, FanDuel is offering a risk-free bet up to $1,000 for new members. If the bet is won, you keep the winnings and the wager. But a losing bet is refunded in site credits, which then need to be bet a single time (in any combination) before you can cash out.

While DraftKings offers a better welcome bonus, FanDuel often offers better odds on certain events. Joining both may be a smart move to compare win potential before placing a bet.

PointsBet Illinois Sportsbook (9.25/10)

Visit: PointsBet Illinois and get $2,000 in Risk-Free Bets

• Welcome Bonus: Two risk-free bets up to $2,000 with code BIGBONUS
• Retail Partner: Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney
• Available via desktop, iOS, and Android
• App rated 4.6 out of 5.0 in the App Store
• Key features: Unique “Points Betting” feature for totals, huge number of promotions every day, “no Juice” spreads on certain events, tons of market depth for MMA and international sporting events

PointsBet is a new name in US sports betting. But the Australian company is already making waves in New Jersey, Iowa, and Indiana, and it’s sure to continue its trajectory as a top-tier sportsbook brand as it grows in Illinois.

The PointsBet Illinois Sportsbook offers new members two risk-free bets up to a total of $1,500 with code BIGBONUS. You can place up to $500 risk-free on a fixed-odds bet, and up to $1,000 on a “Points Betting” wager, which is the platform’s most unique feature. Losses are funded as site credits that must be wagered 1x.

With Points Betting, you choose a totals wager, such as NBA total points or NFL passing yards. When the game ends, you receive a multiplier based on how accurate you were.

But that multiplier applies to both winning and losing bets. For example, if you bet the over on 200 total points for an NBA game and it ends in 210 total points, you’d win a 10x multiplier. But if you bet the under on that same game, your lost wager is multiplied by ten.

DraftKings Illinois Sportsbook (9.75/10)

Visit: DraftKings Illinois and get up to $1,000 Deposit Match Bonus

• Welcome Bonus: 20% deposit bonus up to $1,000
• Retail Partner: Casino Queen in East St. Louis
• Available via desktop, iOS, and Android
• Best mobile app in Illinois (4.8 out of 5.0 in the App Store)
• Features of DraftKings Illinois: New promos and special offers added daily, free daily tournaments and tournaments with huge prize pools, popular loyalty program, works seamlessly with DraftKings DFS

The DraftKings Illinois Sportsbook is second to none. With the best mobile platform for both iOS and Android devices, a lucrative welcome offer, and extremely competitive odds, DraftKings tops the list of options in the state.

The welcome bonus is a 20% deposit match up to $1,000. To receive the maximum amount, you’ll need to deposit $5,000. DraftKings Illinois will then match each $5 in real-money with $1 in bonus money which then must be wagered 1x before it can be withdrawn.

If you’re going to use the maximum amount and plan on betting $6,000 anyway, then this is the best welcome bonus. But for most of us, the 100% deposit bonus up to $250 offered by BetRivers is the better deal.

BetRivers Sportsbook Illinois (8.5/10)

• Welcome Bonus: 100% first deposit match up to $250
• Available via desktop, iOS, and Android
• Retail Partner: Rivers Casino in Des Plaines
• 1x wagering requirement on bonus money
• Features of BetRivers Illinois: High-quality loyalty program (iRush Rewards), integrated live streams of select events, special offers in the “House Bets” section, PayPal available as deposit and cashout method

The BetRivers Illinois Sportsbook offers a robust sports betting platform, with somewhat competitive odds and some interesting special offers. However, it shines brightest in the promotions and reward category.

BetRivers Illinois will double your first deposit up to $250, and the amount is tied to a mere 1x wagering requirement. That means you only need to bet the full amount (using any combination of bets), and whatever is leftover is yours to withdraw.

The BetRivers Illinois mobile app is currently subpar. And they do not consistently offer much better odds than other options. But they compensate well for those significant downsides with lots of free chances to win.

William Hill Illinois Sportsbook (8/10)

• Welcome Bonus: Risk-free bet up to $300
• Retail Partner: Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin
• Available via iOS and Android (no desktop)
• Key Features: Huge market depth, unique options for international sports, simple, straightforward platform, quality odds that compete well with competitors

The William Hill Sportsbook in Illinois brings a century-old sports betting brand from the UK to a state with a sizable European and Mexican soccer fanbase.

That’s where William Hill really stands apart from the other options in the state. They have an impressive market depth for international events, and their odds are competitive across the board.

But beyond that, William Hill largely falls short. They offer the worst welcome bonus in the state, with a risk-free bet up to $300, and a loss is refunded in site credits that need to be wagered a second time before cashout.

The other promotions are few and far between, and the app is having a lot of issues too, which is an even bigger problem when they don’t offer a desktop version of the site.

All Illinois Sportsbook Apps

How To Place A Bet In Illinois

Step 1: Find The Right Sportsbook

You can safely join any of the five legally-licensed online sportsbooks in Illinois.

You can also do so from anywhere in the state, as Governor Pritzker has suspended the in-person registration requirements via Executive Order, and will likely renew that order throughout 2021.

If you’re unsure which to join, consider choosing the platform with the best odds on an event you like. You can view the odds at all sportsbooks (except William Hill) before joining by visiting their website.

Step 2: Download The App Or Bet Via Desktop

If you’re using Apple’s App Store, make sure the app is specific to your state. In the case of FanDuel, DraftKings, and PointsBet, the same sportsbook app applies to all legal states. But you’ll need to download BetRivers Illinois and William Hill Illinois specifically.

For Android users, you’ll need to visit the desktop version of the website and download the app directly from the sportsbook. The Google Play store does not list sports betting apps.

For all online sportsbooks except William Hill, you can also bet directly on the website using the browser on your mobile device or computer.

Step 3: Make A Deposit And Get The Welcome Offer

Make a deposit using one of the baking methods offered by your preferred sportsbook. The most common options include:

• Credit/Debit Card
• PayPal
• Online Bank Transfer
• ACH/E-Check
• PayNearMe retailers (7Eleven, Walgreens, CVS, etc.)

You can also deposit in your online sportsbook account and receive winnings in cash at the partnering casino cage. For example, BetRivers deposits and cashouts are accepted at Rivers Casino Des Plaines.

You may also need to provide a promo code during signup or deposit. In some cases, the promo can be automatically applied.

Step 4: Place Your Bet

If you’re using a promotion, make sure you read the terms and conditions. For example, a risk-free bet usually only applies to your first wager, and the odds must be -200 or longer.

Otherwise, simply select the bet you want to place, and add the amount you want to wager into your bet slip. The sportsbook will automatically generate the amount you stand to win.

Illinois Legal Sportsbooks

The legally licensed sportsbooks available in Illinois are some of the highest quality brands in the world. And with the ability to register on these sites and apps remotely, it’s simply not worth the risk of joining an illegal site.

One of the biggest reasons to avoid an illegal sportsbook is the fact that you’re not protected from fraud. If the website disappears, if they refuse to pay out your winnings, if they allow your information to be compromised, you have no legal recourse.

The Illinois Gaming Board regulates state-licensed sportsbooks, and also offers dispute resolution directly on their website.

Online Sports Betting Sites In India

Remember, you’re legally obligated to report net winnings from gambling every year, and they’re subject to income tax at both the state and federal level. The online sportsbooks in Illinois are obligated to provide tax documents and make it easy to receive them if needed.And, yes, the sportsbook will report net winnings to the IRS and the Illinois Department of Revenue.

Illinois Sports Betting Revenue

According to the sports wagering monthly reports offered by the Gaming Board, Illinois sportsbooks handled close to a billion dollars in bets across the different sportsbooks between March and October.

In October 2020 alone, sports bettors in the state wagered $435 million. That translates to $42.2 million in revenue for the sportsbooks and $6.3 million in tax revenue for the state.

The top three most popular sportsbooks in October 2020 were:

1. DraftKings ($141 million wagered)
2. BetRivers ($115 million wagered)
3. FanDuel ($106 million wagered)

Based on the fact that 94% of those wagered were placed on mobile devices, and given the NFL playoffs, Super Bowl LV, and March Madness, that trend is only expected to continue.

Experts believe that the total amount wagered in Illinois could exceed $5 billion within the first three years of legalization.

How Illinois Compares To Other States

When Illinois first launched legal online sports betting in March 2020, the in-person registration requirement made the Indiana and Iowa laws more appealing. But since Governor Pritzker suspended that requirement via executive order, that’s no longer a factor.

However, Illinois currently offers five online sportsbooks. Indiana offers ten, including top-tier choices like BetMGM, Unibet, and Caesars Sportsbook. Iowa offers seven and also boasts BetMGM, which has an app quality that’s on par with DraftKings.

Further, Illinois does not allow betting on in-state schools, whereas you can bet on all collegiate sports in Indiana and Iowa. But you cannot place in-game bets on college sports in Iowa, while Illinois and Indiana allow it.

Thankfully, Illinois has most of the best online sportsbooks, and remote registration will likely be available for the entire year. So unless you’re determined to bet on the University of Illinois or Northwestern football, you have all sports betting action you need in-state.

Illinois Betting Successes And Failures

Illinois Sports Betting Success

The immediate and gradually increasing popularity of sports betting in Illinois has been a success that’s expected to continue. As the sixth-largest state in the US—and with Chicago boasting some of the biggest professional sports teams in the world—a lack of legal sports betting pushed the pastime underground.

Another major success was the Governor suspending the in-person registration requirement. The requirement to leave home, drive to the closest casino, and register for just one online sportsbook would be a major hurdle in normal times. But during COVID-19, that became all the more unreasonable.

Thankfully, the Governor continues to renew the executive order suspending that requirement, and legal sports betting in Illinois continues to gain in popularity as a result.

Where Could Illinois Improve Online Gambling

Several line items in the state’s sports betting regulations have received a significant amount of criticism.

But for both sports bettors and sportsbook operators, the biggest failure seems to be the licensing issue with mobile-only brands. The Illinois Gaming Board has until Spring 2022 to approve three mobile-only licenses, which cost $25 million apiece. Assuming there are any takers, approval would mean the end of the in-person registration requirement.

Until then, it’s up to the renewal of the executive order. So it might be a good idea to register now while it’s available.

It’s also disappointing that only ten mobile licenses can be approved. Illinois has a population that could support far more. For example, New Jersey has 14 options and about 4 million fewer people.

Legalization Effort In Illinois

It’s easy to say that legal sports betting wouldn’t exist in Illinois if it weren’t for the push by Governor Pritzker. Just six months into his first term, the Governor garnered bipartisan support for a gambling expansion. This included a casino in the City of Chicago as well as sports betting.

However, state senators have been pushing for this initiative since at least 2018, when the Supreme Court repealed the law restricting legal sports betting in the US. And, really, New Jersey lawmakers and voters are responsible for attempting to legalize sports betting in their state in 2011. That triggered a challenge in the federal courts, and New Jersey eventually prevailed on behalf of all US states, ending Nevada’s monopoly on legal US sportsbooks.

Meanwhile, Indiana and Iowa also legalized sports betting, and both states were faster with their rollout than Illinois. This meant Chicagoans would travel to Indiana to bet on sports, as Horseshoe Hammond offered Windy City bettors free shuttles to and from Chinatown and other locations.

But when Governor Pritzker replaced Bruce Rauner, sports betting was quickly on the docket, and the state legalized online and retail sportsbooks in March 2020.

Timeline For Illinois Sports Betting

June 28, 2019- Governor Pritzker signed the Gambling Act into law, which expanded gambling regulations considerably, including legalized sports betting.

September 1, 2019-Indiana launches sports betting, creating easy access for Chicagoans who still don’t have a legal option in-state.

March 9, 2020, 12:00 PM- Rivers Casino in Des Plaines began accepting the first legal sports bets in Illinois at their retail BetRivers Sportsbook.

March 16, 2020-All casinos shut down for 14 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the BetRivers Sportsbook.

June 11, 2020- By this day, seven sports betting licenses were granted to seven gambling properties: Rivers Casino, The Argosy, Grand Victoria Casino, Par-A-Dice, Casino Queen, Hollywood Casino Aurora, and Hollywood Casino Joliet. Each could also launch an online sports betting brand.

June 18, 2020- BetRivers launched online, becoming the state’s first legal sports betting website and app. Through an Executive Order, the Governor also suspended in-person registration requirements.

July 2020- On the first, retail casinos and sportsbooks could reopen in Illinois at 50% capacity with six feet of social distancing. Late in the month, the Governor reinstated the in-person registration requirement.

August 2020- DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook launch in Illinois.

September 2020- Not only did PointsBet and William Hill launch in Illinois, the Governor again suspend the in-person registration requirement, and has every month since.

October 2020- Illinois sports betting hits its record $435 million in wagers in one month, and about 95% of those wagers were placed online. The sportsbook market is officially off to the races.

Illinois Teams

Illinois Professional Sports Teams

Chicago Bears

Betting on the NFL is the most popular wager in Illinois, and the Chicago Bears are the most popular NFL team in Illinois. The Monsters of the Midway are an institution that dates long before the days of Coach Ditka. And they’ve recently been making it to WildCard rounds at the playoffs, so the future isn’t looking half bad.

Chicago Bulls

Since the double three-peat days of Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, the team has seen more downs than ups. But they remain one of the most popular sports teams in the world, and folks in Illinois love to bet on the NBA – and Bulls games in particular.

Chicago Cubs

For decades, the Chicago Cubs offered the best live sports experience in Illinois that you could attend for under $10. But those days are behind us now that the Cubbies broke their 108-year World Series drought in 2016. And while ticket prices are none too cheap, they’ve been a contender for another ring every year since, which makes for great betting action.

Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox won the World Series in 2005, and they’ve had some great teams in the years since. And while the South Siders don’t receive the kind of national attention the Cubs enjoy, they’re a popular team in Illinois that inspires plenty of wagers.

Chicago Blackhawks

Seeing the Chicago Blackhawks play in-person at United Center is absolutely electrifying. Combined with the excitement of placing bets, and that’s an irresistible level of excitement that thousands will enjoy when the crowds return post-coronavirus.

Illinois College Sports Teams

Illinois boasts 18 D1 college football teams and 22 D1 college basketball teams. The top programs include the University of Illinois, Northern Illinois, Northwestern, and DePaul, all of which are popular options for bettors across the US.

In fact, during the college football and NFL seasons, the collegiate level events were a close send to the pro games for most wagering in Illinois.

Unfortunately, it is illegal to bet on in-state Illinois teams. That means all those wagers placed in Illinois—including much of the $435 million worth in October 2020—were placed on out-of-state college football teams.

While the Fighting Illini and Northwestern Wildcats have a lot of alumni throughout the state, Chicago residents as a whole may have more love for other midwest teams. For example, you’re never more than a mile or two from a Notre Dame, Michigan, or Ohio State bar.

Further, March Madness attracts more bets than any other multi-event postseason in the US. Illinois has 30 appearances, DePaul has 18, and Northwestern has just one. That means there’s a decent chance that folks in the state can bet on all the March Madness games, and the vast majority are always fair game.

Other Sports To Bet On In Illinois

International Sports

PointsBet and William Hill are two international sportsbook brands available in Illinois. As such, both offer tons of bets on the more obscure competitions.

However, for mainstream international sports like the Premier League or Champions League, all the sportsbooks will offer tons of action, particularly DraftKings and FanDuel.

Individual Sports

You can bet on golf, tennis, MMA, boxing, and all other individual sports at the professional level in Illinois. As betting on the PGA and MMA continues to grow in popularity, the action will only get more robust as time goes on.

Racing

The Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL boasts top-tier NASCAR events, which means you could attend a race and bet on it online simultaneously. Illinois sportsbooks also offer bets on Formula 1 and other racing events.

Esports

Illinois defines a sport in a way that makes betting on esports a real possibility. Only time will tell, but in Indiana and Iowa, esports betting is prohibited, so the potential alone is promising.

Illinois Sports Betting FAQs

Yes. Online sports betting is legal in Illinois. Five licensed sportsbooks are currently available: DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet, BetRivers, and William Hill. As of September 2020, you can also register at all legal Illinois sportsbooks remotely. Governor Pritzker suspended the in-person requirement by Executive Order, and he seems set to renew that policy for the majority of 2021.

You must be at least 21 years old to wager at online sportsbooks in Illinois. The same is true for betting on sports in-person at sportsbook retailers. You must verify your age and identity when you register for an online sportsbook account to ensure you’re of the legal age.

Yes. You can bet on college sports in Illinois except for in-state college teams. That means University of Illinois, Northern Illinois, Northwestern, DePaul, and all the rest are strictly off-limits. However, you can place in-game bets on out-of-state college teams, and bet on tournaments like March Madness as long as it’s not on a single-game event with an Illinois school.

New Online Sports Betting Sites

No. You can bet at Illinois sportsbooks as long as you’re at least 21 years old and physically located in the state. This law applies to both online and retail sportsbooks. To place a wager, you must turn on geo-tracking to verify your location inside the state.

Yes. DraftKings Sportsbook launched in Illinois on August 5, 2020, in partnership with Casino Queen in East St. Louis, which also has a retail DraftKings Sportsbook. If you’re over 21, you can join DraftKings Illinois right now and receive a 20% deposit bonus up to $1,000. But you have to be physically inside Illinois to wager.

Yes. The FanDuel Sportsbook launched on August 28, 2020. It was part of a partnership with Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria, IL, which also houses a FanDuel Sportsbook lounge inside for those who prefer in-person betting. Those who want to wager in Illinois can join FanDuel Sportsbook and place a risk-free bet up to $1,000.

More Resources On Illinois Sports Betting

• Illinois Gaming Board (IGB), which regulates and collects taxes from gambling companies, including land-based casinos and sportsbooks as well as online sportsbooks.
• Check this page of the IGB website to download PDFs of sports betting revenue reports as they’re released.
• Read the full Sports Wagering Act, which details all rules and regulations surrounding online and retail sportsbooks in Illinois.
• You can find Chicago’s breaking sports news at the Chicago Tribune online Sports Section and the Chicago Sun-Times online Sports Section.
• The Illinois College Sports News page at the Decatur Tribune and the Chicago TribuneCollege Sports page offer daily updates on in-state college sports.
• College Football News and ESPN’s College Football page offers nationwide coverage of college football, which will likely be more useful than in-state coverage for Illinois bettors.

Maryland is home to major sports teams such as the Baltimore Ravens and
Orioles. As you’d probably expect, there’s a huge number of sports fans here,
many of which love to place wagers on major games. Unfortunately, this state has
taken an anti-gambling stance over the years, particularly when it comes to
online gambling. With that being said, there are still a number of great
Maryland sports betting sites available here.

For those new to internet sports betting in Maryland, choosing a website to play at for
the first time can seem daunting. To help out with this, our team of experts is
going to break down the four most important features that all online sportsbooks
should provide. We’ll also dive into why online sports betting in Maryland is
growing more popular every year.

Later on, we’re going to explain the current laws and regulations surrounding
online sports wagering in this state. There’s a lot of information to unpack.
Let’s get into it!

Of course, if you want to skip this entire breakdown and get straight to the
betting, you can check out the sports betting websites in Maryland that we
recommend below.

Here’s What to Look for in Maryland Sports Betting Sites Today

The US online sports betting industry has come a long way. Not long ago, this
entire market was limited to just a few websites offering limited odds with poor
designs. Today, some of the biggest online gambling companies in the world are
available throughout the country.

Finding a few sports betting sites in Maryland shouldn’t be
difficult, as long as you know what to look for. That’s what we are here for!
Below are four of the most important features that absolutely all internet
sportsbooks should provide to their members.

Safe and Transparent Payment System

Safety is and always will be the most important thing to make sure that a
gambling website provides. You could find a sportsbook with the best odds on a
wide range of different sports, yet if it doesn’t provide you with security,
it’s not worth joining. Fortunately, this is an easy thing to look into
nowadays.

There are a few ways to do this. One is to head over to our
sports betting sites page.
Over the years, our team has looked at hundreds of different online sportsbooks.
In each review, we dive into the payment systems for these websites. If we find
anything shady going on, we’ll let you know about it.

It’s also a great idea to simply check out these websites for yourself.
Almost all Maryland sports betting sites operating today provide their members
with information on exactly which payment methods are accepted. If you find that
a site doesn’t, there’s probably something wrong.

The best US online sportsbooks allow deposits to be made
using both debit and credit cards. Withdrawal (payout) methods are generally a
little more limited. Most of these sites only allow payouts to be made using
Bitcoin. Fortunately, Bitcoin withdrawals come with extremely low fees and are
processed within just a few days.

Some sites, including
BetOnline.ag, even provide entire pages that explain how Bitcoin
payouts are made.

Before joining any sports betting sites in Maryland, make sure that they
provide you with safe and transparent payment methods. There’s nothing more
important!

Great Design and Overall User Interface

Design may not seem all that important. On the contrary, it’s one of the most
crucial things to look for in a Maryland betting site. The style and functionality
of these websites will affect your entire gambling experience. If you find that
the sports betting sites in Maryland make it difficult to place bets, they’re
probably not great.

Much like the payment system, this is another extremely easy thing to look
into. In this case, your best option is to simply check out a few sites. The
ones we recommend at the top of this page are well-known for offering amazing
designs and interfaces.

Everyone’s design style differs. Some love simplistic websites that only
provide certain odds on major sporting events. Others love modern, complex sites
that provide a massive list of different odds and promotion offers. The
important thing is finding a site that fits your gaming needs.

Take a little time to find a few Maryland sports betting sites
that provide a modern style. It should be extremely easy to actually place bets
through these websites. Check to make sure that they don’t crash as well.

Wide Range of Betting Odds

More often than not, the more odds that a website offers, the better the
entire sports betting site really is. This is the case now more than ever. All of the
modern sports betting sites in Maryland provide thousands of different betting
odds to their members every single day.

Some sites are known to provide more odds than others. Major sites such as
Bovada provide odds on a huge number of both big and small sporting events.
Others tend to focus on the major US sports leagues. As long as you can find
odds on the sports you plan to bet on, you’re good to go!

Are you a hardcore Ravens fan? Find some sports betting sites in Maryland
offering NFL odds for the entire season. Do you love the Orioles? Find some of
the best online sportsbooks in Maryland that provide a range of MLB bets.

A few of the MD sports betting sites operating today also
provide odds on fun novelty events. You can find wagers for things like politics
and movie outcomes! Do a little research and find a few betting websites that
offer the types of odds that you are looking for.

Helpful Customer Service Options

This is probably the feature of Maryland betting websites that players fail to look for
the most. It’s unfortunate because a solid customer support system is sometimes
crucial. Maryland does not currently regulate its sports betting market. That
means, if you ever encounter an issue with your gambling experience, you’ll have
to rely on the site you play at to help you out!

For this reason, we highly recommend when betting online in Maryland to select a site with excellent customer service.
Much like design, this is something you will want to check out on the sites themselves. These internet
sportsbooks should clearly list which support options are provided directly on
their homepage.

In our opinion, a live chat feature is the best option available right now.
This allows you to speak directly with a website representative over text chat.
It’s the best and easiest way to have your questions answered instantly. A
direct phone line is also fantastic.

Some of the less-reputable sports betting sites in Maryland
only offer email support. We don’t recommend joining these sites. Email support
can often take weeks to answer any questions you have. Always look for online
sportsbooks that provide instant customer service whenever you need it.

Why Are Online Sports Betting Sites in Maryland Becoming so Popular Now?

Maryland, and Baltimore, in particular, is known to have one of the most
passionate sports fan bases in the country. Unfortunately, there are very
limited options here to actually bet on sports. Since PASPA was struck down back
in May of 2018, every state now has the ability to completely legalize sports
betting.

Lawmakers in Maryland have not yet taken the steps to do so. A few bills have
been introduced that could change this, yet they have not been passed in the
State Senate.

We wanted to know exactly why the popularity of online sports betting in
Maryland is growing so much. Our team asked a number of bettors here why they
love to wager online. There are two responses we heard over and over.

Most Convenient Option Available

There may be a time when land-based sports betting options are available in
MD but till then, online betting in Maryland is one of your options.
Until that happens, the only real options to make bets here are online or
through an illegal bookie on the ground. For obvious reasons, the internet route
is significantly more convenient.

For one, you can make these wagers from the comfort of home. In fact, all of
the sports betting sites in Maryland operating today allow you to place bets
from anywhere with an internet connection. The majority even let you make wagers
on the go using a smartphone!

Forget trying to find a local bookie. There are a huge number of amazing
Maryland sports betting sites that offer thousands of odds every single day.
Don’t believe us? Check out the sites at the top of this page and see for
yourself!

Massive Range of Different Betting Options

We’ve touched on this a few times. The fact is, even if Maryland did allow
for land-based sports betting, sportsbooks here wouldn’t provide as many betting
options as internet sportsbooks do. You would not believe some of the things you
can bet on nowadays.

The huge number of different wagering options is certainly a reason why these
sites are growing so popular. Bettors here can find great odds on sporting
events taking place around the world. That means at any time of the day, you’ll
have something to throw money on.

The best online sportsbooks in Maryland provide more betting
options than even the biggest sportsbooks in Las Vegas. Whether you love
basketball, football, or ice hockey, there are odds available through these
websites.

So, Is Online Sports Betting in Maryland Actually Lawful?

As we mentioned earlier, Maryland has some pretty restrictive laws when it
comes to gambling. It makes no sense, as legalized sports betting could earn the
government here millions in additional revenue every year. The specific legality
of Maryland sports betting sites is a little vague.

First, let’s look at the definition of gambling in Maryland.

“A person may not

1) bet, wager, or gamble;

(2) make or sell a book or pool on the result of a race, contest, or
contingency;

(3) establish, keep, rent, use, or occupy, or knowingly allow to be
established, kept, rented, used, or occupied, all or a part of a building,
vessel, or place, on land or water, within the State, for the purpose of: (i)
betting, wagering, or gambling; or (ii) making, selling, or buying books or
pools on the result of a race, contest, or contingency; or

(4) receive, become the depository of, record, register, or forward, or
propose, agree, or pretend to forward, money or any other thing or consideration
of value, to be bet, wagered, or gambled on the result of a race, contest, or
contingency.”

Does that mean all forms of gambling are completely banned here? Well, no.
And that’s why these laws are a little confusing. MD is one of the few states
that also specifically states that it’s not allowed to bet using a “gaming
device.”

(1) “Gaming device” means:

(i) a gaming table, except a billiard table, at which a game of chance is
played for money or any other thing or consideration of value; or

(ii) a game or device at which money or any other thing or consideration
of value is bet, wagered, or gambled.

Some feel this makes it illegal to bet on sports over the internet. There are
others that feel the laws aren’t specific enough to make a ruling on the
legality of sports betting sites in Maryland based in other
areas. We always recommend you abide by the law. With that being said, laws and
constantly changing, and they may decide to completely regulate online sports
betting in Maryland within the next few years.

Will I Be Prosecuted For Playing at Sports Betting Sites in Maryland?

It’s pretty unlikely. Technically, Maryland seems to have the power to crack
down on online gambling. It doesn’t seem to have happened yet, though. Our team
has not come across a single case of any individuals facing legal trouble for
betting on sports online here.

How Do I Stay Safe Playing at Sports Betting Sites in Maryland?

As we’ve already mentioned, online sports wagering is safer now than ever
before. Most of the Maryland sports betting sites operating today take strict
measures to ensure their members stay completely safe. There are, however, a few
basic steps that you can take to ensure your gambling experience online is
nothing but fun.

Our team has spent years finding the best ways to bet over the internet. We
have come up with five simple tips that everyone can follow to stay safe. Check
them out below!

Make Sure to Play at Trustworthy Sites

The easiest way to ensure you stay safe is to only play through reputable
sites! If you do this, there’s a very good chance you will never have a single
issue. Make sure that any of the sports betting sites in MD you
are thinking about joining offer safe payment options and a range of helpful
customer support options.

Track How Much You Are Betting

This one is your responsibility. Sports betting is extremely fun, and
sometimes, people wager a little more money than they probably should. Don’t
make this mistake! Always track exactly how much money you are betting online.
If, on the off chance, you realize you are betting too much, take a break from
your Maryland betting sites for a few weeks.

Bet on Sports That You Know About

With thousands of different odds available every single day, it can be
extremely tempting to throw money on the underdog of a sporting event you know
nothing about. This is almost never a good idea. We recommend that you only
wager on sports that you understand. Your chances of winning will go up
significantly.

Never Give out Your Account Information

You should think of your betting account as a bank account! Anyone with
access to this account information can spend your money as they wish. For this
reason, it’s hugely important that you never give the details of your username
and password to anyone. Reputable sports betting sites in Maryland
will never ask for this info. It’s also a good idea to change your betting
password from time to time.

Stay Updated on Changes to Online Gambling Laws in Maryland

Sports betting laws are changing fast around the country. There’s a very good
chance that in time, all Maryland sports betting sites will be completely
regulated by the state government. Make sure to follow our
industry news page for updates
on changes to gambling laws. If this state begins to completely legalize the
online sports betting industry, we’ll be the first to let you know about it!

FAQ on Internet Sports Betting in Maryland

What Are the Most Popular Sports That People Bet on Here?

Maryland’s sports fanbase is diverse. From what we have seen, most people
here tend to place wagers on the NFL and MLB. Fortunately, most Maryland sports
betting sites provide amazing odds on both of these sports and more.

How Much Money Can I Win Betting Online?

Sports gambling is happening throughout the country. Online sports gambling
is growing particularly popular in Massachusetts right now because it’s the
safest option available and offers more wagering options than even the top
land-based sportsbooks in the country.

Is Online Sports Betting in Maryland Easier Than Land-Based Betting?

It’s very similar! The major difference is that it’s significantly more
convenient. Online sports betting allows you to place wagers from anywhere in
the state with an internet connection. When it comes to actually placing bets,
the process is just about the same.

When Will Online Sports Betting in Maryland Become Fully Regulated?

It’s hard to say. Back in February of 2018, Maryland lawmakers introduced
Bill No. 989 that provides an outline to legalize and regulate sports gambling.
Since that time, the state has not made any progress to make Maryland sports
betting sites fully legal. In our opinion, this industry will be regulated
within the next few years.

Why Should I Play at Sports Betting Sites in Maryland?

All Online Sports Betting Sites Real Money

We never want to push internet sports betting on anyone. The choice to bet or
not bet is always yours! From what we have heard from the players that we have
spoken to, online sports betting is the most convenient option available and
provides more odds than even the biggest and best land-based sportsbook.

Conclusion

It’s a shame that Maryland has not taken the same pro-sports betting approach
that nearby states like New Jersey have. There is obviously a massive market for
the industry here, and the state could earn millions every year if it becomes
fully legal. As more states around the country begin to legalize this industry,
we feel that Maryland will, too.

Best Online Sports Betting Sites

If you decide that internet sports gambling is for you, make sure to check
out the Maryland sports betting sites that we recommend at the top of this page.
Each one is amazing and provides some great odds on almost every major sport.
Feel free to take a look at our
gambling blog page for expert predictions on major sporting events taking
place around the country. Good luck making your bets!