Best Place To Bet On Sports

It has been more than two years since the Supreme Court of the United States struck down PASPA. That move opened the door to legal sports betting in the US as the justices effectively handed the legislative decision over to individual states.

Since that point, we have seen a flurry of activity. Many states are now completely up and running with legal sports betting. Other states are still sorting through legalization, and more are expected to follow.

While some states have retail, mobile and online options, others require bets to be placed only in-person. There are also restrictions in place to ensure that users are within state lines while placing bets via mobile devices.

The landscape has changed dramatically in a short period of time.

Over the past few years, the emergence of daily fantasy sports has led to a renaissance for conventional sports betting. The anti-gambling stigma that existed for decades is fading in American popular culture, opening the door for a massive, multibillion-dollar legal sports betting industry to emerge. Before making any bet, it helps to know what you're risking for the expected payout. Enter Your 'Bet Amount' - that's what you're risking, along with the American, fractional or decimal odds. With sports betting sites, you’ll find some of the most extensive selections of wagering options out there. Not only will you find bets on popular sports like basketball and football, but you’ll also be able to bet on harder-to-find sports like Aussie Rules. On top of that, online sportsbooks tend to have some.

Legal US sports betting apps

Not all states that allow legal sports betting will choose to use online or mobile wagering platforms. Some have rules that allow online and mobile wagering anywhere within state lines, while others require bets to be placed inside a casino.

Extensive Review Process. We put betting sites through an extensive vetting process to ensure they meet our strict criteria for a top 5 rating. Our list of best sites is carefully selected to balance bonus amount, cash-out speed, safety plus a host of other factors so you have the best online gambling experience. Jan 22, 2021 Best Site for New Sports Bettors: William Hill William Hill is one of the most experienced online sports betting providers. Throughout many years of service in a heap of countries around the globe, Will Hill has developed several features and resources that simplify things for new sports bettors.

Just because you download a sports betting app that is legal in one state doesn’t mean it will work in another. Smartphone apps will verify your location within a legal betting area before allowing you to wager. You will be rejected from betting if outside the legal borders.

Where can I place a legal online sports bet?

The list of legal online sports betting states continues to grow. Currently, it’s up to 14 states and Washington, DC, but the official launch is still pending in some spots.

* Pending launch

Colorado sports betting sites

Legal sports betting was approved by voters in Colorado in 2019. The official online and mobile rollout took place on May 1, 2020, with DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers and BetMGM all going live on the same day. Several other operators have since gone live in the state.

Illinois sports betting sites

Legislation was also passed in Illinois in 2019 with the official launch taking place in March 2020. Initially, only retail betting was allowed, with in-person registration required for online and mobile players. That provision has been suspended for the time being because of the COVID-19 pandemic. DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet and BetRivers are among the available options.

Indiana sports betting sites

Sports betting was legalized in Indiana in 2019. The rollout happened quickly, with retail options opening up in September of that year, followed by online and mobile launch in October. DraftKings and BetRivers were the first sites available, followed by FanDuel a month later. The list of available options continues to grow.

Iowa sports betting sites

Iowa was also among the states that both legalized and went live with sports betting in 2019. Legislation was passed in May, with the retail and mobile launch coming in August. Through the end of 2020, online and mobile users have to register in-person at a casino that offers sports betting. DraftKings, PointsBet and William Hill are among the operators that are live in Iowa.

Michigan sports betting sites

Sports betting was signed into law in December 2019 in Michigan. Retail sportsbooks opened up in March 2020 and mobile sportbook apps became legal for sports betting in Michigan in January 2021.

Nevada sports betting sites

Nevada’s days as the only option for legal US sports betting are over. Not much has changed for the state since the SCOTUS ruling. While more known for in-person wagering at casinos throughout Las Vegas such as Westgate and Caesars, the state also has online and mobile options available from operators like William Hill.

New Hampshire sports betting sites

Sports betting officially debuted in New Hampshire in December 2019 after being approved by the state Legislature earlier in the year. The approval covered both retail and mobile, but the situation is unique in NH. DraftKings is the exclusive provider of online and mobile wagering in the state and also the operator of the lone retail shops.

New Jersey sports betting sites

The Garden State was one of the first to act after the landmark Supreme Court ruling. Retail sports betting rolled out in June 2018. DraftKings was the first online option in August, followed by PlaySugarhouse and FanDuel. There are now more than a dozen options NJ sports betting apps on the market.

Oregon sports betting sites

Oregon legalized sports betting in August 2019. Retail wagering was introduced at one of the state’s tribal casinos the following month. In October, the Scoreboard sports betting app was launched. Run by the state lottery, this is the only mobile option available for sports bettors in Oregon.

Pennsylvania sports betting sites

Pennsylvania was among the states that moved quickly in the wake of the PASPA ruling. Retail sportsbooks opened for business in November 2018. The official online launch took place in May 2019. SugarHouse was the first site to go live, and it was soon joined by sister property BetRivers and others including DraftKings and FanDuel.

Rhode Island sports betting sites

Rhode Island sports betting legislation was approved in 2018, but it was initially for retail only at the state’s two operating casinos. The following year, a new bill was approved that gave the green light to mobile wagering with an in-person registration requirement, which has since been removed. The Rhode Island Lottery oversees things, with William Hill handling operations.

Tennessee sports betting sites

Tennessee approved sports betting in April 2019. It’s a unique situation as there are not expected to be any retail sportsbooks in the state. Sports bettors are now able to place mobile wagers as of November 2020.

Virginia sports betting sites

Sports betting was legalized in Virginia in April 2020 and officially launched its first sportsbook in January 2021. According to state law, there will be a minimum of four and as many as 12 mobile options available.

Washington, DC, sports betting sites

The city council gave its approval to sports betting in 2018, but the bill wasn’t signed into law until the following January. GambetDC, an offering run by the lottery and powered by Intralot, is the sole online and mobile option for bettors since its launch in 2020. A William Hill retail sportsbook has since opened for business at the Capital One Arena.

West Virginia sports betting sites

West Virginia also sprang into action following the Supreme Court ruling. Retail sportsbooks opened up in September 2018. BetLucky was available for a short time as a mobile option, but it shut down the following year due to a technology dispute. DraftKings and FanDuel went live in WV soon thereafter and have since been joined by other operators.

Best sports betting apps in the US

The list of options for users in legal sports betting states continues to grow. Here are some of the top options available in multiple states.

DraftKings app

The daily fantasy sports giant was among the many operators awaiting the Supreme Court ruling in 2018. The company was the first online and mobile option available in NJ. DraftKings has since expanded to a number of other states, with plans for further expansion in the works. It’s known for having a slick platform and live betting feature.

DraftKings Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, IN, IL, WV, NH, IA, CO

FanDuel app

FanDuel was also ready to go soon after the SCOTUS ruling. NJ was the first point of entry for the company in sports betting, but the platform has since been unveiled in several other states. FanDuel is known for being visually appealing and user-friendly, with features like single-game parlay offerings.

FanDuel Sportsbook is legal in: PA, IN, NJ, WV, CO, IL, IA

FOX Bet app

Launched as a tag-team effort from media giant FOX Sports and The Stars Group, the platform receives great visibility throughout FOX Sports programming and has a steady stream of promotions tied in with network personalities. FOX Bet is somewhat geared toward newer bettors and is working toward launching in additional states.

FOX Bet Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, CO

BetMGM app

Originally known as playMGM upon its launch in NJ, the site and app have since been rebranded. BetMGM has been making a lot of headway with its entry into multiple states and various deals with teams and media entities. The company is one of several with designs on becoming one of the top sports betting destinations across the US.

BetMGM Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, WV, CO, IN

PointsBet app

Australia-based PointsBet debuted in NJ in 2019 and has since opened its doors in other states. The site is geared toward sports bettors and features a unique betting option known as PointsBetting. The company captured a good deal of attention with its recent deal with NBC Sports and continues to aggressively pursue market share.

PointsBet Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, IA, IN, IL

William Hill app

The UK bookmaker has had a retail presence in Nevada for some time. It has since expanded into other states both physically and via online and mobile offerings. The platform itself is easy to use and filled with features. William Hill has made some headway in the US in a short period of time and appears poised to continue on that path.

William Hill Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, CO, WV, IL, RI, NV

BetRivers app

BetRivers comes our way from Rush Street Gaming, which is also the parent company of sister site PlaySugarhouse. The company also has a retail casino presence in several states. BetRivers has come to be known for having a solid offering and good loyalty program.

BetRivers Sportsbook is legal in: PA, IN, CO, WV

Other legal sports betting apps

The overall list of legal sports betting sites is a lengthy one. Here’s a look at a few more that have debuted in multiple states to date.

BetAmerica Sportsbook

Horse racing fans are familiar with BetAmerica, an offering from Churchill Downs International. The sportsbook is now up and running in three states, while users in NJ and PA can also access casino games right from the same site.

BetAmerica Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, IN, PA

Caesars Sportsbook

The iconic Caesars name is well-known to both online and brick-and-mortar casino patrons. The sportsbook has launched in a trio of states to date. It’s a basic offering, but all of the bet types and sports you could ask for are available.

Caesars Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, IN

SportsBetting.com

This is a newer offering that has made its debut in the Colorado market. The company also has its sights set on entering the New Jersey, Indiana and Iowa markets as soon as possible. As the name implies, the site is solely focused on sports betting.

SportsBetting.com is legal in: CO

Unibet Sportsbook

Unibet is an international operator that has a big presence on the global scene. It’s now up and running in select states in the US with plans on entering more soon. This is a basic offering without a lot of bells and whistles, but solid for just getting down to business.

Unibet Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, IN

Which states are most likely to launch sports betting sites next?

Michigan is next up on the launch watch list. The current timeline calls for MI to be live in early 2021.

The following states have passed legislation for retail sports betting at tribal casinos, but the official launch hasn’t happened yet.

• North Carolina
• Washington

Plans call for retail only in both states, but the fact that sports betting legislation has been passed in at least some form can be seen as a glimmer of hope on the online front.

Three states approved ballot measures in 2020 to make some form of sports betting legal:

• Louisiana
• Maryland
• South Dakota

A handful of states have opened up sports betting on a retail basis without launching online. Efforts to legalize online betting in these states have stalled to date, but it remains a work in progress.

• Arkansas
• Delaware*
• Mississippi
• Montana
• New Mexico
• New York

* Online legal but not launched

There are another 20 states that are at least considering some form of sports betting legislation. The list of states in which there has been absolutely no movement stands at eight.

Retail sports betting

For decades, the only state in which you could legally place a sports bet in person was Nevada. It’s a different story in the aftermath of the PASPA ruling. Here are the states (and Washington, DC) in which you’ll find retail sportsbooks.

• Delaware
• New Jersey
• Mississippi
• West Virginia
• New Mexico
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Arkansas
• New York
• Iowa
• Oregon
• Indiana
• New Hampshire
• Illinois
• Montana
• Michigan
• Colorado
• Washington, DC

Washington and North Carolina are expected to be the next states to open brick-and-mortar sportsbooks at tribal casinos.

Which states are most likely to regulate sports betting next?

Sports betting legislation has at least been introduced in 20 states that have yet to act on the matter. While optimism is high that it’ll eventually be passed in each of these states, there’s nothing concrete that says it’s right around the corner for any of them. Here’s the list.

• Maine
• Vermont
• Massachusetts
• Connecticut
• South Carolina
• Georgia
• Alabama
• Ohio
• Kentucky
• Minnesota
• North Dakota
• Missouri
• Kansas
• Texas
• Arizona
• California
• Alaska
• Hawaii
• Florida

The next legal sports betting states are likely coming from the above list at some point. Meanwhile, these states are still holding out and have yet to introduce legislation to legalize sports betting.

• Wisconsin
• Nebraska
• Oklahoma
• Wyoming
• Idaho
• Utah

Legal vs. offshore betting

The best options available for US sports bettors come via the sites that have been approved for operations in the respective states. Gaining acceptance and approval is not easy, and those who have joined the list of approved operators have invested heavily to do so.

While there remains an active black market for sports betting via illegal offshore sites, there’s no reason to take the risk. Here are some of the main points to understand.

• The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was passed in 2006 to crack down on offshore operators. The law is aimed at the companies to prevent them from doing business in the US, but many still operate due to what they claim is a legal gray area.
• Offshore operators are not operating under the same rules and regulations that legal US betting sites are. There is no guarantee that your funds, data or information will be safely kept.
• Legal sports betting sites have clear terms and conditions, house rules for players to follow, a wide range of normal funding options and customer service options that can be reached easily. That’s not the case with the offshore sites.

There are a few easy ways to spot which sites are on the up and up versus those that are not. For starters, the majority of legal states maintain a running list of approved operators on their websites under the division of gambling section or its equivalent.

There’s also the eye test. When an operator is legit, it will point users to the right places for information on things such as legality and responsible gambling. That’s not something that’s high on the priority list for less-than-reputable operators.

Things you can’t legally bet on in the US

Each of the individual states is responsible for setting its own rules and regulations for sports betting. As a result, not every piece of legislation that has been passed to date reads in the exact same fashion.

The standard stuff, such as team-based professional sports and major individual competitions, are good to go at all legal and regulated sportsbooks. Each of the operators will also offer various niche sports, but the list of options may vary.

One of the biggest points of difference has been on college sports. While you can bet on college football and basketball in several states, some have expressly prohibited wagering on in-state teams or on amateur events that take place in the state.

In general, the legal sportsbooks stay away from non-sports events. That means no wagering on the weather, reality television outcomes or on elections. However, wagering on the Oscars has been allowed here and there.

Why can’t you bet on the election or weather?

While there is often chatter about the betting odds for major political events such as the US presidential election, it remains illegal to bet on the outcome of that. There may be plenty of history attached to betting on who will be the next president, but that doesn’t mean it’s legal.

Legal and regulated operators offer odds and markets on sporting events. You won’t find options to bet on the weather or reality TV at the big shops, and there’s a simple reason for that: They’re not allowed to.

Sports leagues’ stance on legal sports betting

NBA

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver took a front-facing role in advocating for legal sports betting in the US. His op-ed embracing sports betting spurred discussion on the topic long before the fall of PASPA.

Before and after the Supreme Court decision, NBA officials spent most of 2018 trying to get a cut of sports betting money from various state legislatures. They helped introduce the concept of an integrity fee in state-level legislation, claiming the league would face increased monitoring and enforcement costs in a national sports betting environment.

Silver recently added to that argument by calling NBA games the league’s “intellectual property” for which it deserves compensation.

The NBA does not permit wagering on its games through the Ontario Lottery, where the Toronto Raptors play. The same policy existed when an NBA team played in Vancouver. Provinces that do not host NBA teams offer parlay cards on games for the sport.

NHL

The NHL largely let other leagues take the lead on sports betting issues prior to signing a data and marketing agreement with MGM Resorts in November 2018. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also weighed in during the Stanley Cup Final in Las Vegas: the league wants federal legislation (or state-level equivalents) and a slice of sports betting money.

The NHL launched a new franchise in Las Vegas in 2017, which is the first major professional sports team for the country’s gambling hub. The Vegas Golden Knightsdrew heavy betting interest through their inaugural season.

It has no issues with the activity in Canada. Some teams participate with lotteries that sell NHL parlay cards. The NHL also opposed new sports betting legislation in Canada.

MLB

Major League Baseball is sensitive to betting on its games. In the post-PASPA world, though, MLB advocates for sports betting legislation that includes integrity fees paid to the league.

The league also signed a data and marketing deal with MGM Resorts in November 2018. It will provide the company with exclusive rights to advanced data for in-play betting.

With regard to integrity fees, MLB went as far as having top executive Joe Torrelobby Governor Andrew Cuomo directly on New York sports betting legislation. This represents a major shift from the league’s historical attitude toward gambling.

The 1919 Chicago White Sox threw a World Series, a scandal the league wants everybody to forget. Pete Rose betting on his games and the aftermath involved in that scandal is another black eye MLB never wants to see again.

While MLB joined the New Jersey lawsuit, it has no issues with betting on Toronto Blue Jays games in Ontario. The Montreal Expos were also on parlay cards when that team existed.

NFL

America’s most powerful sports league remains largely opposed to legal sports betting. The NFL publicly fought sports betting for decades and now wants federal legislation addressing it after PASPA. Interestingly, the NFL is not advocating for integrity fees.

Despite its stance on US sports betting, the NFL allowed the move of the Raiders to Las Vegas from Oakland beginning in 2020.

The NFL is the only major professional sports league with no direct investment into daily fantasy sports, although 28 of its 32 teams are involved in sponsorships.

NFL games are by far the most popular sports betting events in the US, with the Super Bowl generating close to $150 million in bets in Nevada by itself. The NFL plays games in London, where betting shops are on every corner, and the league seems to have no issues with that.

NCAA

Long the staunchest opponent of legal sports betting, the NCAA finds itself in a tricky position after the repeal of PASPA.

The organization detests sports betting despite the fact that college football and March Madness college betting are two of the largest drivers of handle. The NCAA instituted a de facto ban on national championship contests being held in states with legal sports betting, namely Nevada. But it reversed course after the Supreme Court decision, at least temporarily. That is in part because it already awarded future championships to states that will have sports betting.

The NCAA similarly does not like fantasy sports. It does not permit student-athletes to enter contests. Many conferences do not accept advertising from daily fantasy sites. The NCAA has attempted to convince sites to stop college fantasy sports contests, but DraftKings and FanDuel restarted their college contests post-PASPA.

PGA Tour

Professional golf jumped into the sports betting fray by supporting the integrity fee concept along with MLB and the NBA. The tour also wants sports betting operators to pay for official data from its ShotLink system.

The data question also comes up with other leagues, but the PGA Tour claims to have a different case with proprietary data. In-play betting that relies on data can easily be gleaned from TV broadcasts in many sports. The same can be said for golf with scoring, but anything more in-depth (driving distance, length of putts, etc.) could require official data.

How online sports betting in USA became legal

Challenge in New Jersey

New Jersey voters passed a non-binding referendum in November 2011 that instructed the state legislature to legalize sports betting. The legislature quickly passed a bill that would have regulated sports betting at New Jersey racetracks and Atlantic City casinos. Governor Chris Christie signed the bill into law.

The major sports leagues challenged New Jersey in court, claiming that the state was not exempted by PASPA; therefore it could not legalize sports betting. A lower court ruling sided with the leagues, and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed it. The US Supreme Court at that time refused to hear the case.

New Jersey tried another angle. The state attempted to deregulate and decriminalize sports betting in the same venues as before. The sports leagues returned to court and challenged the new approach to sports betting. The sports leagues prevailed in the lower court and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

New Jersey was able to appeal and receive a rehearing in the Third Circuit, which it also lost. The Supreme Court then agreed to hear it and New Jersey won its case in May 2018.

American Gaming Association’s stance

The American Gaming Association is the gaming industry’s lobbying group. It maintains the black market of illegal gambling is too lucrative and thrives in the unregulated environment. The AGA supported the repeal of PASPA and strongly advocates for states to be able to write their own sports betting laws.

How is daily fantasy sports different from sports betting?

Daily fantasy sports is believed to be legal in at least 40 states, according to the companies that promote the product.

There are big differences between daily fantasy sports and sports betting.

In sports betting, a bettor picks a team or multiple teams to win or cover a point spread. In daily fantasy sports, a user chooses athletes and enters a competition that computes a winner based on the statistics accumulated by the players in a sport.

Current status of daily fantasy sports

Daily fantasy sports is generally considered to be legal in about 40 states, with laws on the books in about half of those.

States that restrict DFS

Daily fantasy sports are illegal in Iowa, Montana, Louisiana, Arizona and Washington. Nevada requires a gaming license to operate a daily fantasy sports site.

Opinions from attorneys general have emphasized the legal gray area for DFS in many states. DraftKings, FanDuel and others pulled out of Idaho, Hawaii and Alabama. FanDuel does not serve Texas, but DraftKings does.

FAQ for betting sites

Is it legal to bet on sports online?

Yes, but it depends on where you are located. Legal sports betting can be done online in many of the states mentioned above. You do not have to be a resident of a state to bet there, but you do need to be physically located within the state to place a legal online sports bet.

Best Place To Bet On Sports In Vegas

What is the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act?

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act passed Congress in September 2006. It made payment processing of illegal gambling transactions a federal crime. It exempted gaming specifically legalized at the state level, horse racing and some forms of fantasy sports.

Is sports betting legal in Europe?

Online sports betting is legal throughout most of Europe including the UK. This includes betting shops, mobile apps and over the Internet. Some of the best online betting sites in Europe are now operating in the US.

Is online sports betting legal in Canada?

Canada lotteries offer parlay cards on a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball and hockey. There is a push to expand betting to straight wagers. Online betting sites operate in a legal gray area.

Is online sports betting legal in the US?

Yes, in some places. Sports betting has been legalized in a number of states to date, and the list is expected to continue growing in the coming years. In 2018, the Supreme Court placed the matter of legalizing sports betting into the hands of the individual states to decide on. While sports betting has since been legalized in a number of states, legislation hasn’t been passed on a federal level.

What is the safest betting site?

The safest options for sports betting online come via the legal and regulated operators. DraftKings and FanDuel are two examples of operators that have received approval to open for business in a number of states. Legal and regulated sites have to go through a lengthy application process, follow specific rules and regulations, and verify that customer funds are safe. That’s not the case with the unregulated options that may be available.

Why do some sports betting sites accept cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, are not available as funding options at legal and regulated sportsbooks. If you see these options available, then there’s a good chance that you have stumbled upon a black-market operator that claims it can operate safely under some kind of legal gray area. A fully legal site will provide its users with standard funding options such as credit cards, PayPal and wire transfers, and you won’t have to jump through any unnecessary hoops to deposit or withdraw.

Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?

Yes, profits obtained from sports betting or any other type of gambling are considered taxable income in the US. If you win above a certain level, operators may even provide you with a 1099-G that states your level of winnings, and the form will be filed with the IRS, as well. A complete tracking of the deposits and withdrawals you have made for gambling purposes is a good habit to get into. For specific questions in regard to your personal situation, we encourage you to consult with a tax advisor.

What legal online and mobile sports betting is available in Nevada?

Sports Connection / Station Casinos, NV Sports Books / South Point, William Hill, CG Technology, Aliante Casino, Treasure Island and Boyd Gaming all operate mobile betting apps in Nevada. Sports Connection/Station Casinos also offers a website.

Can you deposit with PayPal at legal Nevada sports betting apps?

No, at this time you cannot deposit using PayPal for any Nevada sports betting apps. You will need to deposit in person or using a pre-paid card. There are options to top off your account at some convenience stores with certain Nevada apps.

PayPal is likely to be an option for payment in other states, however.

Is it legal to play on Bovada?

No. Bovada is an unlicensed sports betting site. It is illegal for the company to operate in the US but players likely face no legal consequences.

Are there risks to betting on sports at unlicensed sites?

Offshore sportsbooks may not pay players. If a bettor gets stiffed by an unlicensed betting site, then he or she has no recourse. That does not happen at licensed sites.

Sports Betting in other countries: Australia, New Zealand

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

Best Place To Bet On Sports Reddit

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.”

Places To Bet On Sports

(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?

Best Place To Bet On Live Sports

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?

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.

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!