Information about the different payback percentages for electronic gaming equipment at Maryland Casinos is not readily available for players to view. But it’s generally required that electronic gaming machines have a minimum payback of 87%, while all other machines must have an average payback of 90% to 95%. Maryland is an exception; many other states release payback statistics and make them public information.
One other aspect that sets Maryland casinos apart from casinos in other USA states is the fact that no alcohol is served there. This rule is according to state regulation. Smoking is also banned in all Maryland casinos.
The minimum gambling age in Maryland is 21 years, while pari-mutuel games allow bettors from the age of 18. Its casinos are open 24 hours, which means you have unlimited access to all its games. This rule applies unless there’s a notice that states otherwise.
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Key Maryland Casino Facts
- Six casinos: MGM National Harbor, Rocky Gap Casino Resort, Live! Casino Hotel, Casino at Ocean Downs, Hollywood Casino Perryville, and Horseshoe Casino Baltimore.
- Minimum ages: 21 for casinos, 18 for the lottery, bingo, and racing.
- Open 24 hours: Casino games are available around the clock unless a notice says otherwise.
- Slot payback: Electronic gaming machines must have a minimum payback of 87%.
- Online gambling is limited: Fantasy sports and off-track betting are playable online and on mobile, while online casino games are not yet officially legalized.
Maryland Casino Games
Maryland casino games include slot machines, video keno, video poker, craps, blackjack, roulette, and three-card poker, plus elective games at some casinos. Every Maryland casino wants to attract hundreds of players each day, so each one offers the popular games players love, along with live table games. The casinos are open 24 hours, so their games are available around the clock as well.
List of Maryland Casinos
It’s great to know what games are available, but it’s even more necessary to know the names of the casinos that offer them. We mentioned previously that there are only six casinos in Maryland; they include:
- MGM National Harbor
- Rocky Gap Casino Resort
- Live! Casino Hotel, Maryland
- Casino at Ocean Downs
- Hollywood Casino Perryville
- Horseshoe Casino Baltimore
Maryland Casino Laws
Maryland casino laws allow six casinos, restrict gambling devices, and tax slot machines and table games at different rates. The US imposes heavy regulation on the industry, especially online gambling, and our guide to online gambling laws explains how those rules work nationwide. Below is a breakdown of the important Maryland laws, so you can avoid breaking the rules.
| Topic | What the law says |
|---|---|
| Gambling devices | Maryland residents may not possess any gambling device, including on water vessels that travel abroad. |
| Charity gaming | Charities must register casino-style fundraising events with local authorities. Only raffles, bingo, paddlewheels, and wheel of fortune games are allowed. Charities are permitted two raffles a year, and bingo players may not buy more than 54 tickets in a single sitting. |
| Casino licensing | Maryland casinos can only operate under a local referendum. |
| Taxes | 67% on slot machines and 20% on table games and live poker. |
| Horse racing | All forms of horse racing are legal, but greyhound racing is forbidden. Race tracks may offer live racing and racebooks, and registered racing companies can accept bets through mobile apps and online. |
| Lottery | The Maryland lottery can distribute scratch-off tickets and host lotto draws, but tickets cannot be sold over the internet. |
| Fantasy sports | Fantasy sports are legalized in Maryland. |
Laws differ across state lines, so Virginia gambling laws are worth checking if you live near the Maryland–Virginia border.
History of Gambling in Maryland
The first form of gambling ever recognized in Maryland is horseracing, and that dates back to the 18th century. The first horseracing organization was founded in 1743 and was named The Maryland Jockey Club.
The organization held its first few races at the Pimlico Race Course. The club still exists today and is now home of the Preakness. Regular racing only became legal by law in 1870.
Pari-mutuel betting pools were invented and legalized by law around the same time. Off-track betting in Maryland was first approved in 1988.
Gambling in Maryland FAQs
How many race tracks are there?
There are currently two thoroughbred mile tracks in Maryland, Laurel and Pimlico. There’s also one half-mile track, called Timonium, as well as one steeplechase track called Fair Hill. In addition to this, there are also two standardbred tracks known as Ocean Downs and Rosecroft.
Are casinos legal in Maryland?
Yes, they are. There are currently six casinos that operate in the state.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Maryland?
Online casino games are not yet officially legalized in Maryland. Fantasy sports and off-track betting are playable online and on mobile. Players near Maryland’s eastern border can also compare Delaware gambling laws, since neighboring states handle online gambling differently.
Which fantasy sports sites allow bettors from Maryland?
To the best of our knowledge, all fantasy sites accept players from the state of Maryland. Examples of these fantasy sites include CBS Sports, Yahoo, DraftKings, StarsDraft, Star Fantasy, and FanDuel.
How old must you be to gamble?
Every state has its own requirements; in Maryland, the legal age for games like bingo, the lottery, and racing is 18 years. But you must be at least 21 years old to gamble at a casino.
What games are there at Maryland casinos?
Maryland casinos offer various casino games for you to choose from. Scroll up to our game section to see what they are.
More Casino and Gambling Guides by State
Browse our state gambling guides to compare casinos and gambling laws in other states.
