Maryland Lottery and Gaming officials are urging residents to stick with authorized Maryland legal sports betting platforms as college football begins this week and the NFL season starts Sept. 4. The push highlights the risks of illegal online sites amid heightened wagering activity during football season.
A list of the 11 licensed online sportsbooks and 13 registered daily fantasy sports platforms for Maryland legal sports betting is available on the agency’s Legal vs. Illegal Online Gaming page at mdgaming.com. These are the only legal real-money online gaming options in the state, including operators like BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, BetRivers, ESPN Bet, Fanatics Sportsbook, Betfred, Crab Sports, Bally Bet and SuperBook. Illegal platforms, often offshore, lack oversight and pose dangers to users.
“It’s important to differentiate between legal and illegal online gaming,” said Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director John Martin. “The football season is typically the most active period for sports wagering, and we want to make sure that anyone who decides to bet is playing responsibly. A key part of that is protecting yourself by using platforms that are legal and safe.”
Legal Maryland legal sports betting operators must follow strict state rules, including know-your-customer protocols to verify identities and safeguard data. These measures prevent fraud and ensure secure transactions. Illegal sites skip such protections, exposing bettors to identity theft, financial scams and data breaches. Offshore platforms may also engage in predatory tactics, like offering bonuses with hidden wagering requirements that encourage excessive betting.
“We make sure that the licensed operators go to great lengths to secure their platforms, but illegal sites don’t maintain those same standards,” Martin said. “Beyond that, illegal operators don’t have resources to assist with problem gambling, there’s no way to be sure that they will pay your prize if you win, and there is no customer protection if you have a dispute with them because they have no regulatory oversight.”
Additional risks from illegal gambling include money laundering, where criminals use platforms to clean illicit funds through anonymous accounts. Users may face frozen accounts or withheld winnings without recourse, and some sites promote irresponsible behavior, heightening addiction potential. The Federal Trade Commission notes that deceptive online practices, including fake gambling sites, lead to millions in annual consumer losses nationwide.
Maryland Lottery and Gaming has issued cease-and-desist letters to numerous illegal operators, including sweepstakes casinos like High 5 Casino, Stake.US, McLuck, Zula, Fortune Coins, Golden Hearts Games and Rebet. As of early 2025, the agency sent letters to 11 such platforms, demanding they stop serving Maryland customers or face further enforcement. Copies are posted on the agency’s site. Officials are developing strategies to block noncompliant sites, similar to efforts in other states.
Residents spotting illegal platforms or scams can email ask.lotteryandgaming@maryland.gov, call the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 410-528-8662 or visit marylandattorneygeneral.gov, or contact the Federal Trade Commission for fraud complaints.
For Southern Maryland residents in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties, Maryland legal sports betting access is primarily online, as the region lacks retail sportsbooks. The nearest are at Ocean Downs Casino in Worcester County or Live! Casino in Anne Arundel County. Online platforms allow geolocation-verified wagering from anywhere in the state, making Maryland legal sports betting convenient for local fans of teams like the Baltimore Ravens or Washington Commanders.
Maryland legal sports betting has grown rapidly since legalization. A 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling struck down a federal ban, paving the way for states to regulate wagering. Maryland voters approved it via a 2020 referendum, with lawmakers passing enabling legislation in 2021. Retail betting launched in December 2021 at casinos, followed by online in November 2022.
The industry generated $59.2 million in revenue in April 2025 from a $513.7 million handle, contributing $7.75 million to the state in May. Fiscal year 2025 saw a 47% tax revenue increase, surpassing $100 million all-time from sports wagering. Overall gambling, including lottery and casinos, added $1.589 billion to state programs in fiscal 2025, funding education and other services. A July 2025 tax rate hike from 15% to 20% is projected to add $32 million annually.
Problem gambling resources are integral to Maryland legal sports betting. The 24-hour helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER connects callers to counseling and support. The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling offers free treatment, peer support and awareness programs. The Voluntary Exclusion Program allows self-bans from casinos and sportsbooks. Legal operators must promote these tools, unlike illegal sites.
As wagering surges with football, officials stress Maryland legal sports betting ensures fairness, security and state benefits. Bettors should verify licenses and use only approved platforms to avoid pitfalls.
