Maryland’s sports wagering operators contributed $14,090,240 to the state in October 2025, driven by a record handle of $736,610,585 amid a packed sports schedule featuring Major League Baseball playoffs, full college and professional football slates, and the opening weeks of professional hockey and basketball seasons.
Bettors received $663,885,230 in prizes, leaving operators with a combined hold of 9.9 percent. Mobile wagering dominated activity, accounting for $723,349,042 of the total handle and $652,234,366 in prizes paid, while retail locations handled $13,261,543 and paid out $11,650,864.
Under state rules effective since July 2025, retail operators direct 15 percent of taxable win to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which funds public education initiatives. Mobile operators allocate 15 percent to the Blueprint Fund and an additional 5 percent to the General Fund. For October, the Blueprint Fund received $10,626,403 from combined retail and mobile operations, with $3,463,837 from mobile going to the General Fund.
The month’s taxable win reached $70,842,687 after deductions for prizes and promotional wagers, including $99,491 in deductible free plays for mobile and $16,245 for retail. Retail hold stood at 12.1 percent, compared to 9.8 percent for mobile.
A new retail sportsbook opened October 24 at 1008 Reisterstown Road in Pikesville, Baltimore County, operated by Canton Gaming in partnership with Crab Services. The location, previously in Towson, marked the state’s 13th retail facility, alongside 12 active mobile platforms.
Through the first four months of Fiscal Year 2026, covering July through October 2025, sports wagering has generated $43,855,799 for the state. Since the program’s launch in December 2021, cumulative contributions include $210,489,333 to the Blueprint Fund, $10,743,199 to the General Fund, and $4,990,650 from expired prizes to the Problem Gambling Fund.
Maryland Lottery and Gaming oversees the market, posting detailed operator breakdowns and sport-specific handle data monthly at mdgaming.com for transparency. Reports include individual sportsbook performance on metrics like promotional play and taxable win.
The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, established through legislation overriding a 2021 veto, supports expanded pre-kindergarten, higher teacher salaries, and community schools in high-poverty areas. Sports wagering revenue, authorized by a 2020 voter referendum, provides a dedicated stream alongside casino proceeds.
Mobile platforms continue to drive volume, reflecting user preference for app-based betting on devices. Retail sites, often at casinos or off-track betting facilities, offer in-person experiences tied to venues like MGM National Harbor in Prince George’s County or Live! Casino in Anne Arundel County.
Maryland Lottery and Gaming emphasizes responsible gaming, offering confidential support through 1-800-GAMBLER or mdgamblinghelp.org for those needing assistance.
