Is Poker legal in Maryland (md)? Online Poker Laws in Maryland Explained

Can You Play Online Poker in Maryland?

There is currently no legislation permitting online poker in the state.

Current Maryland Gambling Laws

Maryland is another state that has expanded land-based gambling offerings with six casinos. MGM National Harbor was the latest casino to open its doors in December 2016 and it is now the biggest in the state.

Maryland lawmakers have talked about online gambling for several years, but recently the discussion has centered upon legalizing of online lottery ticket sales while poker has taken a back seat.

As has been the case in other states, sports betting (including online) has been considered in Maryland following the May 2018 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that lifted the federal ban on states offering sports wagering.

Maryland lawmakers passed a bill approving sports betting in 2021, though no sportsbooks have opened as of yet.

In October 2018, Maryland unanimously passed a home game bill legalizing both hosting and playing a poker home game in the state provided that a maximum of $1,000 is on the table. Prior this bill, players could have been incarcerated for a year and/or fined $1,000 for playing.

While Maryland's brick-and-mortar casinos continue to thrive, it appears online gambling, with the exception of sports betting, will remain on the back burner for the near future at least.

Best Online Poker Sites for Maryland Players

None at present. But you can always play poker for free with the WSOP Social App.