This is the place to be if you are looking for information about land-based Maryland casinos. On this page, we explain everything you need to know about legal casino gaming in the Old Line State.
There are sufficient casino gambling options in Maryland, but compared to some other states, they are somewhat limited.
Still, people in most parts of the state can find a casino that is relatively close to home, and accommodations are available. Below is a full list of all 6 Maryland casinos.
The Horseshoe Casino Baltimore opened its doors on August 26, 2014. This Baltimore casino is owned by Caesars Entertainment, and it features 105 table games, over 1600 slots, and 56 electronic table games spread out over a 122,000-square-foot gaming floor.
Clearly, there are plenty of options available if you want to play casino games, but that’s not all. Caesars Sportsbook at Horseshoe Baltimore is open for business seven days a week, so the venue provides a comprehensive gaming experience.
PENN Entertainment operates Hollywood Casino Perryville, a full-service gambling venue with a vibrant casino atmosphere. In addition to the standard casino games, there is live horse race betting on races that are simulcast from tracks all around the country.
There is currently a Barstool Sportsbook at the facility, but ESPN Bet has entered into an agreement with PENN Entertainment to provide a sports betting platform. As a result, you can expect the retail sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Perryville to transition over to the ESPN Bet branding.
Live! Casino Hotel is another Maryland casino that offers a world-class gaming experience on multiple levels. It is located in Hanover, which is near the BWI Airport, so it is easily accessible from a number of different municipalities.
You can play all of your favorite casino games, and they have wall-to-wall slot machines including jackpot slots. Plus, you can play live poker at the facility, and there is a FanDuel sportsbook, so there’s something for everyone.
Ocean Downs Casino is built around a harness racing track that initially opened its doors in 1949. They still have live racing along with simulcast feeds, so you can watch and bet on races from other tracks all around the country.
Of course, the casino is the major draw at this point, even though the track has a long history. There are table games, slots, and video poker, and there is a TwinSpires retail sportsbook at the facility.
MGM National Harbor is a truly beautiful venue with state-of-the-art features across the board. The hotel is a full-blown resort with multiple pools, a spa, a salon, multiple cocktail lounges, and a 3000-seat theater that attracts national and international acts.
Meanwhile, there is a bustling casino floor with table games, slots, and a live poker room. There is a racebook as well, so you can bet the ponies when you are there, and the BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge offers an immersive sports betting experience.
If you are looking to do some gambling in a beautiful natural setting, the Rocky Gap Casino Resort is right up your alley. It got the name because it is situated near beautiful Rocky Gap State Park, and it offers a unique resort experience.
You can play slots, blackjack, roulette, and all of the other standard casino games, so you can enjoy all the gaming action you can handle. Plus, there is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, a comedy club, two restaurants, and a sparkling indoor pool.
Casinos in Maryland offer a wide range of gaming opportunities for their visitors, and here’s a rundown.
Yes, you can bet on sports at most Maryland casinos. Five of the six Maryland casinos have partnered with sportsbooks, allowing patrons to engage in sports betting. The only exception is the Rocky Gap Casino in Flintstone. For more information, visit our page about sports betting locations in Maryland.
All gambling winnings are taxable in Maryland for residents and nonresidents.
For larger wins, Maryland requires state income-tax withholding—lottery and certain pari-mutuel proceeds over $5,000 trigger automatic withholding at 9.5% for residents (8.75% for nonresidents), in addition to federal rules; you still must report smaller wins on your return even if nothing was withheld.
Separately, Maryland casinos are non-smoking indoors, though properties may designate outdoor or separate areas for smoking.
Finally, you must be 21+ to play in Maryland casinos (and 18+ for pari-mutuel racing). Knowing these rules ahead of time helps you avoid surprises at the cage—or on your tax return.
Maryland casino gaming has an interesting history that is quite unique. Back in 1943, slot machines were deregulated, and this led to a thriving nightlife and gambling scene in and around Annapolis. At the time, the area was known as “Little Vegas” to people in the know.
In the 1960s, the good times came to an end for people who enjoyed the activity when regulations were reinstated and enforced. Predictably, tourism dropped off precipitously, and the nightclubs fell by the wayside.
A prolonged period of dormancy ensued, but there was a seismic shift in 2008 when a new law was passed that allowed for legal slot machines at licensed venues. Hollywood Casino Perryville became the first gaming venue to open under the new regulatory parameters in 2010.
Slots were the only game in town at first, but in 2012, the legislature approved the addition of table games and other forms of casino gaming. Now, Marylanders have the freedom to play all casino games whenever they choose to do so.
You must be 21 years old or older to gamble at casinos in Maryland.
Maryland legalized casinos in 2008.
The oldest casino in Maryland is Hollywood Casino Perryville.
The latest casino to open in Maryland opened in 2016.
No, there are no online casinos in Maryland.
