How to Bet on Sports in Maryland

The Core Bet Types

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Sports betting can feel overwhelming the first time you open the FanDuel or DraftKings app — dozens of markets per game, hundreds of player props, and odds written in two-different formats. Don\'t panic. There are really just three core bet types you need to learn first:

• Moneylines — pick a winner, simplest bet there is
• Point Spreads — bet on margin of victory, equalizes lopsided matchups
• Over/Unders (Totals) — bet on combined score, no winner-picking required

Master those three, then layer in:

• Parlays — combine multiple bets for higher payouts (and higher risk)
• Prop Bets — wager on stats, milestones, and storylines
• Live Betting — wager during the game, not just before it
• Futures — long-term bets like Super Bowl champion or MVP

American Odds in 30 Seconds

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Maryland sportsbooks default to American odds — those + and − numbers next to every team or player.

• Negative number = the favorite. The number tells you how much you must wager to win $100. Example: Ravens -180 means you risk $180 to win $100 profit.
• Positive number = the underdog. The number tells you how much $100 wagers wins. Example: Bengals +160 means a $100 wager wins $160 profit.
• Most spreads and totals are priced -110 on each side — risk $110 to win $100. The $10 is the sportsbook\'s margin (the "vig").

Need more depth on odds formats and conversion? See our full odds guide.

Getting Started — Five Practical Steps

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1. Set a bankroll. Decide how much you can comfortably lose. Treat this as your entertainment budget — never use rent or bill money.
2. Pick 2-3 sportsbooks. Different operators post different lines. Line shopping gives you real edge over time.
3. Claim welcome bonuses. Most Maryland sportsbooks offer first-time-user promos worth hundreds in Bonus Bets. Compare current offers.
4. Start with simple bets. Moneylines and totals first. Avoid 5-leg parlays and obscure prop bets until you understand the math.
5. Track your bets. Use a spreadsheet or an app to log every wager, the price, and the outcome. After 100 bets you\'ll know whether you have an edge.

Maryland-Specific Rules

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• You must be 21 or older and physically inside Maryland to wager. Geolocation runs every time.
• Betting on Maryland college player props is prohibited (since 2024). Team markets remain legal.
• Maryland has 12 licensed online sportsbooks and up to 50 retail licenses.
• The state imposes a 20% tax on operator gross revenue — among the higher rates in the US.
• Help is always available: 1-800-GAMBLER or the Maryland Center of Excellence at 1-888-238-7633.

Pick a Guide to Continue

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